NaturalMedications

1. Fiber. Fiber is the major factor that slows the absorption of sugar. That's why highly processed oatmeal, for example, is worse, diet-wise, than the steel-cut variety. The latter has all the fiber still intact, and before the stomach can get to the sugars in the oatmeal, it has to separate them from the fiber. Once isolated, the fiber passes undigested through your system; its dietary importance comes from its ability to slow digestion down. It is an obstacle to digestion — a good one.

2. Fat. Fat, too, slows the speed at which your small intestine accesses the sugars you've eaten. That's why it's better to have a little olive oil or some low-fat cheese on your bread than it is to eat the bread alone. For the same reason, having a baked potato topped with low-fat sour cream is better than eating it plain. The calorie count might be higher, but the fat contained in the sour cream will slow down the digestive process, thereby lessening the amount of insulin that the potato prompts your body to make.

3. Acid. Acidic foods, such as lemon and vinegar, also slow the digestive process, therefore cutting back on the rise in blood sugar. You can dress salads or vegetables in both and enjoy the benefit. Even sourdough bread will slow digestion because, although it is not high in fiber, it is acidic.