Glucose, also known as blood sugar, is the sugar found in your blood and serves as the body’s primary energy source. Your bloodstream carries glucose to all of your body’s cells to use and store for energy. You get blood sugar through the food and drinks you consume.

Blood sugar in one’s body can be imbalanced by an unbalanced diet and certain types of diseases that affect the body’s ability to properly regulate blood sugar levels. For example, hyperglycemia— often associated with diabetes— is a disease in which your blood sugar levels are too high, while hypoglycemia, on the other hand, is a condition where your blood sugar levels are too low. Other diseases can cause high blood sugar in non-diabetics such as pancreatitis, obesity, metabolic disease, physical inactivity, PCOS, and certain types of infections.

Some medications, like steroids, can lead to heightened glucose levels. It’s always important to always consult with your doctor if you are concerned about blood sugar control.

The best Way to boost blood sugar

In most cases, a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise can be your best management tool for unregulated blood sugar. It is often the first line of defense, even for people who have hypo or hyperglycemia and diabetes. Oftentimes, too much insulin can cause blood sugar to drop too low in a diabetic person, which can be dangerous. It’s important to understand the basics so you can prevent a sudden drop, or be prepared to treat it if it happens.

What are the most common causes of a glucose dip?

1: Food and drink

Skipping meals is high on the list of causing blood sugar to drop. Other diet-related causes include not eating enough carbohydrates throughout the day or consuming alcohol without eating enough.

2: Physical activity

Exercising excessively or performing high-intensity workouts can lower your blood sugar. If you are participating in strenuous physical activity, keep simple carbohydrates on hand to level out sugars (i.e. fresh fruit, chocolate milk, crackers).

What are the glucose dip symptoms

Drops in blood sugar levels can cause different symptoms for different people. The most common mild to moderate symptoms of low blood sugar include:

• Shaking
• Swearing
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Moodiness
• Confusion
• Racing or irregular heartbeat

How do I treat glucose spikes and dips?

Long-term maintenance of blood sugar is key. Committing to a nutrient-rich, balanced diet will be your best ally in regulating blood sugar. Experts recommend including foods like leafy greens, whole grains, not-butters, berries, avocados, and eggs staples in your diet.

It’s important to note that higher-fat foods like peanut butter, whole grains, and other high-fiber foods take longer to absorb into your bloodstream. If you are experiencing an unexpected dip and need a quick blood sugar boost, there are other options to get your levels stabilized in a pinch.

The best way to boost blood sugar is to have at least one of these 4 foods on hand to alleviate the symptoms.

• Fruits – carry a whole piece of fruit like a banana, apple, or orange. Pre-measured grapes can be a good choice for a sugar boost as well (about a 15 count).
• Honey or syrup – a tablespoon will suffice. Many people who experience regular drops may carry the prepackaged options like the ones served at restaurants.
• Fat-free milk – contains lactose which is a natural sugar the body uses for energy.
• Pre-portioned candy such as skittles or starburst.

If you are diabetic, it’s important to have at least one of these food items on hand at all times. Being prepared for unexpected drops in blood sugar can potentially be life-saving if you have a serious medical condition.

Regulate blood sugar levels for optimal health & wellness

At Z.E.N. Foods, we believe the health benefits from wholesome and balanced nutrition. We understand that the right ingredients in your diet have the power to improve chronic health conditions like diabetes, correct hormonal imbalances, and increase energy for a better quality of life. We also know that buying the right foods and meal prep are not always easy. Therefore, we simplify the process of eating healthy by doing all of the work and delivering quality, customized meals directly to your door daily. Contact us today to speak to a consultant and find out how we can help!