Advanced Alternative
Medicine Center


320 Robinson Ave Newburgh, NY 12550

Serving All Your Heath Care Needs ... Naturally!

(845)561-BACK
 (2225)
Dr. Richard A. Huntoon

Newburgh Chiropractor

 

Making Sense of Blood Sugar Handling

If you need a little extra help with blood sugar handling, there are steps you can take to naturally manage it.

What Part Do Stress and Cortisol Play?

When exposed to stress, the body initiates a chain of events (releasing stimulatory hormones) that prepare the body for either a "fight" or "flight" response.  These events, which alter metabolism, require significant energy or fuel-the body needs glucose.

Anything that causes us to feel stress raises Cortisol (referred to as the "stress hormone") levels.  If we feel stressed on a regular basis, Cortisol levels remain elevated.  This affects metabolic processes that serve to increase blood glucose levels.  Hormones affected by elevated Cortisol levels include:

  •         Thyroid

  •         Progesterone

  •        Estrogen

  •        Testosterone

Because one of the primary roles of Cortisol is to encourage the body to refuel itself after responding to a stressor, an elevated Cortisol level keeps the appetite ramped up-so a stressed person will feel hungry ALL the time.

Emphasize a Healthy, Holistic Lifestyle

When it is evident a person needs help with blood glucose handling, it is important to address all facets of your lifestyle, including:

Stress Management

There are factors that contribute to how the body responds to a stressor:

1.      Whether there is an outlet for the stress.  Go for a run.  Talk to a friend.

2.      Whether the stress is predictable.  The more accustomed a person is to the stressor, the less pronounced the response to the stress will be.

3.      Whether there is control over the stressor.  Learn to accept those things that cannot be changed

Stress: The Thief of Sleep

Many studies have shown that getting less than eight hours of sleep per night causes metabolic changes.  Less sleep means insufficient time for Cortisol levels to drop.  An increase in Cortisol decreases the ability to fall asleep as well as the amount of time the mind spends in the most restful stages of deep sleep.

To foster a good night's sleep, a person should exercise early in the day, be consistent with lights-out and waking times, and avoid caffeine late in the evening.  A person may want to add deep-breathing techniques, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation to their sleep regime.

Exercise

Regular participation in "moderate" exercise can reduce body fat, reduce appetite, build muscle and bone, improve mental and emotional function, and stimulate the immune system.  Aerobic exercise is recommended because it makes the patient breathe more deeply and makes the heart work harder.  Intense exercise can be detrimental by elevating Cortisol levels.

Nutrition

Learning what affects blood sugar handling in your body can make you feel more in control.  You probably already know to avoid carbohydrate-laden snacks and sweets, but sometimes product labeling can be deceptive.  A person may not know what ingredients to watch for, like high fructose corn syrup in sports and energy drinks.  Other things to look for are excitotoxins-substances that are believed to kill or damage nerve cells through excessive stimulation.  The biggest offenders are monosodium glutamate (MSG) and aspartame, which can both interfere with the normal functioning of the endocrine system.

To level out blood sugar levels, a person should eat more whole-grain foods containing fiber Whole grain bread and fresh fruits and vegetables) and avoid refined carbohydrates like white flour, white rice, white pasta, and white sugar.  Whole grains take longer to digest due to their denseness and fiber content and won't cause blood sugar to spike.

Supplements

In addition to relieving stress, eating right, and exercising, whole food supplements and herbal products can encourage healthy blood sugar levels when combined with a healthy diet.

Cataplex GTF from Standard Process

  •         Supports healthy carbohydrate digestion

  •          Supports healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels when already within normal ranges

  •          Encourages healthy blood sugar utilization at the cellular level

Diaplex from Standard Process

  •          Supports healthy sugar handling

  •         Supports healthy pancreas function

  •          Supports healthy bowel and gall bladder function

Gymnema 4g from Mediherb

  •          Maintains healthy blood sugar levels when combined with a balanced diet

  •          Maintains cholesterol levels in a normal range

Evaluation

After a person has embraced these lifestyle changes, it is important to re-evaluate a person's blood sugar levels.  Encourage yourself to continue following these tips/techniques so you maintain your health and wellness.

Blood Sugar Handling Workshop

For more information on Standard Process Whole Food Supplements and MediHerb herbal products that support healthy blood sugar handling, attend our upcoming blood sugar workshop being held in March.  Please call the office for registration details at (845)561-2225.


Dr. Huntoon has a single mission:

To support as many people as possible in their quest for health and enable them to improve and maintain their health to the highest level possible, while educating them about the benefits of Chiropractic, Natural Healthcare and Holistic Living, so they in turn can teach others to support us having a healthy community.

Your Choice

Health concerns are a major source of lost happiness and lost joy in all of our lives. Finding a solution that is agreeable and enables you to get back to your life is important. Please appreciate that you always have the more invasive surgery and prescription medication available to you as a last resort. What many Traditional Medical Doctors may not share is, many times, once you begin that journey into medication and/or surgery, it alters your original body from the one that you were born with. Unfortunately, at that time, more conservative and natural treatments may no longer be viable. I encourage you to consider that before making any decisions about treatment for your health. As always I am here to help. 
 
Your Choice:
 
  • Continue doing the same thing and nothing changes or it may get worse

OR

  • Try something different and get a different result that makes you happier and healthier.
 
The Choice is Yours
 
Please call Dr. Huntoon at 845-561-BACK (2225) to discuss your options or click on our E-Visit to do it via e-mail. 
 
Thank You for your consideration.

Copyright 2014 Advanced Alternative Medicine Center

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