An estimated 30.3 million (9.4%) people in the United States have diabetes. Sugar is one of the most addictive foods in our diets.
Studies have shown that sugar and junk foods flood the reward system in the brain with dopamine, “the feel-good” chemical we make (and often seek out), stimulating the same areas lit up by using drugs such as cocaine. If any of this doesn’t sound ideal … well it isn’t
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that creates a pleasurable feeling. An increased release of this same neurotransmitter is seen in those who use heroin, cocaine, and opioids. Imaging studies have also compared drug-addicted brains and sugar-addicted brains … and the end result is that they look the same. Furthermore, research on sugar and sugar substitutes show that they are four times more addictive than cocaine.
Beware! Artificial sweeteners falsely stimulate your taste receptors so that the brain constantly craves sugar. These sweeteners raise blood sugar and can cause digestive problems.
Some common artificial sweeteners to avoid:
aspartame acesulfame potassium (Equal)
sucralose (Splenda)
saccharin (Sweet n’ Low)
dextrose
maltodextrin
maltitol (sugar alcohol)
sorbitol (sugar alcohol)
There are a few simple things you can do to reduce your cravings for sugar and lower your blood sugar naturally.
Make sure you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Consider drinking 1-2 glasses of water half an hour before each meal. Drink water whenever you feel hungry and before eating any solid foods. Water helps fill up the stomach and lessens hunger feelings. Drinking plenty of water can reduce the chance of having a craving.
Drinking plenty of water helps prevent dehydration, it re-hydrates the blood. It will help your kidneys flush excess blood sugar through urination.
Exercise is another great way to curb cravings and get your metabolism going. Muscles use blood sugar for energy and muscle contractions. There are many benefits of physical activity including:
Strengthening the immune system
Helps to maintain a healthy BMI
Increases longevity
Reduces the risk of certain cancers
Exercise does not have to be all or nothing Most activities will release endorphins, also loosely referred to as “happy hormones”.
Ensure you are eating plenty of foods that have a low-glycemic index. These foods are slower acting carbohydrates and more satiating. Some foods that are low-glycemic include:
Apples
Blackberries
Blueberries
Cherries
Kale
Spinach
Sweet potatoes
Stress leads to all sorts of problems including making poor food choices. When you are stressed hormones like glucagon and cortisol are secreted causing blood sugar levels to increase.
Exercise and relaxation can help reduce stress and improve mood. It may also correct insulin secretion which is a problem in chronic diabetes.
There are also a few foods that can help reduce your stress levels:
Dark green leafy vegetables are high in folate, which stimulates the serotonin and dopamine neurotransmitters to fight any onset of depression and stress
Fermented foods, such as kombucha tea, are great for the vagus nerve that sends soothing signals to the brain.
Omega-3 oils act like a soothing coat for your nervous system.
A supplement that I have found beneficial is moringa seed powder. Moringa is full of many vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to us including: vitamins A, B1, B2 and B3, folate, calcium and potassium.
Juice shot for lowering blood sugar naturally
1/2 squeezed fresh lime.
1 tsp moringa seeds powder.
1/2 chayote squash (take out the seed).
1/2 tsp turmeric.
1-1 1/2 tsp water.
To avoid becoming one of the 84.1 million adults that are prediabetic start taking these steps to keep your blood sugar levels in a healthy range.
Drink Water – and stay hydrated
Exercise Regularly
Enjoy low glycemic fruits
Control Stress levels
Add Moringa Seed powder
Make sure you work with your primary care physician before adding supplements to your diet to ensure your healthy.