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
Take the SHORTER Path to Dramatically Better Health
Are you tired of fitness gurus preaching the virtues of 5 AM workouts and pushing Olympic-level training regimens? Their narrative can feel exhausting and entirely unattainable. But before you toss in the towel completely, I’ve got news that might just put a spring back into your step. A groundbreaking new study reveals that the key...
Unexpected Perks of Your Coffee Habit Revealed!
We all know that the first cup of coffee in the morning can FEEL like a lifesaver. But what if it might actually BE saving your life? A groundbreaking new study suggests that your daily coffee habit could be protecting you from not just one but multiple chronic diseases. Let’s pour over this fascinating research…...
The TRUTH About Diabetes Drugs and Brain Aging
You’ve probably seen the gushing headlines… Most say something like, “Common diabetes drug protects the brain against aging!” And let’s face it, that sounds fantastic. After all, who doesn’t want to keep their brain young and in tip-top shape? The headlines refer to the results of a new study that suggests the widely prescribed type...
Hidden Smartphone Danger Puts You at Risk
Remember when we thought cell phones were just something for young folks to obsess over? Back when we were convinced they were nothing more than a passing fad? Well, times certainly have changed. Now, most people… including many of us older folks… have jumped on the smartphone bandwagon. Heck, some of us are practically as...
Preserve Your Mobility with “Agile Aging” Exercises
Aging has a way of humbling us. You lose hair where you want to keep it—and often end up growing it where you don’t. With every passing year, your eyesight fades, and your waistline expands. And as your once quick pace begins to slow, you fear developing the dreaded “senior shuffle.” But here’s the thing....
Yes, Lazy Saturday Lie-Ins Can BOOST Your Health
Are you burning the midnight oil during the week and catching up on sleep on weekends? Well, I’ve got some news that might help you feel less guilty about those lazy Saturday mornings. A new study suggests that weekend lie-ins might be doing far more than just helping you feel refreshed. Experts say they could...
Mailbag: 7 Hidden Culprits Behind Your Weight Gain
“Why am I gaining weight, even though I am watching what I am eating?” – Battling the Bulge Dear Battling, Gaining weight when you’re not trying to is frustrating. And it just gets worse as we age… often regardless of our diet. The truth is that various factors can promote weight gain even when you’re...
Popular Artificial Sweetener Linked to Dangerous Heart Risk
Remember when erythritol was the darling of the health food world? Well, this popular sugar substitute might not be as sweet a deal as we were led to believe… A shocking new study reveals a dark side to this widely used artificial sweetener. It turns out erythritol is associated with a dangerous—and even deadly—heart risk....
Cracking the Code on Chronic Inflammation
Inflammation and obesity are the evil tag team at the heart of nearly every major disease we face—from diabetes to obesity. What starts as a normal, healthy process to fend off dangerous invaders can quickly fan into the flames of chronic inflammation… and that includes in your gut. The trouble is almost no one has...
Dreaming of Better Sleep? Your Gut Holds the Key
Do you toss and turn at night? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, if you’re a senior over 65, you join nearly 17 percent of your peers who ALSO struggle with poor sleep quality. But science has uncovered a natural supplement that not only could help you catch more Z’s but can also give...