Diet is a vital part of managing diabetes. The foods you eat can either trigger inflammation and spikes in high blood pressure, or help stabilize blood pressure levels. Certain foods and supplements can help you manage diabetes naturally. So what foods are good for diabetics? Keep reading to learn about diabetic diet foods and supplements.
Diabetic Diet Plan
1. Foods To Balance Blood Sugar
Treating diabetes naturally starts with diet. Diabetic diet foods include foods that are high in protein, fiber and healthy fats to balance blood sugar levels. High-fiber foods such as green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds, healthy fats like coconut oil and avocado and lean protein are all ideal diabetic diet foods.
2. Chromium-Rich Foods
Foods rich in chromium are on the diabetic menu. Chromium plays an important role in the insulin-signaling pathways that help the body control the amount of sugar we take in. Chromium can be found in whole grains, romaine lettuce, raw onions, broccoli, potatoes, green beans, raw tomatoes and black pepper.
3. Magnesium-Rich Foods
Magnesium deficiency is common in American adults. It can lead to cramping, insomnia and diabetes. Adding magnesium-rich foods to your diet can help maintain blood sugar levels. Diabetic dietfoods that contain magnesium include avocados, almonds, flax seeds and chia seeds.
4. Limit Sugar
Processed sugar can wreak havoc on your body. It rapidly spikes blood glucose levels which can cause an extreme spike in blood pressure levels. Eliminate or reduce sugars in your diet that come from processed foods, soda and processed fruit juice. If you want to sweeten up your coffee or tea, add a little bit of organic honey!
5. Avoid Grains
Grains that contain gluten, white flour products, wheat bread and whole grains contain large amounts of carbohydrates. Within a few minutes of consumption, they are broken down into sugar. Consuming grains can lead to intestinal inflammation and spikes in blood sugar.
Diabetic Supplements
1. Essential Oils
Both cinnamon and coriander essential oils can help balance blood sugar levels. Mix a few drops of coriander and a few drops of cinnamon oil with one teaspoon of coconut oil. Rub the mixture on the bottom of your feet to help maintain healthy blood glucose levels.
2. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is known to help lower blood sugar levels while improving sensitivity to the hormone insulin. This hormone plays a vital role in keeping blood sugar levels balanced. Add 1-2 teaspoons of cinnamon to your meals each day.
2. Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Many omega-3 foods contain alpha-lipoic acid or ALA. This compound works with the pancreas to naturally treat diabetes. It kills free radicals in the body that may cause nerve damage and helps to lower blood sugar levels.
4. Magnesium
A study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine found that an increase of 100 milligrams of magnesium per day was found to decrease the risk of diabetes by 15%. Taking a magnesium supplement each day or filling up on magnesium-rich foods can help lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.
5. Chromium Picolinate
Studies have shown that taking a chromium picolinate supplement can help improve insulin values and cholesterol levels. Take 200 milligrams of chromium picolinate three times per day with your meals.