As a dad always on the lookout for ways to keep my family healthy (and myself too, of course), I’ve recently taken a deep dive into the world of balancing blood sugar. Yeah, it sounds kind of science, but trust me, it affects our energy, mood, and overall health way more than we might think.
Let’s get down to it: Why should we care about blood sugar, and how can we keep it in check the natural way? Spoiler alert: Mother Nature has got our backs!
Blood Sugar in Simple Terms
So, blood sugar or glucose is like fuel for our body’s engine – our cells. Think of it like the gas we put in our cars, but for our bodies. We get it from foods, especially those yummy carbs. And just like with cars, it’s not about just having fuel, it’s about having the right amount. Too much or too little, and we might find ourselves feeling cranky, tired, or just “off.”
Why Natural Over Pills?
Alright, so if our blood sugar’s out of whack, there are plenty of meds out there to help. But there’s also a world of natural remedies with centuries of wisdom behind them. And the good news? Many of these are backed by modern research and can go toe-to-toe with pharmaceuticals without those pesky side effects. As a dad trying to keep things natural at home, that sounds like a win to me.
Natural Ways to Keep Blood Sugar in Check: Family Edition
- Eat Smart: It’s not about cutting carbs, but choosing the right ones. Whole foods like veggies, legumes, and grains release sugar slowly, helping keep things steady. And remember, family pizza night is cool, but maybe swap out the soda for some water or a light homemade lemonade.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This isn’t just for salad dressings! A little bit diluted in water before meals can help keep those sugar levels stable. Just make sure it’s the good organic stuff!
- Keep Moving: Our family loves our weekend hikes and evening walks. Turns out, this not only helps with family bonding but also with blood sugar! Even a brisk walk after dinner can make a difference.
- Nature’s Helpers: Beyond our diet, there are natural supplements that can assist. I’ve recently learned about berberine, a plant compound that’s pretty awesome for blood sugar. Also, who knew the cinnamon in our morning oatmeal could be helping us out too?
Wrapping It Up
Balancing blood sugar might sound complicated, but it’s all about simple, natural choices. Whether it’s what we eat, how we move, or even the natural supplements we introduce to our family routine, it’s all contributing to our overall health. And hey, as parents, we’re always learning and adjusting, right? Here’s to a healthier, naturally-balanced journey for all our families!
References:
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- “Hypoglycaemia (Low Blood Sugar).” NHS Inform, www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/blood-and-lymph/hypoglycaemia-low-blood-sugar.
- “Insulin, Medicines, & Other Diabetes Treatments – NIDDK.” National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/insulin-medicines-treatments.
- 10 Natural Home Remedies for Diabetes | Stamford Health, www.stamfordhealth.org/healthflash-blog/diabetes-and-endocrine/type-2-diabetes-natural-remedies/.
- Yin, Jun et al. “Efficacy of berberine in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.” Metabolism: clinical and experimental vol. 57,5 (2008): 712-7. doi:10.1016/j.metabol.2008.01.013
- Sami, Waqas et al. “Effect of diet on type 2 diabetes mellitus: A review.” International journal of health sciences vol. 11,2 (2017): 65-71.
- AlEssa H, Bupathiraju S, Malik V, Wedick N, Campos H, Rosner B, Willett W, Hu FB. Carbohydrate quality measured using multiple quality metrics is negatively associated with type 2 diabetes. https://doi.org/10.1161/circ.131.suppl_1.20. 2015; 1-31:A:20.
- Mitrou, Panayota et al. “Vinegar Consumption Increases Insulin-Stimulated Glucose Uptake by the Forearm Muscle in Humans with Type 2 Diabetes.” Journal of diabetes research vol. 2015 (2015): 175204. doi:10.1155/2015/175204
- “Blood Glucose and Exercise.” Blood Glucose & Exercise | ADA, diabetes.org/healthy-living/fitness/getting-started-safely/blood-glucose-and-exercise.
- AHMAD, Hajra, et al. “Comparative Effect of Fenugreek and Cinnamon on Management of Newly Diagnosed Cases of Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus.” Food Science and Technology, Sociedade Bzrasileira de Ciência e Tecnologia de Alimentos, 29 Jan. 2021, www.scielo.br/j/cta/a/7bkVYHjBC85XYZzSTvPRZgn/.
