Brain Benefits of Having Balanced Blood Sugar Levels
Today’s blog is all about sugar!
Ok, so maybe not the kind of sugar you originally thought about - but sugars in your blood.
Why should you pay attention to your blood sugar levels? Well, if you have diabetes, are worried about getting it in the future, are battling cancer, or want to stave off dementia, then blood sugar levels should be of great concern to you - and you probably already know this.
But what you may not realize is that you should also pay attention to your blood glucose levels if you are interested in optimizing your cognitive function or supporting the health of your brain!
So what is the connection between blood glucose levels and the brain? Well, let’s start with some of the most common complaints many of my clients have: poor sleep, zoning out, and irritability. These are all signs of neurofatigue.
It can feel impossible to function underneath brain fog, especially as a working individual and or parent. Many people miss the “good old days” of waking up and feeling energized.
If you have these same struggles, I’m sure you’ve done everything you can think of to battle your exhaustion, including routine workout classes and therapy sessions. But it doesn’t seem to go away.
If this sounds like you, I have one question for you… Have you checked your blood sugar levels lately?
There are many benefits of having and maintaining balanced blood sugar levels. The one that likely pops to mind, as previously mentioned, is to prevent diabetes. However, another, less obvious benefit is a refreshing feeling of “wide-awakedness.”
Keep reading to learn more about these benefits and how to better achieve balanced blood sugar levels.
Not Just for Diabetics
Even if you aren’t concerned about or have been diagnosed with diabetes, it’s essential to monitor and control your blood sugar levels.
Most of you reading this are thinking, “What are blood sugar levels, anyway?” Simply put, your blood glucose level identifies how much of certain types of sugar are dissolved in your blood.
Don’t get it too twisted! Glucose isn’t evil or a monster to be feared. Our body and cells need glucose for energy. In addition, any carbohydrate consumed converts into sugar within the body.
For example, many marathon runners ‘carb load’ before a big race. They eat large amounts of pasta, bread, and rice to get the energy they need to run long distances.
The problem comes along when we have unbalanced glucose levels that remain unbalanced for extended periods of time.
How do you know if your blood sugars are imbalanced? Low glucose levels cause dizziness or lightheadedness, while high blood sugar levels create sugar cravings and damage our blood vessels.
Though you may not be surprised by anything you read so far, that’s about to change…
By learning to balance your blood glucose levels, you're also improving your brain health!
Note: Before diving deeper into blood sugar levels, it’s important to remember a lack of focus and exhaustion can also stem from anxiety, ADHD, or other neurological disorders. Take a holistic approach by working with a team of professionals, such as a nutrition coach and a counsellor.
Better Focus
We’ve all struggled at times with focusing at work or school. The files can’t seem to organize themselves as we fidget with our pens or chat with passing coworkers.
While the occasional moment (or day) of poor focus is common and nothing to worry about, approach with caution if you notice yourself constantly struggling to pay attention to your tasks. That’s indicative of a deeper issue!
Our brains need glucose to function. Sugars are like a form of battery juice for mind power and focus. Low and fluctuating glucose levels cause us to forget simple tasks or be easily swayed by distractions.
Are you feeling distracted at work? Make sure you've eaten some complex carbs to power your brain!
Improved Energy
At the opposite end of the spectrum, blood sugar levels that are too high cause us to feel groggy, slow, and sloth-like. This affects your daily functioning and productivity levels, especially if you struggle with diabetes or obesity.
So if you’ve been feeling tired each day, it's time to take a deeper look at your neuronutrition. Are you frequently eating glucose bombs, such as cake and candy? Or are you balancing complex carbs with fresh vegetables and lean protein?
Don’t forget to pay attention to what you drink, as well. Most of us would do best consuming ample water or hot green tea, but we instead slurp down sugary energy drinks and lattes. Though we may get an initial boost from such treats, they spike our blood sugar levels then leave us craving more and worse off in the end.
So what should we do?
Keep our blood glucose levels steady all day! This can be attained by starting each day with a protein-packed breakfast (hold the carbs) and ensuring protein is part of each meal throughout the day.
By balancing your diet and sugar intake, you’ll find it easier to wake up in the morning and remain powered throughout the day. Lowering your intake of simple sugars also aids in decreased appetite and weight loss.
For delicious and nutritious recipes to help you get started with a proper balanced diet, be sure to check out these recipe e-books!
Mood Improvement
Improving brain health involves improving our emotional health. Feeling anxious and depressed interferes with our ability to think clearly. Intense depressive episodes even affect our memory.
Those diagnosed with diabetes often struggle with mood swings. Low glucose levels can cause people to feel confused or on edge. They might snap at others around them or feel hazy during everyday tasks.
On the other hand, too high glucose levels cause anxiety and excessive worry. You might feel jittery or overwhelmed while your blood sugars are elevated.
Stabilizing your blood sugar levels aids in controlling mood swings. You’ll end up feel more balanced and better able to handle obstacles throughout your day.
If you don’t believe it, invest time preparing healthy meal prep breakfast and lunches for your workdays. Notice how much better you feel after a week or so when dealing with difficult clients or nagging co-workers.
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Thank you for today’s session. It was rich in information and advice. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you also for these inspiring recipes. I also like the pantry revamp, so I will be doing a trip to Natures Fare tomorrow to stock up on a few new items. I am really looking forward to this journey with you.
—Therese (BRITISH COLUMBIA)
Tips for Balancing Blood Sugar Levels
You can make several lifestyle changes to better your brain health and balance your blood sugar levels.
The first step, as previously mentioned, is to ensure you consume adequate protein with each meal and snack. But what else can you do?
Guarantee you’re getting adequate exercise during the week. Don’t worry; this doesn’t mean you have to run a 5k every morning! Start slowly by taking evening walks in your neighbourhood or joining a friend at a Zumba class.
In addition to lowering your sugary food intake and focusing meals around protein, add fibre to your diet. Fibre is great for absorbing excess sugar and slowing down the digestion of carbs. Leafy green vegetables and legumes are excellent sources of fibre.
Finally, don’t neglect your stress! If you’ve been feeling stressed out lately, find and engage in hobbies that bring you peace. Try yoga, painting, writing, or photography. Whatever it is, spend some time engaging in something creative that brings you joy.
The Beauty of Balanced Blood Sugar Levels
Balancing our blood sugar levels brings more benefits than most people know. Balanced glucose levels improve our brain functioning, emotional health, and overall wellbeing.
Feel more focused and awake as you find a balance in your sugar levels. Try out nutritious meals to power yourself through the day. Your brain will thank you!
Are you looking for more nutritional guidance? Check out other guides on the site, and book your personal neuronutrition coaching services right here.
As always, I welcome your thoughts and value your feedback. Let me know what you think by dropping me a line or commenting below.
And if you haven’t already done so, please head on over to YouTube to join me there or sign up to receive my newsletters for more information about brain health, neuronutrition, lifestyle tips, and nutritional advice. Of course, if I can help you or a loved one with your nutritional needs, make an appointment to see me today!
[Medical Disclaimer]
Please consult with your doctor(s) before starting any new mental or physical health improvement program. The advice I offer is not intended to replace that of your medical practitioner. I am not a medical professional, nor am I qualified to diagnose, cure treat, or prevent disease. The advice I provide on this website is intended for a broad and diverse audience, and as such, deals with general lifestyle concepts, not specific healthcare advice. This material disclaims any liability or loss in connection with the advice expressed herein.