Post Time: 2025-07-18
When we think about blood sugar, our minds often jump straight to diabetes and high blood sugar levels. However, it's equally essential to consider the effects of low blood sugar on our overall health. Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar can lead to a range of symptoms, from dizziness and fatigue to anxiety and confusion.
The Blood Sugar-Anxiety Connection: What's Behind It?
Did you know that stress can cause fluctuations in your blood sugar levels? The hormone cortisol, released during times of stress, increases the breakdown of stored energy (glycogen) into glucose. This can lead to a rapid drop in blood sugar levels if not accompanied by adequate nutrition and relaxation techniques.
Maintaining an optimal blood sugar range is crucial for our health and well-being. For adults without diabetes, this means keeping their fasting glucose level below 100 mg/dL and post-meal glucose level below 140 mg/dL. Monitoring your blood sugar regularly can help you identify potential fluctuations caused by stress, exercise, or certain medications.
Why Managing Blood Sugar Matters for Mental Health
Research suggests that people with anxiety disorders are more likely to experience hypoglycemia than those without mental health conditions. When our bodies struggle to regulate blood sugar levels, we may feel irritable, anxious, and easily stressed out. Furthermore, studies have shown a correlation between poor sleep quality (which can disrupt blood glucose regulation) and increased risk of anxiety disorders.
Common Culprits Behind Low Blood Sugar Fluctuations
Certain foods like white bread, sugary drinks, and processed snacks can cause sudden spikes in blood sugar followed by equally dramatic crashes. Similarly, medications such as metformin for diabetes management or certain antidepressants may contribute to hypoglycemia. The American Diabetes Association recommends that adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes use glucometers at home regularly to monitor their levels.
The Benefits of Exercise and Balanced Diet
Regular physical activity helps improve insulin sensitivity, which enables glucose from food more efficiently enter cells for energy production rather than accumulating in the bloodstream. Similarly, consuming a balanced diet that includes fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains can slow down carbohydrate digestion thereby preventing blood sugar spikes.
Finding Support: How to Cope with Hypoglycemia
If you're experiencing symptoms of low blood sugar (shakiness, confusion, dizziness), stay calm and consume 15-20 grams of fast-digesting carbohydrates like glucose tablets or fruit juice. If the issue persists, consult your doctor for guidance on managing stress-related hypoglycemia.
The Role of Supplements in Maintaining Stable Blood Sugar
While supplements cannot replace a healthy lifestyle, certain vitamins (B-complex) and minerals (chromium), may help enhance insulin sensitivity thereby supporting stable blood sugar levels. Consult with healthcare professionals before adding any new nutrients to your regimen
#InsulinResistance #JonnyBowden #DrGundry Here's a staggering statistic: According to the CDC around 655,000 Americans die how to control my blood sugar levels of heart disease EVERY YEAR – and it’s been that way for the last 80 years. But my guest says the scariest part is this: Most of what are ideal blood sugar levels the common "fixes" out there, like maintaining low cholesterol levels and taking preventative medicine may NOT be helping... In fact, he believes these recommendations are often doing more harm than good. And if you've read my work, you know - my guest and I are on the same page. I'm joined by Jonny Bowden, aka the "nutrition myth buster," and he’s a board-certified nutritionist and expert on diet and weight loss. He recently re-launched his bestselling book, The Great Cholesterol Myth, Revised and Expanded: Why Lowering Your Cholesterol Won’t Prevent Heart Disease – And The Statin-Free Plan That Will. On this episode, Jonny and I reveal the TRUTH about cholesterol, expose the REAL villain when it comes to heart disease, and share anxiety or low blood sugar what you can do TODAY to optimize your health and support a healthy heart. On this episode you’ll learn: Why standard cholesterol tests can have almost ZERO indication on your health – and the much more accurate test you should ask your doctor about (this could save a life!) (2:00) The cholesterol LIE most people have believed for years – and what you NEED to know about cholesterol and your health (4:30) The surprising truth about statin drugs – and the heart health plan I try first with most patients (ask your doctor if it might work for you) (9:00) The #1 driver of heart disease (and almost ALL other serious illness) – and how avoiding it may help you live a longer, healthier life (17:00) Why the term “pre-diabetes” is total nonsense – and what this diagnosis really reveals about your health (22:00) What insulin resistance really means, how it happens in the body, and the first step to supporting HEALTHY insulin levels(28:00) Why finding health goes beyond a better diet and more exercise – and how THIS could matter just as much (30:00) Why I LOVE this lesser-known cooking oil, how I use it, and the best place to find it(43:00) Everything you need to live a long and healthy life delivered straight to your inbox! SIGN UP for Dr. Gundry's newsletter here: Mentioned on this episode: The Great Cholesterol Myth, Revised and Expanded By Jonny Bowden (order here!) Twitter Facebook Jonny Bowden’s Website The Energy Paradox: What to Do When Your Get‑Up‑and‑Go Has Got up and Gone – (order here!)