Maintaining stable blood sugar levels is critical not only for our overall physical health but also for the harmonious functioning of our hormonal system. The connection between blood sugars and hormone levels is often under-recognised. Therefore, understanding this link and managing blood sugar effectively is crucial for hormone health.
Understanding the Blood Sugar-Hormone Connection
A balance of hormones and blood sugar control are critical elements for the body to achieve homeostasis, a state of equilibrium or stable internal conditions. Hormones act as chemical messengers that direct and regulate the activities of cells and organs. On the other hand, blood sugar, or glucose, supplies the energy required for these cellular activities. When we consume food, particularly carbohydrates, our body breaks them down into glucose, raising our blood sugar levels. It's here that insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, steps in. Insulin promotes the absorption of glucose by the cells, providing them with necessary energy and maintaining a consistent blood sugar level. So when our hormones are imbalanced, our cells aren't able to get the energy they require as effectively. This imbalance can cause multiple complications; such as feeling tired all the time, to more serious such as developing Type 2 diabetes. So understanding and managing this connection is crucial to hormonal health. And the best part? Maintaining stable blood sugars is relatively easy!
The Role of Insulin in Blood Sugar Regulation
Insulin, originating from the pancreas, is the vital hormone charged with the task of stabilising blood glucose levels. Following the consumption of a meal, especially one rich in carbohydrates, these are converted into glucose, causing a rise in blood sugar levels. The role of insulin is to respond to this spike by urging cells to soak up this glucose, supplying them with the required energy for their activities. This process ensures that our blood sugar levels do not remain elevated for too long.
How Blood Sugar Imbalance Affects Hormone Levels
A steady level of blood sugar is vital for optimal hormonal function. Disruptions in blood glucose levels, whether due to poor dietary habits or an unhealthy lifestyle, can lead to undesirable changes in hormone production. Chronic elevated blood sugar can lead to insulin resistance, a state where cells become less responsive to insulin, thus interrupting glucose absorption and escalating blood sugar levels. This can put undue stress on the pancreas to produce more insulin, resulting in hyperinsulinemia. Furthermore, irregular blood glucose levels can also cause havoc on female hormones. It can interfere with the menstrual cycle and lead to conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and infertility, characterised by elevated male hormones in females. Additionally, inconsistent blood sugar levels can also trigger feelings of fatigue, low energy, and tiredness, often attributed to hormonal imbalance. Hence, maintaining blood sugar levels within a healthy range is integral to achieving hormonal balance.
"The biggest thing for me and probably the one I’m most thankful to Kelly for is helping me prepare to conceive! Due to my PCOS the doctor told me me I might not be able to have a baby but Kelly gave me hope, helped me heal, cleanse and prepare and now, a year and a half later I have a beautiful, healthy baby girl! My time with Kelly was invaluable, I’m still using the methods, meals, practices and information provided and I just can’t thank her enough!"
The Influence of Blood Sugar on Stress Hormones
Fluctuations in blood sugars also have a profound effect on our stress hormones, particularly cortisol. In response to stress, cortisol is released to elevate glucose levels, supplying the body with the necessary energy to tackle the stressful situation. However, continuous low blood sugar levels can trigger an overproduction of cortisol, leading to a state of persistent stress. This prolonged stress can further exacerbate blood sugar imbalances and contribute to a vicious cycle of hormonal disruption. As a result, balancing blood sugar is not just vital for physical wellbeing and hormonal harmony, but also for managing stress levels and overall mental health.
Consultation with a Digestive Nutrition Specialist
Grasping the relationship between blood glucose and hormones is fundamental, however, it calls for expert guidance to manage it effectively. A nutritional therapist offers comprehensive support in terms of dietary advice, suggesting lifestyle modifications, and potential supplementation to harmonise blood sugar levels and consequently, hormone levels. They can provide personalised recommendations based on individual health status and medical history. A well-crafted nutrition plan can help avoid sudden spikes or dips in blood sugar, thus maintaining hormonal equilibrium. Regular consultation with a specialist ensures that you are on the right track and any necessary adjustments can be made in a timely manner. For some, seeking professional assistance can be a critical step in safeguarding your hormonal health through effective blood sugar management.
Check out what Aicha had to say once we worked on balancing her blood sugar:
"I felt like rediscovering myself. The person I wanted to be had finally come out of its shell & stepped out into the light. This was my highlight: the food programme was definitely life changing because although I was eating healthily overall prior to our meeting, I discovered with you that I was not eating the right way at the right time."
If you're still stuck, want more practical advice or interested in testing your blood sugar, book in with the team here at The Natural Balance for a free 20 minute consultation.
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Kelly Mulhall
Registered Nutritional Therapist
Kelly is a Registered Nutritional Therapist who focuses on positive physical and mental wellbeing, achieved through diet, lifestyle, sleep and exercise. Having struggled for years with IBS and hormonal imbalance, and increasingly frustrated with the lack of support and helpful advice from her GP, Kelly began her own journey of healing the body from the inside out. After seeing huge improvements she quit her job to study nutrition and focus on harnessing the healing powers of food to help other people in similar situations.