Blood Sugar Balance for Optimal Hormones
Did you know your hormones are dependent on steady blood sugar levels? Blood sugar balance might just be the key to optimal hormones!
The Importance of Blood Sugar Balance
Blood sugar balance, or regulation, is necessary for all bodily functions. It is at the root of human physiology. Blood sugar levels especially affect energy production, mood and brain function, immunity, and… hormonal balance. Yep, that’s right. The state of your blood sugar levels directly influences your hormones!
In fact, many health conditions that are commonly believed to be caused by hormonal imbalances are actually often due to blood sugar imbalances. These conditions include:
- PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)
- Autoimmunity
- Thyroid disorders
- Diabetes
Every case is bioindividual. And, some of these conditions can be genetic. But, in many cases, blood sugar dysregulation plays a role. Note: imbalanced blood sugar can initiate a vicious cycle. While imbalanced blood sugar can cause these health conditions, individuals with them are more vulnerable to imbalanced blood sugar levels.
Signs of Imbalanced Blood Sugar
Do you have imbalanced blood sugar levels? You can determine the state of your blood sugar through symptom analysis or glucose testing. Symptom analysis is a free and effective strategy when suspecting blood sugar imbalances. These are the common symptoms:
- Tiredness/fatigue especially after meals
- Lightheadedness
- Dizzy
- Shakey
- Headaches
- Craving sugar
- Frequently waking up at night
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Acne
- And more
As previously mentioned, imbalanced blood sugar affects every aspect of your health, which is why it should be taken seriously. When blood sugar imbalances become chronic, they can lead to further unwanted health conditions regarding your immune system, endocrine system, neurological system, and more.
How to Balance Blood Sugar Levels
Blood sugar levels have a powerful effect on the function of the entire body, including your hormones. Fortunately, there are many natural ways to help support healthy blood sugar levels at home.
- Prioritize protein, fat, and fiber with meals. Aim to consume 25-30g protein at each meal. And, the quality of your food sources matter. Look for grass-fed and pasture-raised meats and eggs, wild-caught seafood, sprouted grains, and organic produce.
- Eat a protein-rich breakfast. Again, aim to consume 25-30g of protein at breakfast alone. High sources of breakfast protein include: pastured eggs, sausage, and bacon, high quality protein powder and collagen, and grass-fed yogurt.
- When eating snacks, combine protein and fiber. This winning combination will increase satiety and energy until your next meal. Examples include: grass-fed yogurt and fruit, turkey slices and carrots, hummus and veggies, and dates and nut butter.
- Manage stress. Believe it or not, stress negatively affects your blood sugar levels and hormonal balance. Effectively manage stress- emotional, mental, and physical- to maintain healthy blood sugar levels and achieve optimal hormones.
- Sleep 7-9 hours at night. Adequate, quality sleep is necessary for blood sugar balance. In a society that struggles to sleep 7 hours per night, it’s no wonder blood sugar levels are chronically imbalanced. Sleep is a top priority for your hormonal health.
- Eat complex, whole food carbs. Simple carbs will spike your blood sugar quicker and easier than complex carbs. Examples of complex carbs include: sprouted oats, sweet potato, and brown rice.
- Use a Continuous Glucose Monitor. This is my favorite glucose monitor to keep an eye on blood sugar levels. It helps you determine which foods cause your blood sugar to spike or dip.
I’m launching a group program called the “Blood Sugar Base Camp.” It’s a four week intensive to help you learn to master your blood sugar balance in order to improve your hormonal symptoms. This program includes 2 Continuous Glucose Monitors from NutriSense to provide the information that is individualized to you.
Are you ready to balance your blood sugar for the sake of your hormones? Click here to learn more.
