Low blood sugar (hypogylcemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) are very common problems affecting people throughout the world, particularly in the United States and Europe. Blood sugar fluctuations affect people with diabetes most strongly, and can lead to fatal complications. In nondiabetic individuals, hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia are not life-threatening, but they can cause dizziness, fatigue, emotional instability and other problems. Natural treatments for low and high blood sugar can address these troublesome fluctuations with few side effects or interactions.
Dietary Changes
A conscientious, healthy diet is the most effective treatment for low and high blood sugar. A healthy lifestyle can not only benefit blood sugar levels, but also the body as a whole. Everyone should moderate their intake of sugary foods, but people with blood sugar problems should staunchly avoid them. White sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, liquid glucose and other ultra-refined sweeteners are especially serious culprits. People with low and high blood sugar should also limit their intake of fruit juice to four ounces per day.
Trace Minerals
Trace minerals are essential for supporting a healthy metabolism and for maintaining stable blood sugar levels. Chromium picolinate, for example, was demonstrated by a 2006 study published in Diabetes Care to improve the body's response to insulin. A Saudi study, published the same year, found zinc to also be effective in improving insulin response. People interested in using zinc or chromium as blood sugar stabilizers can find both minerals in a complex multivitamin, which will also contain other compounds, such as magnesium, that can help support a healthy blood sugar.
Herbal Supplements
Cinnamon, aloe vera, fenugreek, ginseng, and nopales are all plant-based products that can naturally treat low or high blood sugar. Some people with blood sugar problems incorporate these herbs into daily meals--cinnamon and fenugreek are delicious spices, and nopales are a delicious variety of cactus that tastes wonderful in eggs, chili, soups and tacos. Additionally, supplements made from cinnamon, ginseng, aloe and fenugreek are widely available in supplement stores. Brands that offer guaranteed-potency extracts are the most reliable for medicinal use.
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