Blood Sugar
Blood sugar refers to the amount of glucose in the blood. In a healthy body, blood sugar is regulated by the pancreas. Chronically low blood sugar is called hypoglycemia. Its symptoms include lethargy, moodiness, slow mental response, and even loss of consciousness. Chronically high blood sugar is called hyperglycemia, with extreme cases resulting in diabetes. Symptoms of hyperglycemia include excessive thirst, frequent urination, dizziness when standing up to quickly, irritability and headaches when hungry, and fatigue.
Sugars and refined carbohydrates lead to blood sugar spikes and crashes which impair the ability of the pancreas to properly regulate blood sugar. Excessive fat intake traps sugar in the bloodstream, causing prolonged, elevated blood sugar. Fiber, on the other hand, allows sugar to be absorbed and metabolized, but at a slower, steadier rate, thereby preventing spikes and crashes.
Beneficial Foods
| Agave Nectar | Agave's low glycemic index makes it an excellent alternative sweetener for those suffering with diabetes or blood sugar challenges. |
| Apples | Fiber and the simple sugar fructose help slow sugar absorption and stabilize blood sugar. |
| Buckwheat | Food made from buckwheat has been shown to lower blood glucose levels and insulin responses, especially when compared with similar foods made from refined wheat flour. New evidence also suggests that buckwheat may help manage diabetes. |
| Cherimoya | Provides slowly released, sustained energy. |
| Coconut Oil | Stabilizes blood sugar levels. |
| Dandelion Greens | May help stabilize blood sugar levels. |
| Jerusalem Artichokes | Recommended as a potato substitute for diabetics. May assist in blood sugar control. |
| Quinoa | Helps balance blood sugar. |
| Stevia | Helps regulate blood sugar. |
| Sweet Potatoes | Stabilize blood sugar levels and lower insulin resistance. |
Beneficial Nutrients
| Fiber | Stabilizes blood sugar by slowing the rate of sugar absorption. Helps prevent and reverse diabetes. |
| Omega-9 Fatty Acids | Maintains blood sugar levels and lowers insulin resistance. |
| Vitamin B3/Niacin | Helps to regulate blood sugar levels. However, niacin can make certain types of diabetes worse. |