Blood sugar plays a huge role when it comes to our bodies. Blood sugar isn’t just known for causing diabetes or insulin resistance. To begin with, blood sugar plays a role in body weight regulations. High or low blood sugar levels can fluctuate if a person gains or loses weight. Diet and exercise promote healthier blood sugar levels and can make a difference in regulation.
What does blood sugar do?
Our bodies and cells rely on blood glucose to provide the energy that is necessary to sustain one’s bodily functions. Blood sugars enter the cells to be stored with the help of the hormone, insulin. Insulin is known as the fat storage hormone, as it can promote the storing of excess energy as fat. This excess energy can result in weight gain OR make it more difficult to lose weight.
Let’s dive a little deeper into the topic of insulin. This hormone is produced naturally in our bodies. Its main role is to allow cells throughout the body to absorb glucose and sugar and then convert it to a form that can be used by these cells for energy. It is made by beta cells in the pancreas. Unless you have diabetes, when you start eating the beta cells sense the sugar or other carbohydrates in the blood and release the right amount of insulin necessary to help maintain one’s normal blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance occurs when the body is constantly trying to lower blood sugar levels, which causes circulating insulin to remain high. This is typically seen in people with higher body weight and body fat as the body pumps out more of the fat storage hormone than normal.
The effect on weight
Generally speaking, as you learn more about blood sugar levels, it can provide good insight to your total overall health. The goal would be to avoid extreme highs or lows, while aiming for balanced blood sugars, which in the end could affect your weight.
The effect on skin
Aging and wrinkles go hand in hand, especially as it comes to blood sugar levels. Most people do not even realize that blood sugar difficulties and bad insulin levels can accelerate the aging process, which in turn causes wrinkles.
Diets high in sugar can damage elastin and collagen molecules in the skin, which can increase wrinkles and sagging. AGEs, advanced glycation end-products that are present in food like red meat, dairy, and mayonnaise, have shown through research to accelerate the effects of aging as a result of combining sugars and proteins. Glycation, the process where excess sugar molecules attach themselves to collagen fibers can cause sagging skin, wrinkles, and deep lines. In the end this causes the fibers to lose their flexibility, as well as their strength. With all this occurring in the body, your skin becomes less elastic and more vulnerable to sagging, fine lines, and sun damage.
Blood sugars truly can play a part in your weight, as well as the aging process. The best thing you can do is watch what you eat and exercise. These are the two biggest pieces that will create and promote healthier blood sugar levels.
Looking for a great way to change your diet? Take the first step in a lifestyle change with the Pure 21 Wellness Challenge.
Best foods that help lower and control blood sugar:
- Sweet potatoes and yams
- Fruits
- Apples, avocados, blackberries, blueberries, grapefruit, grapes, peaches, plums, raspberries, and strawberries
- Veggies
- Dark leafy greens and non-starchy veggies, such as broccoli, onions, mushrooms, zucchini, celery, and brussel sprouts
- Oatmeal and oat bran
- Whole wheat bread
- Raw nuts and seeds
- Legumes
- Beans, chickpeas, lentils
- Fatty fish
- Salmon and fish oil capsules
- Greek and unsweetened yogurt
