What Happens When Blood Sugar Levels Fluctuate

November 24, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Blood sugar is the measurement of glucose in the blood. Normal blood sugar is essential to living a vigorous and happy existence. It is also good to note that most body tissues depend on blood sugar for their energy, especially the nerves and the brain. A normal blood sugar level is somewhere between 70mg and 150mg. An abnormal blood sugar level is a number that falls above or below the aforementioned numbers.

The fact is that blood sugar levels do fluctuate in the body; always with the aim of balance. You will find the levels at their highest just after you have eaten and lower when you are hungry.

When they are at lower levels, you will often find that you may be dizzy, irritable, or have a headache. While these bouts of low blood sugar levels are experienced by everyone, the problem is more prevalent in people with diabetes who use insulin. The use of too much insulin can send more glucose in the bloodstream than is needed. As a result the blood sugar levels plummet and this is known as hypoglycemia. If this is left unchecked it can lead to coma or even death.

On the opposite end of hypoglycemic is hyperglycemia or high blood glucose. This is a condition that develops when there is too much sugar in the blood. Again this is dangerous for people with diabetes. If a diabetic has hyperglycemia frequently or for long periods of time there can be damage to nerves, blood vessels and other body organs.

Other conditions that can occur as result of blood sugar levels being too high or too low are hyperinsulinism, functional hypoadrenia, and malabsorption. And because the nervous system is reliant upon sufficient sugar levels, many “nerve” conditions such as the inability to think, poor memory, depression, anxiety, moodiness, and even suicidal thoughts can develop.

As far as symptoms of imbalances blood sugar levels, they included:

  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Allergies
  • Shakiness
  • Numbness in arms and legs
  • Visual disturbances
  • Shortness in breath
  • Dizziness/ light headed
  • Sensitive to bright lights
  • Rheumatoid-type of pain
  • Backaches
  • Loss of libido
  • Emotional Sensitivity

It is important to take the time to understand how blood sugar levels are balanced in the body. By doing so you are able to note any symptoms and take action before the issue gets worse.
One of the best sources for taking care of blood sugar level imbalance is a proper diet. This diet should be high in fruits, vegetables, grains, and it is a wise choice to eat a good amount of the foods in raw form. You should also get exercise by taking a walk, playing with your kids, dancing or any other activity that you enjoy. In addition take the time to relax and release the stress of the day. Meditate, pray, read a good book, garden, journal, or do something that relaxes the mind.

Remember you do not have to be diabetic to have issues with an imbalance in your blood sugar levels. So pay attention to what your body is saying.

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Checklist – 7 Steps To Stop Sugar Cravings

November 17, 2008 By 1 Comment

Everyone has a craving at one time or another for some type of food. While having a craving is not a bad thing, in and of itself, what it leads to can cause stress and strain on the body that leads to disease and illness. One such craving is that for sugar.

To many people, sugar seems rather harmless but further research will show that it is a dangerous substance that causes havoc on the body. Sugar is a major craving for many people. With that said, how does one stop a sugar craving so that it does not get out of hand?

1. Stevia
The main thing you can do is not use sugar. If you don’t enjoy unsweetened foods, add a touch of the sweet herb Stevia or agave nectar to cereal or drinks. These are both very good all natural substitutes for sugar and they taste good too.

2. Protein
Sometimes when your body craves sweets it is a cry for something else, like protein. So try increasing your protein intake. Keep in mind that this is not true for everyone so, if having a bit of tuna or other protein does not help, then you need to consider other options.

3. Processed Carbs
Avoid processed carbohydrates. Items like white bread, white pasta, and white rice which are quickly converted to blood sugar, disrupt the body’s metabolic balance and fat-control systems. Processed carbs tend to make the body want something sweet and keeps it hungry as well.

4. Wait 10 Minutes
When a craving hits, wait about 10 minutes. While you wait, do something else like take a walk, grab a magazine and read that article you have been meaning to read, make a phone call and jabber for a few moments; do anything but grab those sweets.

5. Eat Whole Foods
Eat more whole foods. Fruit and vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains contain some naturally occurring sugars, but they also offer dietary fiber and important nutrients to help balance blood sugar.

6. Substitute Whole Fruits for Sweets
Substituting whole fruits for sweets really helps. The sugars in fruits are digested differently than the empty calories of white sugar that are in most sweet foods. The fiber in fruit also slows the absorption of the sugars so you don’t get as high a sugar rush followed by a low sugar crash.

7. Remove Temptations
Remove the temptations for your kitchen. Throw out all refined sugars, candies, cookies, pastries, artificial juices and anything that resembles sweets that are not whole and natural.

Sugar cravings are not good and in no way should one think that they are ok. However, you don’t have to beat yourself up if you are having a hard time getting rid of your craving.

Cravings are not easy to overcome. As with any addiction it is a process. However, if you want to rid your body and mind of any craving, it can be done. Your job is to take it one day, one step at a time and to just do it. Arm yourself with the knowledge you need and don’t just read it but apply it to your life as well.

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Raw Whole Foods for a Healthy Thanksgiving

November 13, 2008 By 2 Comments

RAW WHOLE FOODS FOR A HEALTHY THANKSGIVING

Thanksgiving in the United States is almost here.  We had our Canada Thanksgiving in October.

You may already be preparing a menu with your family favorites.  Many traditional dishes for turkey day are high-fat, high-sugar, and low in nutrition.  If you make a few subtle changes it can be a great improvement.

While traditional foods can bring a lot of comfort and happiness why not try to mix things up a bit this year by adding a few nutrient rich raw dishes? You can keep Thanksgiving familiar and fun while adding some healthier foods to the menu so that your whole family can reap the benefit of amazing raw foods.

Now might be a GREAT time to pick up the Raw Kids Recipes book and start creating new and healthy family traditions that the whole family will love. This recipe book has many recipes that would be a tasty addition to any Thanksgiving Feast too.

  • Since Persimmons are in season why not make the delicious Persimmon Pudding with a scoop of Raw Ice Cream?
  • The Mini Tomatoes with Pine Nut Cheese or the Mushroom Caps would make great appetizers.
  • The Imitation Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Chickpea Crunchies, and Almond Milk could replace regular mashed potatoes, steamed peas, and Egg Nog.

There are many ways to make this year’s celebration a whole lot healthier by adding delicious and nutritious raw food dishes! All you need to do is pick up the Raw Kids Recipes un-cookbook and make a commitment to better health!

Diana Walker, Cravings Coach

P.S.  Also check out my family’s Healthy Cashew Gravy Recipe Even though it is not raw, it is made with whole foods and is great for vegetarians and vegans.

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