Tips for Managing Blood Sugar
Dr. Richter has a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine (ND), and a Bachelor’s degree in Herbal Sciences from Bastyr University, the leading institution in Natural Medicine. Dr. Richter is currently the Vice President for the Washington Association of Naturopathic Physicians, formerly the Treasurer, and sits as the chair of... more
Cut Back On Carbohydrates
Try to limit carbohydrate intake to 100 grams per day. Opt for lean meats, healthy fats, vegetables, and whole grains. Eliminate sugar, processed foods, and simple carbohydrates.
Exercise
Exercise is extremely important in controlling blood sugar. Try to aim for 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise. That equals out to 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week.
Manage Stress
Stress can wreak havoc on blood sugar levels. Stress causes hormones such as cortisol and glucagon to be released in higher levels.
Increase Fiber
Foods that are high in fiber, slow the release of sugar into the blood, preventing a large blood sugar spike at one time. High fiber foods include fruits, beans, and grains.
Drink Water
Staying hydrated is important and can help flush extra sugar out through the kidneys. Hydration is important for all tissues in our body, especially our blood.
Portion Control
Eating too much can also cause increases in blood sugar levels. Try using the plate method, fill one half with veggies and the other half with protein and healthy fats.
Get Enough Sleep
Poor sleeping habits impact blood sugar and insulin sensitivity, causing increased resistance and higher blood sugar levels. Sleep deprivation causes increased cortisol levels.
Monitor Blood Sugar Levels
The best way to know your blood sugar is to monitor levels. If you have insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, or diabetes, monitoring your blood sugar levels is very important.
