Blood sugar spikes happen when the blood sugar rises and falls after we eat something. In the short term, that can lead to hunger and lethargy.
But over time, the body won’t be able to reduce the blood sugar efficiently, and that can cause type 2 diabetes.
Blood sugar spikes might even cause the blood vessels to harden and narrow over time. This might increase the risks of stroke and heart attack.
Therefore, it is important to keep blood glucose levels at a normal level to lower the chance of future health complications. There are simple and easy ways to do that.
Here Are 11 Ways to Prevent Blood Sugar Spikes
1. Cut Down on Sugar
In case people have the habit of consuming a lot of processed foods such as candy, cookies, and sodas they need to stop immediately. Added sugar particularly sucrose and high-fructose corn syrup are useless for the body.
They are empty calories. They do not contribute to health and lead to an immediate increase in blood sugar levels because they can break down easily.
This overtime can cause insulin resistance, which means that the cell won’t be able to respond to insulin. It will inhibit them from absorbing the excess amount of sugar from the bloodstream, and that will cause failure or lowering of the blood glucose levels.
In case people do not want to avoid sugar completely, they can replace it with natural substitutes such as jaggery.
2. Exercise Often
Exercising on a regular basis can aid in keeping the blood sugar levels in check simply by increasing the sensitivity of cells to insulin. This means the more people exercise, the better the cells will absorb the excess blood sugar.
Also, exercise induces the muscle cells to absorb sugar from the bloodstream and contributes to lower blood sugar levels.
People can try a healthy combination of moderate-intensity and high-intensity exercises daily to push their body and lower the number on the scale quickly and efficiently.
3. Consume Plenty of Water
When the body is dehydrated, it makes vasopressin. Vasopressin is actually a hormone that encourages the kidneys to hold fluid and prevents the body from eliminating excess sugar through urine.
Also, it signals the liver to release sugar into the bloodstream. Consuming plenty of water on a daily basis can keep the body hydrated, and it also can aid in inhibiting the release of vasopressin.
Learn to consume water when thirsty. Many people replace thirst with hunger and eat instead. In order not to make this mistake make sure to drink at least 2 glasses of water slowly before eating.
People need to increase their water intake especially when they are more active, working out, or in hot weather. Furthermore, to ensure to consume only plain water, avoid store-bought juices, and sodas. These drinks have excess sugar which is why it is important to consume only plain water.
4. Get Enough Sleep
Too much or too little sleep is linked to poor blood glucose control. People should be aware that even 1 night of bad sleep or no sleep influences negatively our blood glucose levels.
Remember, it is important to sleep at least 8 hours on a daily basis. And remember quality is also important as quantity. Meaning that we need 8 hours of deep sleep in order to be rested and fight the blood sugar spikes.
5. Maintain Weight
For those who are bigger, it might a more difficult for their body to use insulin in order to control the rising blood sugar levels.
The link between both is still not clear. However, there is strong evidence that suggests that obesity is connected to insulin resistance and a bigger risk of developing type 2.
Adopt healthy habits, and in that way, improve the control over the blood sugar.
6. Get Enough Magnesium and Chromium
According to studies magnesium and chromium might be effective when it comes to controlling blood sugar spikes.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral connected to control blood sugar. In one particular study, there were 48 participants. Half of them took 600 mg magnesium supplements and advice about their lifestyle.
The other half just got advice about their lifestyle. The group that got magnesium supplements got an increase in insulin sensitivity. Rich sources of magnesium are peanuts, spinach, avocados, cashews, and almonds.
Chromium
This is also a mineral people need to take in small amounts. It is believed that it can increase the action of insulin. This probably can help control the blood sugar spikes simply by encouraging the cells to absorb sugar.
In one study, 13 healthy individuals were given 75 g of white bread without or with chromium added. Those who consumed white bread with added chromium had around a 20 percent reduction in blood sugar right after a meal.
However, there are other findings that suggest that there is no effect of chromium regarding the control of blood sugar in healthy individuals. Food sources rich in chromium are Brazil nuts, broccoli, tomatoes, shellfish, and egg yolks.
Another study made an investigation of the combined effects of magnesium and chromium on blood sugar. The researchers came to the discovery that the combination of both minerals increased sensitivity than either supplement alone.
7. Lower the Alcohol Intake
Alcohol and the different types of alcoholic drinks such as mixed drinks, and cocktails contain a lot of added sugar. The same as the added sugar in foods, alcohol can lead to blood glucose spikes.
People should know that most alcoholic drinks contain little to almost zero nutritional value, and they are just empty calories. Moreover, they need to be aware that heavy drinking for a long time can lead to type 2 and insulin resistance.
On the other hand, controlled and moderate drinking can have a protective impact and efficient control of blood sugar. Furthermore, moderate drinking can reduce the risk of type 2.
Just make sure to drink in moderation. Remember, consume everything as long as it’s in moderation.
8. Eat Plenty of Fiber
Fiber is made of parts of plant foods, and it is usually in 2 categories: insoluble and soluble fiber. The soluble fiber can help the body to control blood sugar spikes.
After consuming it, what it does is that it dissolves and makes a substance that looks like gel. This aids in slowing the rate of carb absorption by the gut.
As a result, this leads to a steady fall and a rise in blood sugar, instead of a sudden and unhealthy spike. Good sources of soluble fiber are blueberries, nuts, oranges, legumes, oats, apples, and vegetables.
9. Add Vinegar to the Usual Diet
People should know that apple cider vinegar is connected to blood sugar control, cholesterol reduction, and a lower number on the scale. According to studies vinegar consumption can aid in increasing the insulin response and reduce blood sugar spikes.
If people include vinegar in their food that can help them reduce the overall GI and that may be very helpful when it comes to lowering the spikes in the blood sugar.
10. Avoid Refined Carbs
Processed or refined carbs are refined grains or sugars that are stripped of all vitamins, nutrients, fiber, and minerals. Sources of refined carbs include breakfast cereals, table sugar, desserts, white rice, soda, white bread, and candy.
Refined carbs have a high GI, i.e., glycemic index because they are easily digested, and that causes fast spikes in blood sugar.
People can replace refined carbs with whole-grain foods such as low-starch vegetables, fruits, and legumes which come with a lower GI.
11. Reduce Carbs
When there is a rise in blood sugar levels mostly because of the carbs. When people consume carbs, their body breaks carbs into simple sugars. These sugars enter the bloodstream. The rise in blood sugar sends signals to the pancreas to release insulin.
Insulin is a hormone that can cause sugar absorption by the cells so the blood glucose levels can drop. Consider consuming a low-carb diet, and that can help stop the blood sugar spikes.
This kind of diet can also help people lower their size, and that can additionally help to lower the sudden increase in blood sugar.
Conclusion
In order to avoid spikes in blood, sugar people need to make simple changes in their diet, stick to a high-fiber and low-carb diet and avoid refined grains and added sugars.
Make sure to drink plenty of water, exercise on a regular basis, and maintain weight. In case people are under any medications, or they have any medical conditions, they need to consult a doctor about any possible diet changes.
Generally speaking, for most people simple lifestyle and diet changes are a good way to reduce the risk of developing type 2 and insulin resistance.
Source Cure Joy | Health Line | NCBI | NCBI | Eating Well | AJCN
