Ask Ayurveda

FREE! Ask Ayurvedic Doctors 24/7

Get expert answers from certified doctors anytime

Fast responses
1000+ verified doctors
/
/
/
does poha increase blood sugar
Nutrition
Question #23945
362 days ago
658

does poha increase blood sugar - #23945

Anna
FREE

I am really puzzled about something! I love having poha for breakfast, but I’ve been keeping an eye on my blood sugar since my doctor mentioned that I might be pre-diabetic last month. I’ve cut down on a lot of carbs and stuff but, honestly, I can't resist that fluffy, spiced poha! 😩 The other day, I had a particularly big serving, and then I felt kind of off afterward. Like, my energy dipped and it was super weird. I’m just wondering, does poha increase blood sugar? I read somewhere that rice can spike blood sugar levels, but I thought poha was different since it's flattened rice... but now I'm doubting myself. Could it really be affecting my levels that much? Also, should I be pairing it with something, like protein or fiber, to balance it out? Or maybe I should just let it go altogether? If there are alternatives, I’m all ears! I just want to make sure I’m doing the right thing here. Thanks for any advice!

Question is closed
Writing an explanation of your symptoms through Ayurveda...
Analyzing through Ayurvedic framework0%

Doctors' responses

Poha, made from flattened rice, can indeed affect blood sugar levels; its impact can vary based on portion size and how it’s prepared. Typically, being made from rice, poha does contain carbohydrates, which can cause a rise in blood sugar. It’s similar to rice in that sense, though some people might experience different spikes based on how their body responds.

Since you mentioned having a large serving, it’s possible that the quantity contributed to the energy dip you experienced. One way to mitigate that is by incorporating some additional ingredients that slow down the carb absorption and balance insulin response. You can try adding vegetables like peas or carrots, and even top it off with some nuts or seeds. This increases the fiber and healthy fat content, which might reduce the blood sugar spike.

Considering your pre-diabetic status, pairing poha with protein like boiled eggs, paneer, or even some chickpeas can be beneficial. Protein helps in regulating the release of glucose into your bloodstream, so this could help manage those weird energy dips you mentioned.

If you’re looking for alternatives or variations, you can try using red or brown rice poha instead, which have a lower glycemic index than white rice poha. As for completely letting go of poha, that may not be necessary unless you notice it’s consistently causing issues. Moderation, rather than elimination, might be the key.

Keep an eye on how you feel after meals and monitor your blood sugar levels closely. If poha causes consistent spikes, consult with an endocrinologist or a nutritionist for personalized advice. Don’t ignore the doctor’s advice, and maintain any other dietary adjustments recommended for your pre-diabetes.

13656 answered questions
30% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies

About our doctors

Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


How to lose weight with an Ayurvedic diet if I eat a lot due to anxiety?
What is the difference between turbinado sugar and white sugar, and how does sharkara sugar compare?
Can I take supplements for weight gain while breastfeeding my 1.5-year-old baby?
How to lose 10-15 kg after colorectal cancer treatment at 65 years old?
Is it healthy to cook chicken with yogurt or should I use tomatoes instead?
Can I eat muska paav with black tea after having sukha bombil and sukkat gravy?
How to gain weight at 30 years old with low body fat and visible bones?
Is soaking Chia seeds in water really beneficial as Dr. Oz claims?
What is the best powder to increase height for children aged 15 to 20 years?
How to lose weight quickly without a diet plan?
What fruits should a pitta vata person eat after Panchakarma, and when is the best time to consume them?
How to use Divy weight go for weight loss if I weigh 95 kg and want to reach 60-65 kg?
How to lose weight after pregnancy when I can't exercise and my weight is 93kg?
Can I eat muska paav with black tea after having sukha bombil and sukkat gravy?
What diet should a 49-year-old woman with high BP, high cholesterol, fatty liver, and diabetes eat, and is morning ghee beneficial?
How to gain weight at age 52 with poor digestion and low water intake?
Can I make a daily drink with Safed Musli, Ashwagandha, and other ingredients for better health?
How to lose weight at 19 with fat in all body parts like hips, breasts, and inner thighs?
How to use Ashwagandha in baking recipes for bread and cookies?
What is the easiest to digest whole grain for a 54-year-old vegan who has trouble with healthy grains?
How to gain weight with low fat tolerance and fatty liver disease?
How to use Ayurvedic remedies for glowing skin and overall health in my daily diet at 42 years old?
Is it safe to eat soaked chia seeds and drink cucumber juice every day?
What are the best supplements for a breastfeeding mother to maintain wellness, and can I take Krishna’s Thyrocare Juice or Patanjali Thyrogrit while breastfeeding?
How to lose weight with diet if I have fibroids and weigh 74 kg at 5 feet 5 inches?
How to gain weight if my blood tests are normal but I'm still very thin?
How to gain weight when I have a fast metabolism at 20 years old?
Is it good for health to take 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of ghee together?
How to use Satavari for weight gain during breastfeeding and how long can I take it?
How to use saunf, jeera, coriander, ajwain, and meethi seeds with lime and honey daily?
How to use Tulsi seeds for digestive health and parasite cleansing?
Is Baidyanath apple cider vinegar better for weight loss, and is it safe to use for this purpose?
How to gain weight with a strong appetite and Vata Pitta prakriti?
Can I mix oven roasted sunflower seeds with roasted pumpkin seeds and eat them daily?
Can I eat yogurt with bitter gourd, and how long after eating bitter gourd can I have yogurt?
Can I give honey to my child and how much is safe for children and diabetics?
How to gain 6 kg weight in 6 months after losing weight from workouts and diet at 54 years old?
How to use navel oiling for fast weight loss and brighter skin at 17?
How to quickly increase my 2.5-year-old child's hemoglobin level from 10?
How to use a blend of Moringa, Brahmi, Shatavari, Ashwagandha, and other powders for general health?
What are the benefits of using ajwain in cooking and how does it affect health?
Is it safe to use curd with chicken and fish in Ayurveda?
Can I drink Harad with milk for skin whitening without harming my hair?
How to plan 3 meals with greens, beetroot, eggs, fish, bitter gourd, curds, and millet without causing viruddham?
How to increase height and weight for a 19-year-old girl who is 147 cm tall and weighs 34 kg?
How to use ashwagandha and safed musli together for health benefits?
Is it safe to give Aravindhasavam syrup to my 2-year-old baby who is underweight?
What medications do you recommend for weight loss, fat burning, and cholesterol control?
How to increase weight and height for a 17-year-old with low weight?
How to use Alfa Alfa tonic for weight gain during periods?
Can I give moringa powder to my 13-year-old daughter for height growth?
How to gain weight if I'm 18 years old and weigh only 37 kg?
What foods are good for liver health and free from MSG and GMOs to prevent gallstones?
How to help my 18-month-old daughter gain weight when she's eating well but not gaining?
How to gain weight with anjeer and what are other effective methods?
Is it recommended to have almond milk for breakfast every day if I'm a Pitta-Vata with Vata imbalance?
Can I drink yogurt lassi after eating jackfruit?
How to use Darakshav tonic and what precautions should I take with it at 23 years old?
How to gain weight safely without side effects and improve skin health?
How to increase height for a 15-year-old girl who is 139 cm tall?
How to balance hypoglycemia with a pitta diet without eating eggs?
How to gain weight with a fast metabolism at 20 years old?
How to help my 21-month-old child gain weight and reduce frequent potty after eating?
How to gain weight healthily with Ayurveda without side effects?
How to lose weight after menopause for a 53-year-old woman on a vegan diet?
How to help my overweight 15-year-old son control his appetite and boost metabolism?
What is the best breakfast for a NEET aspirant who wants to lose fat and has gut issues like constipation and hair fall?
What are the benefits of drinking water with cinnamon sticks, hot or cold, and overnight in coffee?
Can I cook bitter gourd with raw mango, and is this combination safe?
Is it safe to mix different types of millets for sprouting and making powder?
What is the best time to eat fresh fruit and how long should I wait before having dairy?
How to lose weight fast for a 17-year-old girl using Ayurvedic options?
Can I eat dosa, idli, and upma in moderation if I have high diabetes and high cholesterol?
What foods can help boost metabolism and reduce belly fat naturally?
How to choose between Ashwagandha root powder and extract powder?
What can I eat for high cholesterol and fatty liver at 48 years old?
When should a diabetic person consume panner phool, before or after meals?
What type of food should I eat to heal ulcers and abdominal scar tissue with chronic high BP, cholesterol, and diabetes?
How to lose weight and inches when I'm feeling bloated and my stomach is full?
How to use Kali Mirch, Baheda, and Magpipal powder for weight loss — should I take it after meals or on an empty stomach?
How to create an Ayurvedic meal plan for Kapha-Pitta with high Vata after Panchakarma treatment?
Is it safe to eat curd with seeds and oats in the morning?
How to reduce belly fat with Ayurveda for someone with a sedentary IT job?
Is golden milk with turmeric and ghee good for a 17-year-old pitta dosha boy at night?
How to gain weight and muscle at 35 years old, and when should I eat fruits for better results?
Is a peanut and decaf coffee blend with oat milk a good protein drink for older Vata types in warm South India?
How to lose weight, improve hair growth, and get fair skin while studying at home?
What are the benefits of fennel seeds and how to make fennel water for weight loss?
How to mask the bitter taste of a powder in my protein shake?
How to feed my autistic child with fatty liver who refuses to exercise and has lost weight from 110 to 96 kilos?
How to use Haritaki for daily health and what is the proper dosage?
How long can I safely take fenugreek water and soaked seeds for digestion and blood sugar regulation?
How to measure 1 spoon of ghee and honey accurately?
How to gain muscle as a 53-year-old vegetarian bodybuilder?
How can a 23-year-old girl gain weight safely and effectively?
How to increase height at 19 years old for girls with a height of 150 cm?
How to gain weight naturally at 20 years old when I'm underweight and eating well?
How to lose weight with PCOD on a budget for a married woman?
Can I eat seeds and nuts daily without digestive issues if I feel overloaded?
How to increase appetite and gain weight after delivery when nothing seems to help?

Doctors online

Latest reviews

Landon
1 hour ago
Such clear and insightful advice! Thanks for breaking down all possibilities and suggesting both medical and Ayurvedic options. Feels reassuring!
Such clear and insightful advice! Thanks for breaking down all possibilities and suggesting both medical and Ayurvedic options. Feels reassuring!
Rae
1 hour ago
Thanks for the in-depth response! Really helpful to have everything explained so clearly. Feeling a lot more at ease now! 😊
Thanks for the in-depth response! Really helpful to have everything explained so clearly. Feeling a lot more at ease now! 😊
Mckenzie
8 hours ago
This answer was super helpful! The explanation was detailed and really made sense of my symptoms. Appreciate the recommendation to see a specialist too!
This answer was super helpful! The explanation was detailed and really made sense of my symptoms. Appreciate the recommendation to see a specialist too!
Millie
12 hours ago
This was super helpful! Thanks for explaining it so clearly and breaking it all down step by step. I feel way more confident about mixing these now.
This was super helpful! Thanks for explaining it so clearly and breaking it all down step by step. I feel way more confident about mixing these now.