How sweet are you? Too much sweetness in your blood can affect your health! That’s why doctors recommend that you monitor your blood sugar levels at least once a year to stay on top of fluctuating glucose levels.

Today, watching your blood sugar levels is as common as watching your weight. Poor eating habits, stress and strain, not enough exercise and an increasingly overweight population can all be primary factors for declining health. It is no wonder that people are more conscious about their health and are more inclined to make proactive choices to help maintain healthy glucose levels.

How can you support the body’s natural ability to regulate normal glucose levels? Here are a few practical steps.

Regular Check-Ups Visit your doctor at least once a year and have your glucose levels tested. If you are over 40, overweight, or have fluctuating glucose tendencies in the family, you may want to check your levels every 6 months. Checking your blood sugar regularly will help you monitor your glucose levels and take the proper proactive measures. Generally, normal sugar levels can be maintained by a healthy diet and exercise. Nutritional support through supplements is also a positive option.

A Healthy Diet Many doctors recommend a low-fat diet which includes plenty of fruits and vegetables.. Often your doctor will tell you that there is no need to stop eating sweets altogether, but limiting your calorie intake will help you to better manage your weight. Weight management is an important factor to promoting good health.

Eat a variety of colorful foods. Deep greens, reds, bright oranges, and purples—each food color has specific nutrients that are good for health. Eating a variety of foods helps to increase the nutritive value of your diet as a whole. Include whole grain foods— brown rice, cereals and brown bread instead of white. These foods contain fiber. Eating oats every day is also known to support healthy glucose levels.

Weight Management Keeping an optimum weight prescribed for your height and age is conducive to good health. If you are overweight, consider adopting a weight management program that suits you. One good way to lose some extra pounds is by cutting back on high calorie sweets such as cookies, candies, or chips. Instead, reach for healthy snacks that make good "fillers" between meals, such as carrots, cucumbers, low-fat yogurt, green salads and fruits. You may also want to cut down on sodas which have high sugar content and replace your fluid intake with water or even Green tea, which offers multiple health benefits.

Exercise Exercise can play a significant role in supporting the body's natural conversion of glucose into energy. The aim is to be more active. You could try using the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator; jogging in place while watching a TV program. Even a 30-minute brisk walk at least 5 times a week can help maintain good blood circulation.

Nutritional Support Certain herbs and nutrients help to support the body's natural ability to convert glucose to energy. These essential nutrients include:

• Gymnema Sylvestre. This well-known herb has been traditionally used to support the proper functioning of a healthy pancreas.
• Vanadyl Sulfate. This nutrient assists the body to maintain healthy glucose levels.
• Alpha-Lipoic Acid. This is an antioxidant which nutritionally supports conversion of glucose into energy.