Sue Visser, at your service! Your Radio 786 On-air guide to health. A daily dose, keeps the doctor away!
We need a constant supply of glucose and oxygen in our blood stream. When this level of blood sugar is low, we start to crave something sweet, but blood sugar actually has nothing to do with eating sweets.
We store glucose in the liver for correcting a lack of glucose. This special reserve of sugar is called glycogen and it remains in the liver for emergencies, to correct low blood sugar levels. When the body is under stress or during physical exertion, this stored glycogen is broken down into glucose molecules and released into the bloodstream to raise the blood sugar levels. If there is not enough stored glycogen in the liver, then muscle tissue is broken down into glucose molecules to provide this energy. However, we are only able to benefit from liver-based glycogen if we have enough potassium.
The uptake of glucose into cells for energy requires minerals like chrome and vanadium and vitamin C and vitamin B complex to make insulin effective. Once again, we will not feel the benefit of glucose as energy if we have a problem with insulin. We will still feel tired after eating sweet things if we are suffering from a glucose intolerance, or if we are losing our insulin sensitivity. This prediabetic state requires some attention and in order to prevent diabetes and all its unpleasant ramifications, please refer to the two radio talks on: the Truth about Sugar or consult the web site at: www.naturefresh.co.za search under: blood sugar/ diabetes/
Daily supplements required for blood sugar disorders and preventing diabetes
Chrome: at least 200mcg daily from: Solgar or look for multivitamins like Weigh Less that contain Chrome.
Calcium and Magnesium Complex. (Nature Fresh – also contains: zinc, copper, vitamins and tissue salts)
Vitamin B complex -especially 50mg of Vitamin B6 (very important to protect you from damage to the pancreas.)
Potassium: use potassium chloride or; NuSalt, or NO SALT instead of salt from the supermarket. Blackstrap molasses is rich in potassium , Or cream of tartar: 1/4 teaspoon in juice or bananas.
Vitamin E: a natural source is 1 tablespoon of sunflower seeds. Chew them well.
Essential Omega 3 fatty acids: cod liver oil capsules or grind up flax seeds or take the oil.
Diabetes and exercise
Diabetics are usually very lazy about taking control of their lives and their favourite excuse is that exercise may be dangerous to them, causing heart problems or too much of a drop in blood sugar. Wrong. Most health clubs will offer the services of a personal trainer to supervise these people and construct an effective exercise routine for them. At home, you can have a good long walk or run, increasing the distance and time every day until you feel fit and well. When you drink, stay away from “energy” drinks laden with sugars and glucose.
Be very careful not to drink large quantities of water at one time without adding electrolyte minerals as you may be suffering from high concentrations of sugar in the blood. When this happens, the minerals in your body are also washed out, especially if you are deficient in potassium and vitamin B6. You may weaken and become even more thirsty whilst urinating a lot. If your vision is affected or blurred, check your blood sugar levels because these are typical symptoms of diabetes.
A Nutural eneryy, electrolyte and antioxidant sports drink
MIx into a 500ml drinking bottle of water, 1 or 2 teaspoons of sweet, or high test molasses
500mg Vitamin C or 1/2 teaspoon Nature Fresh MSM and Vitamin C, 1/4 teaspoon of cream of tartar and a pinch of Nature Fresh calcium complex. (Take a full dose before or after your exercise to replace these minerals)
After drinking of this, top up the bottle with water again, and do this a few times to enhance the effects of the minerals
Natural foods to take out with you or to eat before, during or after exercise
People with blood sugar problems must have a small meal every two hours, especially before training.
Apples, bananas, or a small fruit salad with yoghurt. Cheese and biscuits, nuts, dried fruit, especially dates as they are rich in potassium.
Keep small containers of muesli, Nature Fresh soya or Morevite sorghum cereal (from Pick ‘n’ Pay – cooked and ready to eat) You can add water, juice or milk to it just before you need it. Eat often to prevent a drop in blood sugar.
If you need more protein, take 4 or 5 Spirulina tablets or amino acids, especially if you need extra energy .
Take 5ml Nature Fresh Calcium Complex powder or 5 tablets before or after training, to prevent cramps & mineral loss.
*Find Nature Fresh Products at all good pharmacies and health shop as well as local supermarkets.*
Special note: This information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health practitioner first if you are: pregnant, breastfeeding or epileptic or if you have a serious health condition. You are responsible for your own health and safety.