Foods To Help Manage Blood Sugar Levels

1 min

Managing diabetes mindfully means more than just monitoring blood sugar levels. It also means making prudent dietary choices to lower the risk of common health conditions associated with diabetes, such as heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. Work with your physician and a dietician to create a meal plan that best suits your needs. Research has shown that several nutritional elements may be helpful in managing diabetes-related issues:

1. Eat more magnesium-rich foods such as spinach, tofu, almonds, broccoli, lentils, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds.
2. Increase intake of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as cold-water oily fish (wild salmon or halibut are two), fish oil supplements, walnuts and freshly ground flaxseed.
3. Choose foods that are lower on the glycemic index and have a low glycemic load, such as beans, lentils and sprouted grain breads. These will typically also have a corresponding higher amout of fiber than other carbohydrate sources.

While many know the obvious sources of blood sugar spiking foods, there is diversity in how certain foods affect each unique person’s blood sugar. Pharmacies now carry continuous blood sugar monitors that can be acquired by prescription from your doctor. This is a patch that stays on the back of the arm for 14 days and allows you to see your minute-by-minute blood sugar levels. Ask your doctor if it may appropriate for you. It can be eye opening to learn how your blood sugar responds to specific foods, as well as your sleep quality and stress.

If your goal is lower blood sugar, do not underestimate the value of regular physical activity. Make sure that your healthcare provider gives you the go ahead, and work toward a balance of weight training to challenge your muscles and cardiovascular exercise.

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Want A Deep Dive On Nutrition And Your Health? What you eat matters to your health - and The Weil Nutrition Corner Newsletter is your go-to resource for eating as you age. From spices and grains that can support your immune health, to what not to eat for longevity, to new, weekly recipes to promote health, energy and strength, Dr. Weil and his daughter Diana, Certified Dietician give you the recommendations that will make a difference.  It’s never too late to start eating for your health.

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