|
Blood
sugar imbalance is a condition where the body is
unable to adequately handle the sugar in the
blood due to too many sugary or carbohydrate
rich foods, or because the insulin has been
overworked.
In
normal situations, carbohydrates are broken down
into glucose which enters the bloodstream to be
transported into cells to be used as energy.
Insulin counteracts glucose by keeping it in
balance; any excess glucose is stored in the
muscles and liver where it can be released when
blood sugar levels drop. Once these storage
sites are full, excess glucose is stored as fat.
Foods
high in refined carbohydrates such as white
bread, white pasta, cakes, refined breakfast
cereals, biscuits, sweets, chocolate and alcohol
are broken down very quickly into glucose which
causes a sugar spike and rush of energy. However
this effect is not lasting and high levels of
insulin are produced to counteract this.
As
the glucose is quickly removed from the
bloodstream, blood sugar levels then drop again,
but too quickly leaving the brain and body
tired, irritable and lacking in concentration,
with strong cravings to replace our lost
glucose.
Stimulants
such as caffeine, sweets and even cigarettes can
stimulate blood sugar imbalances. Alcohol in
particular, especially on an empty stomach can
trigger sudden drops in blood sugar levels.
If
blood sugar levels are continuously high, the
body finds it harder to keep producing the
necessary levels of insulin. This means that
glucose is more likely to be stored as fat
instead of used as energy, you become tired
easily and there is a risk of Type 2 diabetes.
-
Symptoms
of blood sugar imbalance:
-
Sleepiness
after eating
-
Mood
swings and irritability
-
Lack
of concentration and brain fog
-
Frequent
urination
-
Cravings
for sweet things
-
Palpitations
-
Headaches
-
Hot
flushes
Eating
complex carbohydrates, more protein and
healthier snacks slow down the rate at which
glucose enters the bloodstream and therefore the
release of insulin.
Speak
to Samantha our Nutritional Consultant to find
out how to balance your blood sugar, stop
cravings, lose weight and have more energy.
|
