What is “Blood Sugar”?  Everything that we eat or drink is digested. The digestion process simply breaks down food and drink into component parts so that they may be absorbed as vitamins, minerals, fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Everything we ingest, including fruits, vegetables, bread, grains, and meat, is converted to the sugar glucose in our bodies. Glucose is used by our cells (via insulin and cortisol) in our bodies for energy to perform daily functions.  Glucose is simply, “blood sugar”.  When our blood sugar levels are normal, the levels gently rise and fall as food is digested.  Proper blood sugar function means we are maintaining a good insulin/glucose/cortisol balance in our bodies.





So What Goes Wrong?  Unfortunately, there are many ways our blood sugar system can become imbalanced, emotional stress, poor diet, lack of exercise and lack of rest, just to name a few.  Symptoms are varied, but usually someone who suffers from blood sugar imbalance experiences increased appetite, food cravings, fatigue, and drowsiness shortly after eating a meal.  There are other possible symptoms as well, most of which are produced due to an excess of insulin or cortisol in our blood.  These imbalances can be Hyperglycemia, blood sugar (glucose) is too high; Hypoglycemia, blood sugar (glucose) is too low; Oppositic Syndrome (Dysinsulinism, SyndromeX), blood sugar (glucose) runs too high and low throughout the day.  No single type is worse than another, and all of them can be corrected within a few short weeks of proper nutrition.





Correcting Blood Sugar Regulation:  A specific nutritional regimen is the cornerstone for correcting blood sugar, and it may take two to six weeks to achieve complete balance of the blood sugar system.  A some few vitamins, minerals, or other supplements may be recommended by your Health Coach.  During the first few days of the “blood sugar diet” you may experience irritability, excessive hunger, and even cravings for processed foods and sugar.  After the third or fourth day, these symptoms will reduce and you’ll feel a sense of clarity, energy and well-being that you may not have ever felt before!  Take note: this is what being healthy feels like!  You’ll have to avoid many foods during this period, however, once the body’s blood sugar system has been restored to full function, occasional “fattening” foods can be eaten without consequence to your health or to your waistline!

 

Some conditions helped by Regulating Your Blood Sugar:



Food Allergies (contact and inhaled)

Blood Sugar Imbalances, Diabetes

Arthritis

High Blood Pressure

Asthma

Headaches

Chronic Pain and Inflammation

Learning Disabilities

Hyperactivity/Attention Deficit

Chronic Digestive Disorders

Sinusitis

Candidiasis

Fibromyalgia

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

Obesity

Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism

Menstrual Difficulties & Infertility



 

I recommend you contact your Doctor if you suspect you’re suffering from a blood sugar imbalance or diabetes.  Your Physician may refer you to an Endocrinologist or Health Coach for testing and ultimately treatment if you are found to need further support.



Thanks to Brett Saks for contributing this article to our Diabetes blog:

Information On Type 1 Diabetes