Best Bread for Blood Sugar

Best Bread for Blood Sugar

by Conlan Foy in Wildgrain Blog

By Lucy Yanckello, Ph.D.

Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen subscription box for sourdough breads, fresh pastas, and artisanal pastries.

 

If you have high blood sugar or diabetes, bread can feel like one of the trickiest foods to navigate. While some types can spike your blood sugar quickly, others are much gentler on your body. Understanding which breads to choose - and why - can help you enjoy this everyday food without compromising your health. 

It is important to remember that this article is not medical advice; consult with your doctor or a registered dietician before making changes to your diet.

Can I eat bread if I have high blood sugar? What bread has no sugar?

Yes, you can eat bread if you have high blood sugar, but you need to be strategic about the type and portion. Breads to focus on when you have high blood sugar are low in glycemic index, high in fiber, made from whole or sprouted grains, and free from added sugar. 100% whole wheat breads, sprouted grain breads, sourdough breads, and multigrain breads are generally good choices, but be sure to read the label to make sure there is no added sugar. 

What kind of bread is ok for diabetics? 

When you have diabetes, it is important to take a few things into consideration when choosing the bread you are going to eat. Be sure to look for bread with no added sugars, at least three grams of fiber per serving, and made with whole-grains if possible. The American Diabetes association recommends choosing bread that is made with whole grains over white bread, as white bread is made from highly processed flour and contains added sugars. 

Does white bread increase blood sugar? Will whole wheat bread raise my blood sugar?

White bread has a glycemic index of 90 on a scale of 1 to 100, classifying it as a high GI food. GI is a scale that ranks carbohydrates based on how quickly they will raise blood sugar level – or how quickly the food is digested – with 1 being the lowest and 100 being the highest. This means that white bread will raise your blood sugar very quickly due to it being a high GI food. 

Whole wheat bread only has a GI of 65, making it a medium GI food. Low and medium GI foods are digested and absorbed slower than those with a high GI. This leads to a gradual increase in blood sugar and subsequently insulin levels, which is beneficial for managing and maintaining blood sugar levels. 

Which bread has the lowest glycemic index?

Types of bread with the lowest glycemic index includes pumpernickel with a GI of 41-56, sourdough rye with a GI of 48, sourdough wheat with a GI of 54, and spelt multi-grain with a GI of 54. Low-GI foods are considered to be under 55 on the GI scale. All breads that are low-GI are made with whole grains, increasing their fiber content, leading to slower digestion and a more gradual increase in blood sugar rather than the spike caused by high-GI foods. 

What bread is the worst for blood sugar?

White bread is generally considered the worst for blood sugar. Not only does it lack fiber and other essential nutrients due to the highly processed nature of the flour, but it also is considered to be a high-GI food, with a GI of 90. This means that it causes rapid spikes in blood sugar. 

What bread is best for blood sugar? What bread does not spike blood sugar?

The best bread for blood sugar is bread made with whole grains. Breads that do not spike blood sugar include low-GI breads such as pumpernickel, sourdough rye, sourdough wheat, and spelt multigrain. Be sure to read the label on breads from the store to avoid added sugars, or make your own bread to ensure the bread you are consuming only has the ingredients you want it to. 

Is sourdough bread good for high blood sugar?

Sourdough bread is helpful for those with high blood sugar. The fermentation process in sourdough bread reduces the glycemic response, meaning it causes a slower and more gradual rise in blood sugar than white bread and even some wheat breads. Be sure to opt for sourdough rye or sourdough wheat breads that are made with whole grains for optimal blood sugar control.

Where can I buy the best fresh bread online?

At Wildgrain, we specialize in making high-quality, fresh breads that are delivered directly to your door. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for breads, rolls, pastries, and fresh pastas. Some of our popular breads include sourdough whole wheat, sourdough 7-grain, slow fermented 3-seed bread, and sourdough rye. Learn more about Wildgrain and our artisanal baking and cooking methods. 

About the Author

Lucy Yanckello received her Ph.D. in nutrition from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. She currently works as a medical writer and enjoys being able to help people better understand nutrition and science.

This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns.

Tags: Bread Healthy Eating Sourdough
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Best Bread for Crohn’s Disease

Best Bread for Crohn’s Disease

By Dr. Jorge, Ph.D. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen subscription box for sourdough breads, fresh pastas, and artisanal pastries. With no one-size-fits-all diet for Crohn’s disease, it can be challenging to know which bread is best to keep or remove from your diet. In this article, we break down the types of bread that are usually well tolerated and which ones are better avoided, especially during a Crohn’s flare-up. By understanding how different breads can affect digestion, you can feel more confident choosing the best options to support your symptoms and overall gut health. What is the best diet for Crohn’s disease? Which food is bad for Crohn’s disease? While there isn’t one specific diet that works for everyone with Crohn’s disease, certain foods may help ease symptoms during a flare. Generally, low-fiber, low-fat, and easily digestible plant-based foods are better tolerated. This means foods like white rice, potatoes, eggs, fish, and tofu are all good options when symptoms are active, as all these foods tend to be easy on digestion. On the other hand, whole grains, high-fat or fried foods, red meat, dairy products, and spicy or high-fiber foods may worsen Crohn’s symptoms for some people. It can also help to avoid alcohol, caffeine, and carbonated beverages during a flare. Because triggers vary from person to person, keeping a food journal and working with a healthcare provider or dietitian can help you identify what diet works best for your Crohn’s disease. Can you eat bread with Crohn’s disease? Is bread ok for Crohn’s disease? Is bread healthy or unhealthy for people with Crohn’s? Yes, you can eat bread with Crohn’s disease, but it’s best to avoid high-fiber bread, such as whole grain or whole wheat bread, especially during a flare. 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If you know your body doesn’t tolerate gluten well or want to try eliminating it, gluten-free bread might be a good option for Crohn’s disease. However, some gluten-free breads may contain other ingredients that can trigger symptoms, so it’s important to read labels carefully. Where can I buy healthy bread online? At Wildgrain, we specialize in making high-quality, fresh breads that are delivered directly to your door. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for breads, rolls, pastries, and fresh pastas. Some of our popular breads include whole wheat sourdough, plain sourdough loaf and rye sourdough loaf. Learn more about Wildgrain and our artisanal baking and cooking methods.  About the Author Dr. Jorge has been a public health researcher for many years, holding both a Bachelor's degree and a Ph.D. in Chemistry. They presently work as a medical writer and love being able to assist others in understanding various health and scientific topics. 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Best High-Protein Foods for Bulking

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Best Bread for GERD

Best Bread for GERD

By Lucy Yanckello, Ph.D. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen subscription box for sourdough breads, fresh pastas, and artisanal pastries. If you love a warm, comforting slice of bread but gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) keeps getting in the way of you enjoying it, you’re definitely not the only one. The good news is that with a little know-how, you can choose breads that support your digestion instead of stirring up symptoms. Let’s break down which loaves tend to be gentler on the stomach so you can enjoy every bite without the painful consequences. What is the best diet for GERD? Can you eat bread with GERD?  The best diet for GERD leans heavily on whole-grains, lean proteins, nonacidic fruits and vegetables, and smaller meals. It is also important to avoid high-fat or highly acidic foods to keep symptoms at bay. Just as we discussed in our Best Breads for Acid Reflux and Heartburn article, you can absolutely eat bread with GERD, but which bread, and how much, matters. 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However, traditional bagels are usually made from refined white flour and are very dense. These large portions can sit heavily in the stomach increasing gastric pressure and aggravating reflux symptoms. Guidance on GERD diets generally recommends limiting refined grains and opting for high fiber options in smaller portions. So, if you are going to enjoy a bagel, your best bet to keep symptoms at bay is a whole-grain or whole-wheat bagel with a light topping. Try eating the bagel as part of a balanced meal rather than a stand alone carb heavy meal.  Is toast ok for GERD? What can I put on toast for GERD? Toast is a viable option for those with GERD, especially if you choose the right bread and toppings. Whole grain toast is higher in fiber and is less likely to trigger symptoms than refined white bread. For toppings, opt for simple things such as a thin spread of nut butter, mashed avocado with a drizzle of olive oil, or a thin spread of low-fat yogurt and banana slices. Be careful to avoid high-fat and high-acidity options to avoid aggravating GERD.  Can I eat bread and butter with GERD? You can eat bread and butter with GERD, but it is important to pay attention to the ingredients and the way it is prepared. Whole-grain bread is the best choice because it is higher in fiber and likely won’t trigger GERD symptoms. Butter, on the other hand, is high in saturated fat. High fat foods are known to trigger GERD symptoms. Instead of butter, opt for light or plant based margarine which is lower in fat. If you absolutely must have butter, make sure to keep the butter thin and keep your portions modest. Is sourdough bread acidic? Is sourdough bread ok for GERD? Sourdough bread is technically acidic because of the lactic and acetic acids produced during fermentation, but this same fermentation makes it easier to digest than other breads. Some people still experience reflux from sourdough, especially if it is made from refined flour or eaten in large portions, so it isn’t universally trigger free. However, for most people with GERD, a true long-fermented whole-grain sourdough is often a well-tolerated option.  Is whole wheat bread ok for GERD? You can eat whole-wheat bread if you have GERD, and it is one of the better bread options for those suffering from GERD. Whole-grain breads offer more fiber which helps digestion and may reduce reflux symptoms. As to not trigger symptoms, aim for modest portions and be sure the first ingredient in the bread you are eating is truly a whole-grain flour.  Is rye bread ok for GERD? Rye bread can fit into a GERD-friendly diet. Rye bread is naturally higher in fiber which slows digestion, making it a gentler option than white bread for those managing reflux. It is also important to consider that rye can be dense and fermentable, which means eating a large portion all at once can lead to extra gas or discomfort. Be sure to keep portions limited and toppings light. What is the best bread for GERD? Which bread is the most friendly for GERD? The best bread for GERD is the one that you enjoy the most that does not trigger symptoms. However, opting for whole-grain or whole-wheat breads is often the safest bet because they offer higher fiber, slower digestion, and fewer trigger traits often found in refined white breads. Slow-fermented sourdough and rye breads are also strong choices, as the fiber content and preparation methods make digestion easier and less likely to trigger symptoms. In short, opt for whole-grain, choose modest portions, and keep toppings light!  Where can I buy healthy bread online? At Wildgrain, we specialize in making high-quality, fresh breads that are delivered directly to your door. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for breads, rolls, pastries, and fresh pastas. Some of our popular breads include whole wheat sourdough, plain sourdough loaf and rye sourdough loaf. Learn more about Wildgrain and our artisanal baking and cooking methods.  About the Author Lucy Yanckello received her Ph.D. in nutrition from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. She currently works as a medical writer and enjoys being able to help people better understand nutrition and science. This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns.

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