Tag: fiber

Why Omega-3s Are Important? – InVite Health Podcast, Episode 569

Why Omega-3s Are Important? – InVite Health Podcast, Episode 569

This supplement is extremely important in overall health but specifically heart, brain, and eye health. Listen now to Allie Mights Podcast on omega-3.

A Day In The Life Of Detox – InVite Health Podcast Episode 546

A Day In The Life Of Detox – InVite Health Podcast Episode 546

Confused about how to do a day of detoxing. Follow along to listen to Allie’s tips on including supplements with detoxing.

The Nutritional Aspect On Controlling Blood Sugar Health

The Nutritional Aspect On Controlling Blood Sugar Health

Blood Sugar

Written by Melissa Bistricer, MS, RDN 

For further questions or concerns email me at [email protected] 

The average American is consuming an average of about 17 teaspoons of sugar per day, which approximately adds up to 60 pounds of added sugar yearly. To put that into perspective for you that is about 6, 10-pound bowling balls!†   

So How Does Blood Sugar Affect Our Bodies? 

Sugar can damage our joints, bones, skin, eyes, and almost every part of our bodies. Too much sugar in the body can lead to hyperglycemia when the body is overloaded with sugar in the blood and the body lacks enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is made by the pancreas and helps to control the amount of sugar in the bloodstream and move it into the cells for energy. Hyperglycemia is commonly seen with disease states such as diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Although medications like steroids, being inactive, consuming excessive carbohydrates, or not getting enough insulin can lead to hyperglycemia. Not taking care of high blood sugars can lead to long term and short term damages. The long term effects can include macrovascular (large) and microvascular (small) blood vessels. This can further lead to a heart attack, stroke, or problems with kidneys, eyes, gums, feet, or nerves. Routinely we want to measure the average blood sugar levels in the blood within the past 3 months called the Hemoglobin A1C value. The hemoglobin A1C level commonly is used to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes to help manage prediabetes or diabetes.†    

Nutrients, herbs and protein are beneficial to helping keep blood sugar levels balanced and limit sugar cravings. The foods we eat today will affect us hours, weeks, days, years later. We have the ability to change our lifestyles to limit the chance of developing Type 2 Diabetes or metabolic syndrome through diet, exercise, and lifestyle modifications!†   

Medical Nutrition Therapy For Blood Sugar

Carbohydrates which turn into glucose are our main source of energy and we need it for our brains to function properly. Different types of carbohydrates will have a different effect on the body. We have two types of carbohydrates which are simple to understand: complex and simple carbohydrates.†   

Complex carbohydrates have long chains of sugar molecules that take longer to break down providing longer lasting energy to the body. The body has the ability to break glucose down slower because the body has to first break down the fiber in complex carbs to access the energy. Simple carbohydrates have shorter chain sugar molecules which break down faster into the body for energy causing a spike in our blood sugars. This initial spike is sometimes referred to as a “sugar rush” from sugary foods such as a chocolate bar or a can of Coca Cola. The function of the carbohydrate is to provide our bodies with energy, where complex carbohydrates do this more effectively.†    

THIS HIGH-FIBER DIET IMPROVES GUT BACTERIA AND BENEFITS THOSE WITH TYPE-2 DIABETES >> Read Here! 

Let’s consider the types of food containing carbohydrates as complex and simple can be important for a healthy balanced overall diet. Sugar comes in many forms and is generally hidden in packaged foods. It is important to be aware of this and shop smarter not harder.†   

So Which Is Better: Complex Carbohydrates or Simple Carbohydrates? 

There is no right or wrong answer here as simple carbohydrates are presented in beneficial foods in our diets such as fruits, vegetables, milk and milk products. Foods we may want to limit or avoid from our diet are candies, sugary beverages, syrups, table sugar, fruit juice concentrates, processed foods with added sugar, such as baked goods or some cereals. Complex carbohydrates like white flour, white bread or cornmeal are missing the bran and germ resulting in lower fiber content having a lower nutritional value than whole grain foods. High complex carbohydrates that may help reduce the risk of Type 2 Diabetes are brown rice, barley, oats, spelt, legumes, vegetables, and nuts.†   

We learn that it is important to look at the whole food rather than the type of carbohydrate as complex and simple carbs both have beneficial foods to consume when looking to reduce the risk of a high blood sugar spike in the bloodstream.†    

Vitamins, Minerals & Herbs 

While we know that there is nothing like replacing a balanced diet rich in whole fruits, vegetables, grains, and unrefined/unprocessed foods there are several studies to show supplements supporting healthy blood sugar balance, aiding insulin production, and working to reduce insulin resistance.†   

Chromium has been shown to aid in the regulation of insulin action and its effect on carbohydrates, protein, and lipid metabolism. Chromium picolinate has been studied to help with insulin resistance and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.† 1 

Gymnema Sylvestre shows that the nutrient may have therapeutic uses specifically on blood glucose-lowering potentials. Gymnemic acid has been shown to prevent the absorption of sugar molecules by the intestine, leading to a reduction in blood sugar levels.†2  

Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a powerful antioxidant that plays a role in supporting healthy blood sugar levels. ALA has the ability to help diabetics with peripheral neuropathy in pain due to free radicals being killed off. †3 

Cinnamon Bark Extract has been recently studied to assess if the consumption has an effect on fasting blood glucose, HgbA1c, and body mass index (BMI). The results indicated in national and international literature that cinnamon has an impact on reducing blood glucose levels in healthy individuals.†4  

HOW CINNAMON AND COROSOLIC ACID SUPPORT HEALTHY BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS – INVITE HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 144 >> Listen Now! 

Banaba Leaf extract comes from a native planet in the Philippines and Southeast Asia and has been researched to have an impact on anti-diabetic and anti-obesity factors. Corosolic acid in the Banaba extract has shown beneficial properties in various factors involving glucose regulation and metabolism. This includes cellular uptake of glucose, improved insulin sensitivity, and decreased gluconeogenesis, therefore lowering blood glucose levels.†5  

The Blood Sugar Health Program has these nutrients within to unique formulas called Gluco HxⓇ and C-Betics HxⓇ. They are comprehensive supplements to help to support healthy blood sugar levels in conjunction with a healthy balanced diet.†    

For further questions or concerns related to dietary and nutritional supplement recommendations email me at [email protected] 

Sources 

  1. A scientific review: the role of chromium in insulin resistance. Diabetes Educ. 2004;Suppl:2-14. PMID: 15208835.
  2. Khan, F., Sarker, M., Ming, L., Mohamed, I., Zhao, C., Sheikh, B., Tsong, H. and Rashid, M., 2022. Comprehensive Review on Phytochemicals, Pharmacological and Clinical Potentials of Gymnema sylvestre. [online] frontiers in pharmacology. Available at: <https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2019.01223/full> [Accessed 22 March 2022].
  3. Mount Sinai Health System. 2022. Alpha-lipoic acid Information | Mount Sinai – New York. [online] Available at: <https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/alpha-lipoic-acid#:~:text=Several%20studies%20suggest%20alpha%2Dlipoic,and%20legs%20from%20nerve%20damage.> [Accessed 9 June 2022].
  4. Nildem Kizilaslan, Nihal Zekiye Erdem, “The Effect of Different Amounts of Cinnamon Consumption on Blood Glucose in Healthy Adult Individuals”, International Journal of Food Science, vol. 2019, Article ID 4138534, 9 pages, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/4138534
  5. Miura T, Takagi S, Ishida T. Management of Diabetes and Its Complications with Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa L.) and Corosolic Acid. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:871495. doi:10.1155/2012/871495

Are Pumpkins Healthy? – InVite Health Podcast, Episode 449

Are Pumpkins Healthy? – InVite Health Podcast, Episode 449

With Halloween and Thanksgiving right around the corner, it’s likely that you’re starting to enjoy pumpkins. While pumpkin spice lattes and pumpkin pie may not be the healthiest options, pumpkins themselves are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that help the body work properly.

Understanding Hypoglycemia or Low Blood Sugar – InVite Health Podcast, Episode 422

Understanding Hypoglycemia or Low Blood Sugar – InVite Health Podcast, Episode 422

Have you heard of hypoglycemia? This occurs when your blood sugar drops too low. It can cause issues such as low energy, headaches and even seizures. The good news is that there are nutrients that can help support your blood glucose levels.

Consider Taking These Nutrients As You Age, Part 2 – InVite Health Podcast, Episode 316

Consider Taking These Nutrients As You Age, Part 2 – InVite Health Podcast, Episode 316

Invite Health Podcast, Episode hosted by Jerry Hickey. Ph

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Welcome to part two of our episode on nutrients you should consider taking when aging. You can catch up on the first part of this podcast here. 

There are a number of different nutrients that, as we age, we have trouble absorbing. We become less efficient at utilizing them. We may also lose them in our urine. Taking a little bit extra of these nutrients helps make up for that.   

Nutrients for Healthy Aging, Recommended by Jerry Hickey, Ph.

  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: This nutrient is commonly sourced from fish oil. With age, we absorb less fish oils from our foods. This means that there is less omega-3 content in our heart and brain, which of course coincides with a drop in both heart health and brain function. These fatty acids are important for eye health, brain health and heart health. You need them for memory functions. Without fish oils, you have a high risk of all kinds of brain diseases including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. Omega-3s are an essential fatty acid, meaning that your body can’t make it. You have to get them from a source. A good source is eating an ocean-type fish like mackerel or salmon three times a week, but you can also take a krill oil or fish oil capsule. Mussels also contain a high level of fish oils. For people who are vegan or vegetarian, you can also get omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseeds, walnuts and algae.†

Consider Taking These Nutrients As You Age, Part 1 – InVite Health Podcast, Episode 315. Listen Now >>

  • Fiber: Fiber is important at any age because it feeds your good bacteria and helps protect you from developing strokes. Fiber can lower your cholesterol, blood sugar and risk of colon
    cancer. Most people do not get enough fiber in their diets because they are not eating enough vegetables, fruits and whole grains. You can take a fiber supplement to support this.†


  • Lutein: Lutein is an orangey, reddish pigment found in green leafy vegetables. You need about 10mg of lutein in your bloodstream every day because this reflects the amount of lutein in your eyeballs and brain. You need lutein to protect your eyes, support good vision, promote memory and protect your brain. Studies are finding that older people with more lutein in the brains have better memory function. Lutein absorption declines with age. As a double whammy, statin drugs also lower the amount of lutein in your body. This is why it is important to supplement with a high-quality lutein supplement.†   
  • Collagen: Your body is made out of collagen, which is a type of protein. When you’re young, you can eat beans, fish, eggs or some other form of protein and you’re very capable of converting that protein into collagen because you’re growing and you need more skin and longer bones, ligaments and tissues. Collagen is 36% of the bone and works together with calcium and Vitamin D to support strong bones. Collagen also has the ability to prevent the bones from chipping and breaking when you hit them because it gives them shock-absorption capacity. Collagen makes your joint cartilage in your knees so you don’t get bone-on-bone arthritis.† 

What You Need To Know About Gout – InVite Health Podcast, Episode 309. Listen Now >>

Tune into the full podcast episode for more details on Jerry’s recommendations to support the aging body. Don’t forget to catch up on the first part of this podcast episode to hear the remainder of Jerry’s recommendations.

Thank you for tuning in to the Invite Health Podcast. You can find all of our episodes for free wherever you listen to podcasts or by visiting www.invitehealth.com/podcast. Make sure you subscribe and leave us a review! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at Invite Health today. We’ll see you next time on another episode of the Invite Health Podcast.