The Glycemic Index

The glycemic index refers to the relative degree in which blood sugar increases after the consumption of food. High glycemic foods can raise blood glucose levels quickly which will raise insulin levels as well. Insulin is a hormone that is secreted from the pancreas. Insulin is essential for the proper metabolism and proper maintenance level of blood glucose. When glucose levels raise quickly, the body reacts by releasing insulin into the bloodstream to regulate blood sugar levels.

Keeping regulated blood glucose levels is important in eliminating blood sugar spikes and dips. These spikes and dips are what cause low energy levels and cravings for bad foods.

So, what foods are considered high glycemic?

Baked potatoes

Corn flakes

Dates

Doughnuts

French fries

Graham crackers

Pancake syrup

Parsnips

Pretzels

Rice cakes

Short grain white rice

Watermelon

White bread

Whole wheat bread

Wild rice

Ideal Body PH

Many of the foods we consume negatively affect the alkalinity of our body, causing it to be off balance. The closer we can keep our body’s PH balanced the less susceptible to illness and disease we become. The ideal PH for our body is around 7.4-7.6. The easiest way to keep your body healthy is to eat about 60%-80% alkaline forming foods. This is a website I use often to help me decide what I want to eat. (http://rense.com/1.mpicons/acidalka.htm).

 Photo by: danielcgold.com