February 27, 2023
If you have a sweet tooth, you’re not alone! We’ve all been there, when the smell, sight or even thought of a sweet treat creates a seemingly irresistible urge. Science tells us that sugar is a real addiction.1 Sugar was once a scarce energy source, and craving it may have been advantageous for our ancestors. But today, with sugar everywhere, we’re stuck with an outdated pattern.
It's even in our hormones. We have four that raise blood sugar, and only one to lower it – insulin. When the body has too much sugar and simple carbs, insulin gets overworked and our cells eventually stop responding, a process called insulin resistance. Toxins can contribute too: especially persistent organic pollutants (POPs) – plasticizers and pesticides found in farmed salmon and some non-organic foods.2
It's complex! That’s why we’re excited to share Dr. Morrison’s tips for staying on top of your blood sugar. Some signs of insulin resistance are increased appetite after high-carb meals, since your cells can’t take in the energy, and skin tags, because excess insulin acts as a growth factor. Insulin resistance contributes to metabolic dysfunction and can lead to type II diabetes. (Type I is an autoimmune disease that depletes insulin, and usually shows up in youth. However, 10% of adults diagnosed with type II may actually have autoimmune diabetes.3 )
High blood sugar itself can also cause trouble: oxidative stress, inflammation, acidity, and blood vessel damage, and harm to organs like the eyes, kidneys, and bones. Some signs of high blood sugar include:
However, high blood sugar and insulin resistance often have no symptoms, so it’s important to get your labs checked. Dr. Morrison’s go-to markers are:
Here’s how to keep your blood sugar healthy:
Stay tuned for part two of our March blood sugar insights!
References:
DiNicolantonio JJ, O’Keefe JH, Wilson WL. Sugar addiction: is it real? A narrative review. Br J Sports Med. 2018;52(14):910-913.
Kim YA, Park JB, Woo MS, Lee SY, Kim HY, Yoo YH. Persistent Organic Pollutant-Mediated Insulin Resistance. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019;16(3):448. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6388367/
Naik RG, Brooks-Worrell BM, Palmer JP. Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2009;94(12):4635-4644.
About the Author:
Jonah Udall is a nutritionist, herbalist, and functional medicine practitioner in-training, earning his Masters of Science in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine at University of Western States. Chronic health challenges taught him the importance of seeking root causes, celebrating the individual, and finding collaborative paths to vibrant health with nature’s medicines. Jonah is also a professional musician and movement artist and a certified Deep Listening instructor.