Anti-Cancer Tip #3. Promote a stable blood sugar

It has been estimated by the World Cancer Research Fund that one-quarter to one-third of the cancers that occur in the United States are due to poor nutrition, physical inactivity, andexcess weight. This research supports our belief that embracing a healthy lifestyle is essential for anyone whose life is unfortunately touched with cancer. Follow the tips below to help promote a stable blood sugar. Continue to follow the blog for tip #4. Balance your hormonal risk

Blood sugar spikes or major fluctuations in blood sugar may be problematic for cancer risk, cancer promotion, as well as overall health. Research shows that major spikes in blood sugar may stimulate a growth hormone in the body called Insulin Like Growth Factor I (IGF1). IGF1 is needed in normal amounts for many body processes, however research shows that high blood levels of IGF1 may increase risk of certain cancers as well as diabetes. Major fluctuations in your blood sugar may also cause hormone imbalances, as well as increase risk of heart disease and diabetes. Below are easy tips for controlling the blood sugar.

Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day:

  • Consume 3 smaller meals/day and a snack in-between each meal. The goal should be eating every 2-6 hours. This will help promote a constant blood sugar as opposed to major blood sugar fluctuations. This approach will help control your blood sugar, appetite, promote a healthy metabolism, and may actually help one maintain/achieve a healthy weight.

Consume a variety of whole grains & whole grain products. Limit refined grains:

  • Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for our brain , organs, and muscles. However, not all carbohydrates were created equally. The foundation for a healthy carbohydrate is having adequate amounts of dietary fiber, also known as plant roughage. This fiber will help slow down digestion and the impact the carbohydrates have on the blood sugar. Many of the carbohydrates out there are “refined”, which means the healthy fiber, vitamins, and minerals have been removed during processing to create a more favorable texture/taste. These products are then “enriched” or “fortified” to add back in synthetic vitamins or minerals. These refined products tend to be low in fiber, digested quickly, and may promote a large spike in your blood sugar. Any grain product with the first ingredient saying “enriched” is a refined grain product. Examples of refined grains are white rice, white bread, white flour, wheat products that are labeled as enriched. Examples of whole grains are brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat, brown rice pasta, millet,100% whole wheat bread, 100% multigrain bread.

Limit/avoid refined sweeteners, & focus on more wholesome sweeteners:

  • Sweeteners are also not created equal. Certain sweeteners are more likely to raise your blood sugar than others. Sweeteners to limit/avoid are: sugar, evaporated cane juice, artificial sweeteners, molasses, etc. Sweeteners to include in moderate amounts in the diet are: maple syrup, brown rice syrup, agave nectar, and stevia.


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