How Much Flaxseed Do I Eat in a Day to Treat My Type 2 Diabetes?
Do you want to know how much flaxseed do I eat in a day to treat my type 2 diabetes?
Well, I am as eager as you are, to share my special innovative diets that have helped me maintain my blood sugar levels without the need of expensive medications and painful injections.
My aim here is to ensure that you all diabetics out there are made aware of only those natural methods that can actually control your blood sugar levels (and avoid the rest).
Did you know, most of these natural methods are present in your kitchen???
These natural blood sugar control methods are free from harmful side effects. They also support your body to combat the ill effects of fluctuating blood glucose in the bloodstream.
In this particular article, I shall throw light on a Super Food called, Flaxseed:
Points Covered in How Much Flaxseed Do I Eat in a Day to Treat My Type 2 Diabetes Article:
1) Why am I Scared of My Type 2 Diabetes?
2) How did I Come to Know about Flaxseed?
3) What I Found Beneficial about Flaxseed?
4) How Many Grams of Flaxseed do I Eat in One Day to Keep My Blood Sugar Levels in Check?
5) Top 5 Ways I Use Flaxseed in My Diabetic Friendly Diet
6) Do I Face any Side Effects on Consuming Flaxseed Daily?
7) Takeaway
Why am I Scared of My Type 2 Diabetes?
Well, initially, when I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, I did not take it seriously at all. With close to 540 million diabetics across the globe, I found myself to be less than a drop in the ocean.
So, with almost 540 million men and women suffering from diabetes, I felt at home.
Well, this was only when I was first diagnosed with diabetes.
As time passed, my health started to deteriorate. I started to suffer from acute fatigue, my heart started to ache and minor wounds (such as a scratch) would take weeks to heal.
This was just the start.
A bit later, I started to experience sleeplessness. Moreover, I had to wake up three to four times at night just to relieve my over-flooded bladder.
So, four years after I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, my life literally changed for the worst. I could not even go to the local supermarket to fetch my daily grocery – I was so fatigued.
I was scared all right and often wondered, “how to lower blood sugar naturally?”
How did I Come to Know about Flaxseed?
While searching for the best blood sugar support supplement, I spent ample time researching the internet for natural cures. One such seed or herb that caught my eye was flaxseed.
If used with the correct diet, exercise regime and rest, flaxseed promised to be a suitable means of keeping my blood glucose levels in check. What attracted me most about flaxseed was its nutrient rich profile.
It was loaded with alpha-laconic-acid, omega 3 fatty acids and fibers. Moreover, flaxseed is loaded with vitamins, minerals, proteins and other essential macro nutrients.
This is why flaxseed is known as a superfood.
What I Found Beneficial about Flaxseed?
I learnt that flaxseed is derived from the Linum usitatissimum plant. It therefore has a nutty flavor. I also found out that the seeds of this plant have been used for medicinal purpose for hundreds of years.
Here are the top benefits of using flaxseed:
@ The first benefit was the nutrient dense composition of flaxseed. It not only provided my body with nutrition but it also slowed down my insulin spike.
@ Whenever I added flaxseed to my diet, I felt full. It was because flaxseed comprised of both soluble as well as insoluble fibers. This helped me avoid overeating.
@ Healthy omega 3 fatty acids in flaxseed proved to be a boon for my health. As I am a diabetic, I need healthy fats to maintain optimal digestive system, healthy bones, connective tissues etc.
@ One tablespoon of ground flaxseed contains 1.3 grams of high quality protein. This means in 7 grams of flaxseed, I get 1.3 grams of first class protein.
@ Loaded with ALA, fibers and omega 3 acids, flaxseeds are also a storehouse of powerful antioxidants. These help lower my blood sugar levels by reducing inflammation.
@ Finally, this superfood is loaded with Vitamin B1 and minerals such as magnesium, copper and phosphorous.
How Many Grams of Flaxseed do I Eat in One Day to Keep My Blood Sugar Levels in Check?
So, coming to the most important question – how many grams of flaxseed do I consume in a single day?
Well, I reached to a perfect dose after spending some time experimenting. I consulted a well-known holistic professional and he advised against going beyond the 25 grams a day limit.
So, what I did was just the opposite.
I started consuming 30 grams to 45 grams of ground flaxseed daily. Within 3 days, I was having gastric issues. After about 7 days, I suffered from constipation.
So, I stopped consuming flaxseed for a week and took medications to bring my digestion to near optimal. Then, I started to consume lesser doses of flaxseed.
@ For the first 3 days, I took only 5 grams per day.
@ Then, I increased it to 10 grams for the next 7 days.
@ Finally, I took 15 grams of flaxseed daily for the next week.
@ I maxed out at 20 grams a day, 7 days later.
I tried this regime for about 2 months and did not feel any issue whatsoever with my digestive system. I only felt better as my insulin spike decreased (the blood sugar readings are a proof of the same).
In a nutshell, anywhere in between 7 grams to 15 grams of flaxseed (per day) is ideal for diabetics. Going beyond the 20 grams a day mark is not going to do any good for your blood sugar.
Top 5 Ways I Use Flaxseed in My Diabetic Friendly Diet
I have already discussed the high nutritive value of flaxseed. It is loaded with vitamins, minerals, proteins, healthy fats, anti-oxidants and fiber. All this makes flaxseed a superfood for diabetics.
By slowing down the digestive process, flaxseed helps reduce insulin spike. This in turn helps me maintain optimal blood sugar levels after a hearty meal.
The big question here is – how do I eat my 15 gram flaxseed per day? Well, there are 5 different ways.
Here is a brief on each of these:
Ground Flaxseed:
This is by far my favorite way to consume flaxseed daily. All I need is a mixer-grinder to get the job done. I take about 100 grams of flaxseed and grind it.
I make sure that I do not over-grind it and make it into a paste. Just a few gentle twists to the grinder knob gets the job done. The final result – ground flaxseed with thick consistency.
So, I just take 2 to 3 tablespoons of ground flaxseed and sprinkle it over my Greek Yogurt. This means, I have consumed 10 to 15 grams of flaxseed for the day.
Flaxseed Flour:
The second option is to opt for a flour. Flaxseed flour may not be as easy to find as wheat flour or barley flour. Nonetheless, if you search for it then, some or the other grocery store shall have it.
I basically use it as an alternate to my normal flour. I can mix this in my cakes or sprinkle it on any dish that I would like to bake. I can add 2 to 3 tablespoons of flaxseed flour to my cake batter.
Flaxseed Oil:
I have also tried flaxseed oil as a means of cooking up my veggies and meats. It does not have the best of taste or flavors yet, it is a healthier option for diabetics like me.
I personally avoid cooking with this oil. Instead, I use flaxseed oil as a dressing. I coat roasted veggies with this oil. I also like to drizzle flaxseed oil over my favorite salads.
Flaxseed Protein Bars:
The fourth option I opt for while consuming flaxseed is by making these into high energy bars. I mix dry fruits and nuts to ground flaxseed. I then mix some wild honey and place this mixture onto a greased flat plate.
I keep the plate inside the freezer and allow the mixture to completely set. Then, I remove it from the fridge and after it has thawed a bit, I slice it in the form of rectangular chocolate bars.
Flaxseed Spread:
The last and final way that I have used flaxseed to control my blood sugar levels is in the form of a spread. I have never made it at home but I have purchased it from an organic store.
When I asked the salesperson on how this special spread was made, she said, “We grind flaxseed using a special grinder till it is made into a smooth butter.”
I spread this mixture on whole wheat slices or add it to my smoothie. I also use this butter as a special dip for my fruits.
Do I Face any Side Effects on Consuming Flaxseed Daily?
As I have mentioned in the above paragraphs, I did suffer from certain side effects. These side effects included gas, indigestion that later developed into constipation.
I was also always thirsty. Apart from this, I did not suffer from any other type of adverse side effect.
Please make note of the fact that these side effects took place only when I was experimenting with the dosage – in fact, when I was going on the higher side (45 grams per day).
Takeaway
Flaxseed is an ideal way to ensure that you maintain optimal blood sugar levels. I am a Type 2 Diabetic and I started seeing positive results in maintaining my blood sugar levels in just 15 days of consuming 15 to 20 grams of flaxseed a day.
In my opinion, flaxseed is one of the best dietary supplement for diabetics.
Here are a few tips I would suggest you make note of while taking flaxseed to control your blood sugar levels:
@ I would suggest that you never go beyond the recommended dosage (15 to 20 grams per day).
@ Consume at least 3 to 4 liters of water every day. This is because flaxseed has lots of fiber (both soluble and insoluble). So, you need to hydrate your body to avoid constipation.
@ If you consume flaxseeds in their original form then, they shall be wasted. Your body simply cannot break down flaxseed and use it.
@ To get the maximum benefits from flaxseed, you should first grind it into a fine powder. Then, consume it by sprinkling flaxseed powder onto yogurt, fruits etc.
@ Never place flaxseed in a moist and sunny place. This would spoil the superfood real quick. To store flaxseed, keep it in a cool and dry place and in an airtight jar.
@ Finally, if you are on any medication for a serious ailment (heart/liver/kidney/lung) then, you should first consult a doctor before including flaxseed into your diet.
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