The link between blood sugar levels and stress

Stress is the emotional and physical strain we experience whenever we feel unable to cope with a situation. Dizziness, restlessness, lack of energy, depression, constipation, irritability, and even impotence are a few conditions associated with stress.

High stress often leads to increased blood sugar levels. This is because stress increases the need for instant energy, which can only be supplied by an increased supply of energy-yielding glucose.

Most individuals who get stressed easily or react badly to stress are known to have a disturbed glucose metabolism. Such individuals tend to calm down after eating something. It is important for them to know that their emotions of anger, anxiety, depression, irritability, etc. can be largely controlled by controlling their blood sugar levels, which in turn can be controlled by improving their diet.

Glucose is the primary source of energy for our body. And when we are under stress, it is glucose that the body turns to for instant energy. Glucose also helps to repair and restore tissues damaged by stress.

Regardless of whether the stress is physical, emotional, or chemical, its effect on one’s body will be the same. Once the stress subsides, the hormonal levels drop and the body returns to normal. Conversely, if the stress remains over an extended period of time, the hormones and chemicals linger in the blood stream. Thus, your body continues to remain in the fight or flight state, which not only weakens your immune system but also increases your risk of developing degenerative diseases,such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, etc.

There are many effective ways of countering stress. No matter how busy you are, make time to rest and relax. Meditate, practise yoga, exercise, and listen to soothing music. Stress by itself is not harmful; it is the way you deal with it that makes all the difference to your health. Alternatively, the food you consume plays a pivotal role in controlling stress.

HOW FOOD HELPS

Proper nutrition is an effective way of dealing with stress. Switch from having three large meals per day to several small meals comprising complex carbs throughout the day. These meals should contain all the nutrients necessary for glucose metabolism. Increase fibre in your diet by including wheat bran, oat bran, jowar, and bajra in chapatis. The mineral chromium picolinate helps prevent blood sugar fluctuation. Eat almonds and roasted chickpeas in between meals to prevent hypoglycaemia. Increase the intake of raw vegetables to provide your body with cellprotecting antioxidants. Drink a glass of orange, tomato, or carrot juice every day, as it is an easy way to increase antioxidants in your diet.

Having a glass of orange juice or consuming a few almonds every day helps prevent stress