MAILBAG: Stabilize Stubborn Blood Sugars
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted November 1, 2022
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
“I have type 2 diabetes and my numbers always seem to just be constantly yo-yoing. My doctor already has me on so many prescriptions. Are there any other steps I can take that don’t require drugs?”
—Anne from Tacoma, Washington
Hi Anne,
Let me first caution that making any changes to your routine can lead to low blood sugar, especially when taking diabetes drugs. So it’s vital to always get a thumbs up from your doctor when trying something new.
Here are some things that have worked for other folks in your situation:
- Ditch the Sugar: Cut as much sugar out of our diet as you can. That means tossing the obvious problem foods, such as sodas and sweets, into the trash. But be on the lookout for hidden sources like salad dressings, soups, and other prepared foods. Base your diet around fresh proteins and vegetables, and cook from scratch whenever possible.
- Sneak in More Exercise: Take the stairs, walk to your errands, stand during television commercials (or better yet, dance or do knee bends). And find an active AND fun hobby. If you enjoy yourself, you will likely stick with it.
- Lose Weight: The best way to reign in yo-yoing blood sugars is to maintain a healthy weight. There are many ways to drop a few pounds, but do me a favor and skip the calorie counting. Instead, focus on building muscle and eating a low-sugar and low carbohydrate diet. Boost your metabolism by bumping up your B5 found in sunflower seeds, lentils, eggs, and yogurt. And reduce fat-promoting inflammation by balancing your gut bugs with probiotic foods or a supplement.
- Try Supplements: Certain supplements may help you maintain healthier blood sugars…
Cinnamon isn’t just delicious on toast. When it’s super-concentrated, the herb can lower blood sugar. It’s easy to find in supplement form and dirt cheap. Just make sure you stick with Ceylon cinnamon, not cassia, to get the best benefits.
Turmeric can help reduce insulin resistance allowing glucose to enter your cells more effectively and lower blood sugar. You can add more turmeric to your meals or get it as a supplement.
Olive leaf extract comes from the leaves of the olive plant. The herb can help improve insulin secretion in cells, naturally reducing excess blood sugar.
Try these tips and you may even find your doctor decides to take you OFF some of your meds as your blood sugar stabilizes naturally.
P.S. Still need help? Researchers found that THIS common habit is directly associated with high blood sugar levels.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
The Secret Ingredient to a Longer, Happier Life
Let’s face it. We’re all in need of an attitude adjustment from time to time. After all, when you turn on the news these days, the world can seem pretty dark. That is unless you make it a practice to look for the silver linings. In fact, Harvard researchers say when you do, something quite...
Do You REALLY Need All Those Skincare Products?
I often get questions about skincare products—and here’s what I’ve learned. In today’s beauty-obsessed world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of spending hundreds every month believing you need countless products to fight aging and achieve healthy, glowing skin. However, many dermatologists argue that LESS is MORE when it comes to skincare. Simplifying your...
“Ebb and Flow” Technique TRANSFORMS Senior Brain Health
You know by now that exercise is good for you. It keeps your heart healthy, your muscles strong, and your waistline trim. But what if I told you that a trendy “ebb and flow” workout technique—often associated with young fitness enthusiasts—could actually be a game-changer for us “oldsters” when it comes to brain health? And...
Mailbag: Slash Your Risk of Bone Fractures as You Age
“My doctor recently told me that I have osteoporosis. What can I do to reduce my risk of fractures and maintain strong bones as I age?” – Margaret Hi Margaret, Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I’m sure it was a shock. Osteoporosis is a serious condition that affects millions of people, and it’s not...
Household Favorite EXPOSED as Cancer Risk?
We all want to believe that the products we use daily are safe. After all, if they weren’t, they wouldn’t be on store shelves, right? Well, I hate to break it to you, but sometimes, the truth is far more alarming than we’d like to admit. The World Health Organization (WHO) has just dropped a...
Hidden Heatwave Threat REVEALED
Heat waves can have serious consequences. After all, staying cool isn’t just a comfort issue. When the mercury soars, it threatens your health—especially when you’re a senior. There are various reasons for this, including chronic medical conditions and bodies that just don’t regulate temperature as well as they once did. But there’s another heat-linked threat...
The Hidden Threat Behind Your Achy Joints
Picture this… You’re trying to enjoy a leisurely stroll in the park, but each step sends a jolt of pain through your knee. Or maybe you’re attempting to open a stubborn jar lid, only to have your fingers refuse to cooperate, leaving you feeling frustrated and helpless. Perhaps you’re simply trying to get out of...
Parkinson's Signs You Can't Afford to Miss
Imagine waking up one day to find your body betraying you. Your hands tremble as you try to button your shirt. Your feet shuffle when you want to walk with purpose. Once strong and clear, your voice now barely reaches above a whisper. This is the reality for those living with Parkinson’s. But what if...
Do Protein Needs Drop with Age? The SURPRISING Answer
I had a patient ask me the other day if they needed as much protein now as when they were younger. After all, we aren’t quite as active as seniors compared to when we were spring chickens. It’s a good question. And the answer might surprise you… Remember when you could devour a whole pizza...
Follow Your “Gut Feeling” to Reduce Diabetes Risk
It seems like every day we learn something new about the incredible influence our gut has on our overall health. From mood to immunity, and even to how well we sleep, the community of microbes in our digestive tract is pulling the strings behind the scenes. So, it should come as no surprise that researchers...