I’ve often shared tips on how to boost your health and achieve a natural glow, such as balancing hormones, caring for perimenopausal skin, and getting that radiant look. However, there’s one key practice that underpins all these suggestions: maintaining steady blood sugar levels.
If you’ve noticed influencers wearing continuous glucose monitors (I’ve tried them twice) and wondered what all the buzz is about, let me explain why it’s crucial to avoid sudden spikes and drops in blood sugar for both your overall health and glowing skin.
In this post, I’ll explore how blood sugar works, what happens when it’s out of balance, and why keeping it stable is vital for vibrant health and luminous skin.
What Does Blood Sugar Do?
Our cells need energy, and one main source is carbohydrates, or glucose. These small sugar molecules provide the energy that helps us function without feeling fatigued. Just like our skin benefits from a balanced pH, our bodies require the right amount of glucose in the bloodstream. Too little glucose can lead to symptoms like hypoglycemia, while too much can cause cravings and inflammation (more on that later).
Carbohydrate-rich foods like soda, sweets, fruits, and starchy vegetables affect blood sugar levels. But not all carbs are the same! Generally, the more refined a carb is and the less fiber, fat, or protein it contains, the more it can cause blood sugar to spike. Our bodies aim to have no more than about one teaspoon (4 grams) of glucose circulating at any time. Considering that a pumpkin spice latte can have up to 50 grams of sugar, it becomes clear why our bodies need a system to manage excess sugar!
How Does Our Body Manage Blood Sugar?
Our bodies have an impressive system to process the foods we ingest. Right from the moment something sweet touches your tongue, enzymes start breaking down sugars. Highly processed foods, such as donuts and potato chips, move rapidly through digestion and are absorbed in the small intestine, causing a swift blood sugar rise. This prompts the pancreas to release insulin, a hormone that moves glucose into cells for energy or storage.
If cells and glycogen stores are full, the liver converts any excess sugar into fat. Eating sugary meals consistently without burning off stored glycogen can make cells resistant to insulin. Consequently, the body produces more insulin to clear the sugar, potentially leading to insulin resistance—a precursor to health issues, including diabetes.
Eating meals that trigger large blood sugar spikes can lead to crashes when the body compensates with extra insulin. This can leave you feeling sluggish or “hangry”—a sign you’ve been on the blood sugar roller coaster!
Consequences of Blood Sugar Spikes
Now, let’s delve deeper into the effects of blood sugar spikes. When glucose levels rise excessively, they can be harmful to cells. Sugar molecules attach to proteins and create damaging compounds known as Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs), causing cells to stiffen, age prematurely, and incur other long-term damage.
In the short term, blood sugar spikes can lead to:
Chronic blood sugar spikes and crashes pose more serious threats, such as:
These consequences not only affect your health but also impact your skin, showing up in your complexion and energy levels.
My Takeaway
As someone devoted to clean, organic skincare, I know that even the best products won’t fully work if your skin is being harmed internally. That’s why balancing blood sugar is essential for a holistic approach to wellness and beauty. I’ll be sharing more tips soon on managing blood sugar through diet and lifestyle changes. For now, a simple way to begin is by enjoying a warm cup of Pure Radiance Tea, a relaxing way to support your health from the inside out!
Wow, this advice couldn’t have come at a better time, as my blood sugar is currently elevated. Uh oh. Thank you, Joy, for your informative posts. I always learn something from you and am rereading your first book—it’s one of my favorites.
Sending love from the USA,
Karen
Thanks, Karen! I’m glad you found this helpful.
