Let’s start from the simple explanation of the function of the blood glucose in the human body. Do you know what happens in your body when the sugar enters your blood stream? Why do you need sugar? Where do we get it from?

What is the blood sugar?

Blood glucose is the main source of energy for the human body. Your body converts the sugar molecules into energy, so that way your body and brain can perform their functions. The blood glucose is carried and transported to every single cell in your body via your blood. In fact, the food you eat is the main source of your body glucose. That is the reason why having well balanced healthy diet is a huge factor in managing blood sugar levels, specially in obese, overweight, pre-diabetes and diabetes people.

Key negative factors, affecting blood sugar levels

There are many factors affecting blood sugar levels in a negative way. I will mention few of them:

• Poor diet. This includes ready meals, high sugar and carbohydrate diet, low protein, low fiber, fizzy drinks, processed and pre-packed foods, full of artificial colourings and sweeteners, alcohol, cigarettes. All of these foods are highly inflammatory. They increase the oxidative stress and the inflammatory markers and processes within the body. Hence, they do not have any positive effect on the blood sugar levels.
• Lack of exercise and sedentary lifestyle. Your body needs to be active. Activity plays a huge role in maintaining optimal wellness. Being active and exercising regularly can help and improve your blood glucose levels at optimum ranges.
• Elevated stress in the daily life. High stress levels can lead to many unpleasant health conditions and diseases. It can naturally increase cortisol levels, which is the stress hormone of your body, and hence your blood glucose levels increase.
• Dehydration. Hydration is such important factor for the human body. If you do not drink enough water, your blood gets sticky. That means the proteins, nutrients and substances that your blood transports can slow down the processes within the body and lead to some imbalances. You may notice you have headache, constipation, pain around your kidneys, etc. Even more, your liver and kidneys need water to get rid of the waste substances, that your body does not need. This will optimise all bodily functions and support entire body.

Factors, affecting blood glucose levels in a positive way

Very little simple steps could improve dramatically blood glucose levels and maintain it at optimal ranges.

• Increasing water intake. Drinking of approximately 8 glasses of filtered water daily is very good tool to keep your hydration up and provide a healthy environment for your bodily cells to function.
• Including 3 regular meals and add low glycemic foods. What is low glycemic food? These foods do not give a quick rise to your blood sugar levels. These are whole grains, vegetables, legumes-beans, lentils, chickpeas, brown/wild rice, good fats, nuts, seeds, proteins. In that way your body can maintain normal blood sugar levels up to the next meal time.
• Walking and exercising regularly is an easy step to follow. Maybe start from 6000 steps per day and gradually aim for 10000 steps.

Best supplements for blood sugar regulation

• Chromium. This mineral is one of the most popular in this field. It can naturally support blood glucose levels.
• ALA (Alpha Lipoic Acid). It can improve glucose control with long term intake.
• Magnesium. Amazing supplement, which our bodies so much need for so many functions in the body.

Remember always check with your nutritionist regarding any food or supplement changes, you may want to make. They will be able to support and provide you with the best nutritional plan, because one size does not fit all. This is how nutritional therapy work. Functional medicine approaches the whole person not the symptom.