Each of
us is formed physically by some 63 trillion cells. Each cell is an intelligent,
thinking being, so intricate that even a full life of study would not reveal all
its secrets. How the body maintains balance functioning between all cells is amazing.
Let's explore just one aspect of that integrated function, the all-important aspect
of blood sugar stabilization.
Blood Sugar Regulation
Within each of us there are a thousand self-regulatory "thermostats".
Like a series of ever-adjusting "on-off" switches, regulating uncounted
internal balances. These "thermostats" maintain water within and outside
of cells, hormone levels, temperature, blood pressure, blood nutrients, blood
sugar and a myriad of other critical internal balances.
The maintenance
of precise levels of blood sugar provides fuel to each of our cells on a second-to-second
basis and the effects of blood sugar dysregulation are profound. Excursions into
both low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (diabetes) stress all
cells and immediately threaten full functioning. With low blood sugar one feels
weak, irritable and craves sweets and often salt, as the cells run out of fuel.
In high blood sugar, excessive blood sugar leaves the diabetic feeling sluggish,
tired, and worse yet, high blood sugar actually damages cells and can lead to
life-threatening infections and blindness. Both low and high blood sugar are caused
largely by dietary factors and both can be corrected, or better yet, prevented
by proper dietary management. In short, problems of blood sugar dysregulation
are often unnecessary.
The Six Step Program
Most
often problems associated with blood sugar originate in the excessive consumption
of food and drinks that are easily converted into sugar (like sweets, sugar, bread,
sodas, chocolate, candy, and processed carbohydrates) or from the intake of stimulants
that trigger hormonal signals which increase blood sugar (as caffeine and nicotine).
With such intakes, blood sugar quickly rises and either stays high (in diabetes)
or is lowered too quickly (in hypoglycemia). Stable blood sugar, not too high
or too low, is one of the most important keys to physical and emotional well being.
Here's your clinically proven program for blood sugar stabilization.
Implementing it will yield clear and immediate benefits!
1. Eat regular
meals (and snacks, if necessary) of fresh, whole foods. Eat at least 3-4 cups
of low carbohydrate vegetables per day with adequate protein, as needed. Do not
skip meals!
2. Substitute fruit and/or crackers or pretzels for baked
goods, candy and sweets.
3. Drink plenty of pure water, herb tea and
a bit of fresh juice while avoiding sodas and caffeine.
4. Take time
to consume a protein snack in the afternoon. A little tuna, humus, almond butter
or egg salad on crackers works well. Avoid using coffee, sodas, or sugary foods
as a pick-me-up from the "3 p.m. slump". Rest a bit in the afternoon,
if necessary.
5. Use daily, a broad spectrum vitamin/mineral which includes
200 mcg of chromium, and a full range of all other essential nutrients.
6. Reduce your production of stress hormones by practicing relaxation, stress
reduction and playful physical exercises. Meditating 20 minutes twice a day is
helpful.
All of these steps will help maintain good blood sugar level and
will help create a healthy relationship between blood sugar and bones.
See
the Blood Sugar Curve for additional information.
Extracted from our book, Better
Bones Better Body (Keats 2000) by our Director, Susan E. Brown,
Ph.D., CCN
