Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
cholesterol Subscribe Today! Please see below for a complete transcript of this episode. CERAMIDES MAKES CHOLESTEROL VERY DANGEROUS, PT 2-INVITEⓇ HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 591 Hosted by Jerry Hickey, Ph. *Intro music* InViteⓇ Health Podcast Intro: [00:00:04] Welcome to the InViteⓇ Health podcast, where our degreed …
One supplement every diabetic should be taken is Coenzyme Q10. This supplement is extremely beneficial for a diabetics 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!†
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!†
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.†
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.†
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
–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
The keto diet and the Mediterranean diet have both gained popularity in recent years, but what makes them different and which one should you choose to help reach your health goals?
Don’t wait until something is wrong to pay attention to your blood sugar levels and kidney health. Learn about the nutrients you need to help keep them both in balance.
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Please see below for a complete transcript of this episode.
Hosted by Amanda Williams, MPH
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InViteⓇ Health Podcast Intro: Welcome to the InViteⓇ Health Podcast, where our degreed healthcare professionals are excited to offer you the most important health and wellness information you need to make informed choices about your health. You can learn more about the products discussed in each of these episodes and all that InViteⓇ Health has to offer at www.invitehealth.com/podcast. First time customers can use promo code PODCAST at checkout for an additional 15% off your first purchase. Let’s get started!
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Amanda Williams, MPH:
[00:00:40] Why you should test your Hemoglobin A1C level on an annual basis is really important. Oftentimes, when we think about HbA1c, we think in the setting of diabetes. And of course, this is the key indicator for the measuring and monitoring of diabetics. But it’s also very important that we know if we are prediabetic or if our Hemoglobin A1C level is in a good and healthy range. So today I want to talk about what exactly HbA1c is and some different nutrients that can be very beneficial when it comes to targeting glycation.† [00:01:10]
[00:01:11] I’m Amanda Williams, MD, MPH and Hemoglobin A1C is a marker that we assess when it comes to the management of your blood sugar and Hemoglobin A1C is basically measuring the amount of blood sugar that’s attached to hemoglobin. And when we think about glycation, I’ve mentioned this on many different shows and podcasts before, why glycation and advanced glycation end products are so detrimental. So we know that every time that we eat, we are going to get a rise in blood sugar, blood glucose. And this is irrelevant if someone’s a diabetic or not a diabetic, your blood sugar is going to go up. What happens is that if we get this rise in advanced glycation end products, this can do significant damage. So when you understand that these glycation products actually hook on to things such as proteins, and we’re thinking hemoglobin, which is a protein, and this is an indication that damage is being done at the level of our red blood cell. We’re thinking about Hemoglobin A1C. What we know about advanced glycation end products is that they deactivate enzymes, they disrupt cell signaling pathways. They certainly can damage our cellular DNA. They can drive up inflammation and oxidative stress, all of things that are incredibly problematic for our body.† [00:02:37]
CHRONIC INFLAMMATION, PART 1 – INVITE HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 498. Listen Now>>
[00:02:38] So we think about Hemoglobin A1C. What we’re actually looking for is the rate of glycation, those advanced glycation end products that are actually attaching to your red blood cell. Now, understanding that red blood cells have a lifespan of 120 days. So when you assess Hemoglobin A1C, this is exactly what we’re looking at. We’re looking at the rate of glycation that occurs over the course of that three months, which is why it’s a much better test to run than, say, if you were to just test your fasting glucose. Fasting glucose is a snapshot in time, it’s telling you what’s happening right now, but it doesn’t give us a clear indication of how much of that elevated glucose is actually going to convert into those advanced glycation end products and wreak havoc when it comes to our hemoglobin. So when assessing for prediabetes and diabetes, Hemoglobin A1C is always the go to. If that level is high, that indicates that there is a high level of glycation that is occurring. And this is problematic not just because it shows that we’ve got significant insulin resistance and the body is having a hard time managing glucose. But we know that this is going to impact every other organ system in the body. So when you think about your heart, when you think about your kidneys, when you think about the nervous system, we know that those AGEs, as they are known, will create a lot of bad things for us.† [00:04:02]
[00:04:03] Now, when you look at the rates or the levels, I should say, what those actually mean. So say you go in and you have a Hemoglobin A1C test done. What you’re looking for, ideally according to most labs, is a Hemoglobin A1C level at 5.7 or below. I look at that to be even lower. I think it should be 5.5 or lower. You’re considered a prediabetic when your hemoglobin A1C level is coming back at 5.7 To 6.4. Now, once you reach a Hemoglobin A1C level that is above a 6.5, now you are categorized or diagnosed as being a diabetic. Now I have seen Hemoglobin A1C levels in the teens, 15, 16 20, and that is incredibly alarming if you see a level that high because you now recognize that that glycation has gone well outside of just your hemoglobin and this is now likely to be hitting up your nervous system in a significant manner. You know, really creating havoc within your vascular system. So the evaluation of Hemoglobin A1C in terms of long term blood sugar control is one of the most important things that we can assess, not only in the setting of just blood glucose regulation, but when we think about our aging process. And I always say we want to age gracefully if we’re walking around with high levels of advanced glycation end products that are damaging certain areas of the body, we need to be aware of this so we can make corrections to our lifestyle when it comes to diet, when it comes to exercise and obviously when it comes to the nutrients that you are taking in.† [00:05:39]
[00:05:39] So Hemoglobin A1C, commonly tested in diabetics, we know that, you know, if you go in to your doctor, they’re not just going to generally run a Hemoglobin A1C unless they have a suspicion that you are a diabetic. The problem is, is that we know there are so many prediabetics in this country. At the last estimate, it was around 80 million people who are actually prediabetic, meaning that that Hemoglobin A1C level is testing back at 5.7 to 6.4. That’s a problem because if you, say you’re wavering at 5.6, you need to be making those corrections. You don’t want to wait until the level of glycation damage is such that you are now technically a prediabetic or a full blown diabetic. So it’s very important. This is why when doctors assess Hemoglobin A1C, they always say this gives us an look at how well your average blood sugar levels have been running over the course of the past two to three months. Because remember, what we’re looking at is that life span of a red blood cell. So in general, that’s kind of the way that it is looked at. Remember, hemoglobin is a protein, and we know that those advanced glycation end products love to attach to proteins. So this is why this is a very accurate test to do.† [00:06:52]
[00:06:53] So say, for example, your hemoglobin A1C is not technically putting you at a prediabetic or a diabetic, but it’s still higher than you would like to see. So maybe you’re at 5.6, then what should you be doing? Or let’s just say you’re in that prediabetic range or even the diabetic range? What should you be doing? Well, we want to make sure that we’re taking nutrients that we know are very geared towards targeting advanced glycation end products with the regulation of blood glucose and enhancing the insulin sensitivity. So this is where Nerve HxⓇ becomes your new best friend because this is a fat-soluble form of Vitamin B1. And what’s really unique about this fat-soluble B1? So remember, all of our B-vitamins are water-soluble, so this is very unique in and of itself that it is of a fat-soluble variety. But we know that it does something really important, which is the activation of an enzyme called transketolase. Now, transketolase helps our body convert these toxic glucose metabolites into harmless or neutral compounds so that the body can then manage them so they’re not converting into these AGEs or advanced glycation end products. So this is why Nerve HxⓇ containing the benfotiamine is certainly one of the little weapons in your arsenal.† [00:08:10]
CHRONIC INFLAMMATION, PART 1 – INVITE HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 498. Listen Now>>
[00:08:11] But I would also look towards other nutrients that we know are incredibly beneficial when it comes to targeting AGEs or glycation in the body. And that would include things such as Alcar with ALA. We certainly understand the important multimodal functions of alpha lipoic acid in the body, and when it comes to the way that alpha lipoic acid can help the body with that regulation of those glycation and products. So Nerve HxⓇ is a first and foremost, then we also want to look at Alcar with ALA. We want to make sure that we are changing our diet, that we are not creating these major spikes in blood sugar. So adherence to a Mediterranean diet is certainly important. Getting adequate exercise, even if it’s, you know, 20, 30 minutes a day of just light walking can make an impact on how your body is managing your blood glucose. So this is also key.† [00:09:05]
[00:09:05] And then we can look at formulations such as the Gluco HxⓇ, which you would take about 15 minutes prior to meals. This is a combination of key minerals, trace minerals such as chromium and vanadium that help to wake up your insulin, along with extracts such as bitter melon, which have been shown in human clinical trials to be incredibly powerful at promoting the wakefulness of our insulin. And this is always important. We want to make sure that insulin can respond to those big increases in glucose, so it helps to push that down, so we are less likely to allow our body to make those advanced glycation end products. So Hemoglobin A1C certainly is a test that would be advantageous to request your doctor to to run, even if you don’t have those concerns of being a diabetic or prediabetic. It certainly can give you a lot of insight as to how while your body is managing those advanced glycation and products and it gives you that open door to be able to make those modifications based off of where that level is. So definitely next time you go in and you have your blood work done, check out Hemoglobin A1C, make sure that you test that. If you have issues, you know the nutrients that you can turn to to give you some additional support.† [00:10:17]
[00:10:18] I want to thank you so much for tuning in to the InViteⓇ Health Podcast. Remember, you can listen to all of our episodes for free wherever you listen to podcasts, make sure that you subscribe and leave us a review. You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. We will see you next time for another episode of the InViteⓇ Health Podcast.† [00:10:18]
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