High blood sugar levels or hyperglycemia is a common health condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
It is mostly linked to diabetes that occurs due to various reasons such as unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and genetic factors. People with high blood sugar levels are usually advised to take medications such as insulin, Metformin, and Sulfonylureas to manage their condition.
However, there are several lifestyle changes and natural remedies that can help control blood sugar levels without medication.
1. Diet Modifications
Diet is the most crucial aspect that affects blood sugar levels. A healthy diet that is low in carbohydrates, sugar, and fats can help regulate blood sugar levels without medication.
Foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats such as avocados, nuts, and seeds are beneficial for people with high blood sugar levels. Including fiber-rich foods in the diet can also help regulate blood sugar levels by slowing down the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream.
2. Exercise Regularly
Regular physical activity is an effective way to manage blood sugar levels without medication. Exercise helps the body use insulin more efficiently, which aids in the management of blood sugar levels.
It also promotes weight loss, which is crucial for people with high blood sugar levels as obesity is one of the leading causes of diabetes. Exercise such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming, and weight training for at least 30 minutes a day can help control blood sugar levels without medication.
3. Manage Stress
Stress affects blood sugar levels by triggering the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline that increase blood sugar levels.
Chronic stress can also impair the body’s ability to produce and use insulin effectively, leading to high blood sugar levels. Managing stress through relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, and massage can help regulate blood sugar levels without medication.
4. Hydration
Drinking plenty of water is essential for people with high blood sugar levels as dehydration can increase blood sugar levels. Drinking water also helps flush out excess sugar from the bloodstream, which can help regulate blood sugar levels.
A minimum of eight glasses of water a day is recommended for people with high blood sugar levels.
5. Control Portion Sizes
Eating in moderation is crucial for people with high blood sugar levels as excess food intake can cause a spike in blood sugar levels.
Controlling portion sizes by using smaller plates, measuring food portions, and avoiding second servings can help regulate blood sugar levels without medication.
6. Get Enough Sleep
Sleep influences blood sugar levels as inadequate sleep can lead to an increase in blood sugar levels. Lack of sleep can also disrupt hormone levels that are responsible for regulating blood sugar levels.
Aim for at least seven hours of quality sleep per night to regulate blood sugar levels without medication.
7. Herbal Remedies
Several herbal remedies such as cinnamon, fenugreek, and Gymnema Sylvestre have been found to regulate blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
These herbs can be consumed either as a supplement or added to food to help control blood sugar levels without medication.
8. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, chia seeds, and flaxseeds have been found to improve insulin sensitivity in people with high blood sugar levels. Incorporating these foods into the diet can help regulate blood sugar levels without medication.
9. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is another natural remedy that can help regulate blood sugar levels.
Drinking a glass of water with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar before meals has been found to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels in people with high blood sugar levels.
10. Quit Smoking
Smoking is known to cause insulin resistance, which can lead to high blood sugar levels. Quitting smoking can help improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar levels without medication.
Conclusion
High blood sugar levels affect millions of people worldwide, and managing it through medication can be expensive. Several lifestyle changes and natural remedies can help control blood sugar levels without medication.
These changes include a healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management, hydration, portion control, adequate sleep, herbal remedies, omega-3 fatty acids, apple cider vinegar, and quit smoking. These natural remedies can be incorporated into daily life to regulate blood sugar levels and improve overall health.