Metabolic

Natalie Deering: There’s a surprising connection between our blood sugar levels and anxiety

Did you know that there is a strong connection between our blood sugar levels and our mental health? Even as a therapist, I wasn’t aware of the effects until I got pregnant and developed gestational diabetes.

Before I knew I had GD, I had the usual symptoms of intense thirst and sugar cravings, but I also had intense physical anxiety symptoms. I had experienced anxiety symptoms earlier in my life when going through external stressors, but this felt different. At the time, there was nothing I was particularly worried about or worried about that would cause my anxiety to increase in this way.

The stress of physical activation was so severe that it affected my ability to be present at work, relax at home, and sleep. I decided to go to the doctor to address my anxiety symptoms, but was never presented with the possibility that it could have been problems with my glucose that caused the anxiety symptoms in the first place.

Natalie Deering

Instead, I was given medication and sent on the journey. It wasn’t until a few weeks later, when I had to take the mandatory glucose test that every pregnant woman has to take, that I realized that my body wasn’t managing my blood sugar effectively. I was told that my blood sugar was elevated and that I needed to change my diet and monitor my levels by testing my blood sugar at least four times a day.

Luckily, I was able to keep my blood sugar levels in a healthy range through dietary changes and soon felt a rapid decrease in my anxiety symptoms as well.

During my maternity leave I came across information from Dr. Kristen Allott, who discussed the link between blood sugar and mental health, specifically anxiety. The one from Dr. The information Allott received was life changing in my personal health journey and has also helped expand my work with my therapy clients.

The symptoms of anxiety, anger, and hypoglycemia are very similar because they are caused by the same hormone, adrenaline. These hormones are the flight-or-fight hormones, fight rage and fear of flight. When adrenaline primes the mind and body for fight or flight, it increases heart rate, respiratory rate, blood flow to skeletal muscles, blood sugar and decreases digestion, and stimulates the amygdala, the part of the brain that prepares for a rapid response. be ready to fight or flee.

The brain’s main fuel is glucose. When your blood sugar (glucose) gets low, your brain becomes concerned. In order to keep functioning well, your brain will tell your kidneys to release adrenaline to raise blood sugar. Although your brain has some fuel now, the amygdala has been stimulated by adrenaline. This may cause your concerns, fears, or irritations to increase. This was what I experienced when my body developed glucose control issues during pregnancy.

Typical symptoms associated with fear or anger may include the following: racing thoughts, obsessive thoughts, worries about the future, reliving of past events, heightened alertness, avoidance of certain situations, restlessness, outbursts of anger, irritability, muscle tension, trouble sleeping, racing heart, sweating, tremors, shortness of breath, drowsiness, chills and hot flashes and fatigue.

Symptoms of hypoglycemia can include: nervousness, tremors, increased heart rate, palpitations, increased sweating, hunger, irritability, decreased concentration, headache, fatigue, mental confusion, and severe signs such as unresponsiveness, unconsciousness, and convulsions.

According to Dr. Kristen Allott, there are a few ways to help prevent hypoglycemia from occurring: (Please consult your doctor before changing your diet.)

• Eat protein for breakfast (animal protein and/or plant-based protein)

• Eat a small protein snack or meal every 2 to 4 hours

• Snack on something high in protein or low in sugar, such as nuts, nut butters, or hummus with apples or carrots

• Reduce the portion size of foods your body recognizes as sugar (sweets, bread, pasta, white rice, white potatoes)

• Consume foods with fiber (vegetables, seeds, beans, nuts and fruits) with every meal.

• Limit alcohol consumption. Always drink alcohol with food.

• Find ways to be physically active each day (try walking 10 minutes after a meal)

• Try to eat sweets just after eating fiber foods

• Take a daily multivitamin, pre- and probiotics

Notice how you feel after a meal and see if you experience any of the symptoms listed above. See your GP if you’re interested in getting your blood sugar tested or if you suspect you’re struggling with metabolic health.

If you’re interested in seeing your continuous glucose readings based on your daily diet and physical activity, visit www.levelshealth.com for a continuous glucose meter that you can wear for a month while giving you live data on Your metabolic health sends. Remember to also find a mental health therapist to help guide your health and healing journey.

Natalie Deering is a psychotherapist and owner of ND Wellness Psychological Services in Northern Kentucky. Visit their website at www.ndwellnessservices.com.

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