YOUR SWEET TOOTH MAY BE KILLING YOU

 

Did you know that eating lots of sugary foods can interfere with how your body regulates your blood sugar, which will then affect your immune system?

 Your body must maintain a certain amount of glucose in the blood without going over or under that amount. When you regularly dip into sweets (or even things that don’t necessarily taste sweet, like sugar-forming breads, bagels, and pasta), you put your hormonal control system into a turmoil that’s extremely stressful to your body.

Your Adrenal glands kick in and prioritize which organ systems need to be optimized and which system can be put on the back burner. It’s at this point that your immune system takes a nap.

 To avoid your sweet-tooth cravings, here are a few tricks to get your blood sugar levels on a more even keel.

1) Incorporate some healthy fats into your meals. 

A.) Add unsweetened coconut milk to a smoothie, or pour over some berries for a delicious and satisfying treat.

B.) Add ½ of an avocado to your salad.

C.) Make a dip for some cut up raw vegetables with first-cold-pressed olive oil, minced garlic, Himalayan sea salt and freshly ground pepper.

2) Use spices to stimulate your taste buds and “trick” your brain into needing less sweetness.

A.) Cinnamon is great in coffee or tea and has been shown to balance blood sugar.

B.) Ginger also can help control those cravings.  Put a nub of fresh ginger into your smoothie and see how it tickles your tongue.

C.) Turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory properties as well helping to balance blood glucose levels.  Sprinkle Turmeric onto almost any sauce, soup, or saute’ to gain these benefits. 

3.) Drink herbal tea (without sweetener….! Many herbal teas have a natural sweetness to them.)

             A.) Cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and vanilla make a delicious tea.  (My favorite blend is “Bengal Spice” by Celestial Seasonings.) Let it steep for a while to let the flavors release.

             B.) Ginger tea can help settle your stomach.

             C.) Licorice tea makes a great desert to help you get past those after-dinner blues.

4.) When all else fails, move your body!  Go for a walk, do some stretches, dance. Then congratulate yourself for reducing the amount of sugar you eat. Your body will thank you.

Getting your blood sugar under control will benefit your body in many ways. You’ll feel better, while improving your immune function. I’m here to help you master your sugar cravings with dietary guidelines, supplements, and testing to quantify adrenal functioning.

 Call today for a free consultation. (207) 329-0876. Or log onto my site for further information: https://mainenutritherapy.com/  All the best, Ginny.