Blood Sugar Balance

Prevention of Blood Sugar Issues

Elevated Cortisol and Blood Sugar Levels – Is That You?
Cortisol plays a major role in our metabolism and the functioning of the endocrine and nervous systems. Due to high stress levels more people are experiencing adrenal exhaustion, blood sugar imbalances, belly weight gain, and overall fatigue. Is that you? New laboratory blood and salivary tests are becoming popular to determine cortisol, DHEA, and sex steroid levels for treatment plans by your health care practitioner.

What is the endocrine system?
The endocrine system consists of nine major glands: the adrenals, pancreas, parathyroid, pineal, pituitary, the thymus, thyroid, and male and female sex glands. These glands secrete hormones that are released into the bloodstream to regulate all systems of the body. The adrenal glands and their secretions regulate metabolism and maintain proper levels of potassium and sodium in the blood. The most important function of the pancreas is to produce insulin, the hormone that breaks down glucose. When the adrenal glands and pancreas weaken, often due to high stress or excessive  ingestion of caffeine, sugar, starches, antidepressants, alcohol, or nicotine, one can experiences low energy (especially after eating), stress intolerance, blood sugar fluctuations, emotional instability, and anxiety.

Cortisol – Adrenal Stress Hormone
Cortisol is an adrenal stress hormone that is released during times of physical and emotional stress. It prepares the body for action by increasing blood pressure and heart rate, mobilizing stored fat, breaking down muscle and bone, suppressing the immune system, increasing appetite, and lessening insulin sensitivity, whereby more fat is stored. When under constant stress, cortisol levels can remain elevated without returning to normal, the energy in the body is diverted and the liver fails to get energy necessary for healthy digestion and detoxification. (Some people are so used to being stressed they don’t know what it feels like not to be.)

Elevated Cortisol and Blood Sugar                                                                             
Cortisol increases appetite for carbohydrates and fats which can elevate levels of blood sugar, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides (Refer to cholesterol article.) High blood sugar and insulin resistance is a growing concern today. Type II diabetes, brain fog, lack of mental focus and stamina, depression, irritability, and fatigue can result. Many people have uncontrollable cravings for sugars, sweets, bread, soda pop, alcohol, or nicotine – an excess of which can be detrimental. To balance the blood sugar and reduce cravings for these substances, it is vital to reduce cortisol levels by nourishing the adrenals and strengthen the pancreas for improved digestion. A healthy diet that includes high-fiber carbohydrates and a low glycemic index results in a smaller increase in glucose and insulin and improves carbohydrate metabolism. Refer to Beneficial Foods for dietary suggestions.

Quick summary and solutions in sight.
Constant pressure is felt by young and old. Small wonder that cortisol levels are high, GERD, diabetes and obesity are on the rise, and depression and anxiety are becoming common ‘medicated’ disorders. What do we do to achieve a better balance and homeostasis?

Detox-It Kit
This is a one week cleanse specific for lowering cholesterol and balancing blood sugar levels.

Daily Detox-It Smoothie

Stress Support (New Chapter)
Whole food multiple vitamin, mineral and herbal complex that promotes stress reduction and decreased cortisol levels.*
Suggested use: Take 3 daily.

Cal Mag (New Chapter)
Whole food herbal probiotic nutrient complex provides a balanced, bioavailable calcium and magnesium formula by combining synergistic herbs and superfoods, offering valuable naturally occurring trace minerals with probiotic nutrients.
Suggested use: Take 3 daily.

Omega 30+ Fish Oil (The Herbalist) Omega-3 Oils are essential for support of cardiovascular system, balancing cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels.*
Suggested use: Take 2 to 4 daily with meals.

Chromium picolinate (The Herbalist) Controls blood sugar levels, improves action of insulin, helps body use fat as a fuel and helps reduce bad cholesterol, triglycerides, weight and obesity.*
Suggested use: Take 200 mcg 1 to 3 times daily.

Glucose Response (The Herbalist)
This supplement can be used as part of your diet to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels.* Contains fenugreek, chromium, and other ingredients that support the mediation of insulin release and activity. *
Suggested use: Take 1 - 2 tabs 3 times daily before meals.

Cinnamon bark (New Chapter) By stimulating insulin receptors and increasing their sensitivity, Cinnamon significantly increases cellular capacity for glucose utilization, useful for Type II diabetes.* It also reduces LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.*
Suggested use: Take 150 mg. 2 to 4 times daily or take ½ tsp. - 1 tsp. powder (mix in apple sauce).

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) (Now Vitamins) A form of l-tryptophan, it increases levels of serotonin in the brain which promotes a happy mental outlook and improves sleep, and depression.* Curbs cravings for high glycemic carbohydrates.*
Suggested use: Take 50 mg. 1 to 4 times daily.

CoQ10 - 50mgs. (The Herbalist) Important co-enzyme for support of cardiovascular health.*
Suggested use: Take 100 to 200 mgs daily.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.