Most other people associate it with the traditional ways of medication, dietary control, exercise, and lifestyle changes. But there are a few lesser-known or unconventional ways that can restore blood sugar levels. In this blog post, I shall be unveiling to you, 10 unusual ways to lower blood sugar level no matter your current age.
I’m Dr. Ahmedan, a diabetologist and endocrinologist, and today I present to you one of the unconventional ways to help regulate your blood sugar.
1. Chew Food Longer
Has anyone ever said to you, “Chew your food longer?
Chewing the food properly is first on our list of 10 unusual ways to lower blood sugar level. It will allow for more carbohydrates to be broken down into smaller molecular substances and hence facilitate proper digestion as well as absorption.
Adequate mastication or chewing of substances creates an increasing surface area available for salivary enzymes to work on and thus initiates the first phase of carbohydrate breakdown.
This, in fact, sends a signal to the pancreas and your intestinal system to prepare for incoming carbohydrates so they can be released gradually into the blood glucose slowly but surely, thus, a well-prepared digestive system.
2. Cold Exposure
This is not to say that cold exposure cannot be good. In reality, cold exposure might activate brown fat more than muscle. Some studies suggest that the activation of brown fat by cold exposure may improve insulin function.
You will be glad to know that making cells more sensitive to insulin and thus lowering blood sugar levels. It can be done safely by taking occasional cold showers or sleeping in a cold room.
Cold enhances gene expression in adiponectin, a hormone regulating glucose and fatty acid metabolism.
3. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is next on our list of 10 unusual ways to lower blood sugar level. It is held in traditional Chinese medicine that the needling of chosen points of the body with acupuncture could correct balance and improve energy flow.
Some studies have shown that acupuncture points can influence hormonal and neural pathways that are connected to glucose metabolism, indicating benefits for blood sugar control.
4. Adequate Sleep
Be sure to get enough sleep. During sleep, major physiological processes occur in the body, which are essential for the health and regulation of hormones.
Poor quality or lack of sleep can upset the hormone level balance used in controlling: appetite, metabolism, and blood sugar levels. Chronic sleep loss is linked to decreased insulin sensitivity and type 2 diabetes.
5. Mindfulness and Stress Reduction
Number 5 on our list of 10 unusual ways to lower blood sugar level is being mindful and reducing stress. Chronic stress means increased exposure to cortisol, which impairs the control of blood sugar.
Behavioral practices related to mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing, relaxation/insulin sensitivity, and blood sugar control are improved. Active stress management is essential for health.
6. Probiotics
The metabolic activity of the gastrointestinal tract influences many health domains, from metabolism to immune function. Some proinflammatory strains of probiotics can modulate the microbiota of the gut, reducing insulin sensitivity in glucose metabolism.
Probiotics enhance short-chain fatty acid production, which ameliorates the general pattern of insulin sensitivity and reduces inflammation.
7. Herbal Supplements
Many of these herbs, especially those used in the Mediterranean diet, have bioactive compounds that reduce the effect of hypoglycemia. Polyphenols that can aid insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake in the blood can be found in Ceylon cinnamon.
Bitter melon has insulin-like properties without causing an increase in insulin production. Soluble fibers and amino acids of fenugreek seeds help to gain better control over blood sugar. Taken from plant extracts, berberine acts similarly to metformin through activation of AMPK, leading to an increase in cell glucose uptake.
8. Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting cycles between eating and fasting. It changes critical metabolic pathways responsible for the regulation of blood sugar. When they fast, the body goes through storages of glycogen and starts to burn fat instead, thus leading to lowered levels of sugar and increased sensitivity to insulin.
Intermittent fasting may also induce autophagy, a cellular repair process that enhances insulin sensitivity and reduces inflammation.
9. Apple Cider Vinegar
Acetic acid, the major bioactive component in vinegar, reduces the blood glucose response after meals. It delays gastric emptying and inhibits carbohydrate digestion, producing an effect of the slow release of glucose into the bloodstream, which will improve insulin sensitivity, leading to decreased insulin resistance.
10. Laughter
Last but not the least of our 10 unusual ways to lower blood sugar level is laughter, strangely, laughter has quite several health-related advantages, including reducing stress and boosting moods.
It uses the levels of stress hormones such as cortisol as enemies to insulin. When laughter is part of life, there is a management plan for dealing with stress and well-being, which on its own can help indirectly in the control of blood sugar.
Conclusion
Integrating these unconventional techniques into your day-to-day life could be the bridge that helps lower blood sugar level apart from conventional treatments.
It is always important to check with your healthcare provider before trying new methods to ensure they are correct and appropriate for your situation.
