Blood Sugar Hacks
According to a 2008 study in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, even short term blood sugar spikes (like you’d get from drinking a sugar soda) can have negative consequences!
Which is why today’s email is all about tips and tricks for lowering blood sugar naturally even (and especially) when you’ve gone a little crazy on the paleo doughnuts.
Stable blood sugar is, after all, the one thing that all centenarians (people who live to 100 years) have in common.
So let’s all keep these strategies in our back pockets and live healthy, happy, loooong lives.
(Please note that this is NOT an invitation to eat whatever you want and then use these strategies.)
Always eat like you love yourself, please. 😊
1. Protein.
While it is true that too much protein can cause gluconeogenesis which can raised blood sugar levels, it has to be consumed in fairly large amounts in order for that to happen. In moderate amounts protein is actually very stabilizing to blood sugar. So, if you've just eaten your weight in carbohydrate grams, a healthy protein (like our 100% grass-fed, fermented beef sticks) or our 100% Grass Fed Whey Protein (that you can just drop in water) are the perfect complement.
2. Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (with the Mother!)
One study showed that vinegar (we prefer Bragg's Organic Apple Cider Vinegar with the mother!) after a meal can reduce the blood sugar spike. I've tested this myself and it works like a charm. Dilute 1-2 capfuls in 8 ounces of filtered water. Not the best taste, but the benefits are undoubtedly worth it. You might also try my awesome IGNITE tea recipe here.
3. Post Meal Movement
Research has also shown that a post-meal movement can bring elevated blood sugar levels back into the normal range. It doesn't have to be intense either. Even a 20 minute walk has benefits.
4. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is not only incredibly delicious, but research has shown that it can stabilize blood sugar. Put 2 tsp of Ceylon Cinnamon in a shake with 100% grass-fed whey, organic coconut milk, organic cinnamon, 3 raw pastured egg yolks (for the brave!) and a pinch of unprocessed sea salt. Mmmmm delicious.
5. Bitter Melon Extract
Bitter melon extract is another substance that has shown blood-sugar lowering prowess. You can try 500 mg - 1 gram.
6. Don't forget the Fat!!
Fat is the ONLY macronutrient (carbs, fat, protein) that doesn't raise blood sugar levels. It also has a stabilizing effect which is why it can be used to help lower your levels after a meal. My husband and I like to drink ghee tea.
After a hearty meal, we blend our filtered water with a tablespoon of grass-fed ghee & then steep our favorite organic herbal tea. It's not only tasty, but it's increasing our chances of seeing the big 1-0-0 with every sip.
Hopefully these simple strategies help keep your blood sugar nice and steady so you can feel your best even when you’ve overindulged 😊