Why glucose levels matter.

One of most common challenges I see in my practice is dysfunction and discomfort  due to Blood Sugar swings and imbalances.

Whether it is struggling to Conceive, Fatigue, Foggy Brain, Joint Pain, Anxiety and much more… The Core Challenge is the same.  The Cause however can be different for each person due to their genetics and epigenetics. (Diet and Lifestyle Factors).

We have some alarming data coming out of the last year plus.  Over 70% of Americans polled said they gain at least 25 pounds. Stress, Fear, Inactivity and Poor Diet choices led to this uptick which was already an alarming statistic. ( By 2030 50% of the USA will be Obese, meaning a BMI > 30.  Not chubby… Obese leading to  “Metabolic Disease” and poor Immune Health)

“The Future is already here and we are already late” John Legend

Keeping Blood Glucose Stable

Glucose is one of the two primary energy sources for our body, along with fat. Most of the glucose we use comes from foods we eat, primarily carbohydrates. Our body releases insulin to help shuttle glucose into our cells for energy or to storage for later use to keep our blood sugar at a base level. If we take in too much glucose—say, from carb-heavy or sugary foods—it can lead to a spike in blood sugar and a corresponding flood of insulin.

Paradoxically, in the short term, these spikes can lead to a blood sugar crash as all that insulin drops our glucose levels. We can feel that drop as fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, or irritability. Long-term, repeated spikes or elevated glucose can cause insulin resistance, as our cells become numb to insulin’s effects, and the body produces more insulin to overcome this.

Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance is perhaps the most common health concern in the U.S. and can factor in nearly all chronic conditions, including fertility challenges, heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. It also blocks our body’s ability to burn fat for energy and can increase the risk of obesity. In addition, insulin can stimulate the ovaries to make more testosterone, which can cause menstrual irregularity, as seen in polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Chronically high glucose can cause other problems as well, including inflammation and oxidative stress (an overabundance of damaging free radicals in the body).

In short, for optimal health, we want to make diet and lifestyle choices that support stable glucose levels. Being aware of what’s happening in our body, as it affects glucose and insulin control, can help. If you are a motivated by tech, then check out Levels. It is a CGM tool that tells you in real time how you are managing your metabolism.

Blood Sugar Support

• Olrpima DHA/EPA.  A source of good fat, support brain and decreases inflammation
• Gymnema. This Herb is known to help suppress sugar cravings
• Cataplex B. Supports stress and mitochondrial function
• Diaplex. A combination formula that supports Pancreatic function
• Cataplex GTF. Contains chromium which is know to support Blood Sugar Swings
• Insoitol. Is a B vitamin that is great for kids with a sweet tooth
• Livco. Liver function is key and it can get fatty when blood sugar is dysregulated

For more information on these high quality whole food supplements and how to buy them click the link; www.drpia.com

A Quick Menstrual Cycle Tip…

Research shows that glucose tends to be higher during the luteal phase post-ovulation due to progesterone’s effect on insulin. This means insulin isn’t as efficient at clearing glucose from your system, leading to higher circulating glucose.

Knowing that your body is more insulin resistant during the luteal phase (after ovulation) suggests it’s a good time to avoid carb-heavy or sugary foods and prioritize low-carb lots go veggies and whole foods for optimal metabolic health.

Making these changes will help with PMS, Heavy periods and PCOS. A healthy menstrual cycle is the best predictor of fertility health.

As always have a healthy week and I feel like we are a collective and we have impact on each other so we have to get healthier and help each other.

Best Dr Pia

P.S. I am going to stop yelling at the telly … all those fast food and drug commercials