by Audrey-Anastasia Alleyne

Created on: July 18, 2008   Last Updated: July 20, 2008

What lowers blood sugar?

We eat and eat, like if we are living to eat; and not, as it should be, eating to live. We do not realize that it is not only what you eat that makes a difference, but that it is when you eat and in what combinations that is also of extreme importance. No, we do not realize, until one day, suddenly it seems, our doctor diagnoses us with the dreaded disease called diabetes. Woe unto us! We are now faced with the results of poor eating habits over many years.While medication can help lower blood sugar, we can even avoid medication if we pay careful attention to our diet, and we exercise regularly.

The foods that we eat can be either pro-inflammatory, (they provoke an inflammatory response) or anti-inflammatory (they suppress the inflammatory response.) Pro-inflammatory foods cause a rapid rise in our blood sugar levels, resulting in the release of insulin in the bloodstream. Thus, the type food we eat plays a major part in helping to lower blood sugar levels. Low-glycemic foods that are digested more slowly by the body are a better option. High-glycemic foods enter the bloodstream easily and rapidly, causing the pancreas to work harder to produce insulin.

The main pro-inflammatory culprits are namely sugar, and foods which quickly convert to sugar in the bloodstream, such as: potatoes, breads, pastries, juice, chips, rice cakes, pasta, candy, soda and alcohol. In order to keep your blood glucose levels near normal so that you can keep healthy, these foods should be held in check.

Rice, wheat and corn should be added to this list. They are high on the glycemic index, thus producing a quick spike in blood sugar levels. These foods can all be eaten, but make sure you do some form of exercise after. If you are out dining and you have eaten any of these foods; and it is not practical go to a gym after, or to walk, or exercise at home; go dancing for example. Exercise and a proper diet are the key factors in lowering blood sugar. Yoga exercises in addition to aerobics and endurance exercises are excellent and actually curative.

Low-glycemic foods that can help lower blood sugar levels include fruit such as pears, apples, and oranges. Oatmeal, peanuts, beans, peas, and granola are all low-glycemic foods

Here are some foods have which been proven to lower, or help regulate blood sugar levels:

Oatmeal, with which you can start your day, and at the same time, protect you from the blood sugar dips that can lead to poor food choices.
Cinnamon, which

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