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Welcome back to The Endo Belly Girl Podcast, the sanctuary where we delve into all things endometriosis and how they affect our lives. In today’s episode, I tackle a topic that has huge impacts on your hormones and endo: blood sugar.
So grab your coziest blanket, pour yourself a soothing cup of tea, and let’s unravel the complexities of blood sugar regulation and hormonal balance.
In this episode, you’ll learn about:
– The Blood Sugar Roller Coaster: Learn how blood sugar spikes and crashes can affect your daily energy, mood, cravings, and long-term health.
– Metabolic Impact: An exploration into how imbalanced blood sugar levels can influence different metabolic functions within the body.
– Insulin’s Influence on Hormones: Understand the connection between insulin resistance, adrenal health, and the balanced production of sex hormones.
– Root Cause Resolution: Why treating the symptoms isn’t enough, and how addressing underlying issues like blood sugar regulation can lead to hormone balance.
– Hidden Sugars Exposed: Unmasking the surprising number of foods with hidden sugars and their various aliases.
– Eating for Balance: Practical tips for meal compositions and timing to maintain stable blood sugar throughout the day.
Can’t wait to embark on this journey with you all. Make sure to reach out with your thoughts and questions – this dialogue is for you, by you, and about you.
As always, if you find value in our episodes, please consider leaving a review or sharing the podcast with others who might benefit. Let’s build a supportive community together.
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Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. This may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.
Episode details and full transcript here
If you thought that endometriosis, a condition estimated to affect 1 in 10 women, during their reproductive years, was solely a reproductive issue, it’s time to think again. On the Endo Belly Girl Podcast, we are consistently exploring the multifaceted aspects of this chronic condition.
In today’s episode, I dive into the complex relationship between blood sugar regulation and endometriosis, we uncover foundational principles for managing this intricate disease. This episode is a particularly insightful journey into how bringing this back into balance can unlock better health for individuals struggling with endometriosis.
The Blood Sugar Connection:
At the crux of the blood sugar conundrum is the undeniable fact that modern lifestyles have drastically altered our sugar intake. From a historical yearly average of 1-2 pounds to a staggering 150-200 pounds today, we’re in the middle of a sugar consumption crisis.
These sugars, often masquerading under various nomenclature on ingredient labels, contribute to a ‘roller coaster’ effect of blood sugar spikes and crashes, resulting in mood swings, cravings, and frequent energy slumps.
The Role of Nutrition in Blood Sugar Maintenance:
To stabilize our blood sugar levels, it’s essential to rethink our dietary patterns. This doesn’t mean adopting extreme measures like intermittent fasting, especially for cycling women, as such practices may do more harm than good in hormone regulation.
Instead, I recommend a balanced meal approach primarily focused on protein, fat, and non-starchy vegetables, supplemented occasionally with starchy veggies and fruits.
Understanding Blood Sugar Dynamics:
The metaphor of kindling (carbs/glucose) versus logs (fats) adeptly simplifies the complex science behind energy release from different food types. Carbohydrates provide a fleeting energy spike, much like kindling that flames out quickly, while fats act as sustaining logs, burning slowly to provide longer-lasting energy.
Blood Sugar’s Impact on Hormones:
It’s important to recognize that insulin, the hormone responsible for blood sugar regulation, also affects the production and release of sex hormones.
Therefore, an imbalance in blood sugar levels can exacerbate hormone-driven conditions, such as endometriosis, by contributing to estrogen dominance and increased body fat.
Stress, Adrenals and Blood Sugar:
Chronic deviations from normal blood sugar evoke a continuous stress response within the body, straining the adrenal glands. As a consequence, our stress hormones surge, disrupting the delicate equilibrium of our endocrine system, and potentially diminishing our vitality and overall well-being.
Insulin Resistance and Endo:
Insulin resistance, a direct result of blood sugar dysregulation, can not only exacerbate weight gain but also lead to hormonal imbalances that are often implicated in endometriosis flare-ups. Therefore, striving for insulin sensitivity through diet and lifestyle is key to managing both an endo belly and the condition as a whole.
Balancing Acts: Nutrition and Fasting:
Contrary to popular belief, intermittent fasting isn’t the panacea for everyone. In fact, women, particularly those with hormonal concerns like endometriosis, may need to consider more nuanced dietary practices.
I suggest eating three well-rounded meals each day, spacing meals 4 to 5 hours apart, and allowing for a 10 to 12-hour overnight fasting period as a gentle, yet effective, approach to blood sugar regulation.
Heeding Body Intuition:
Beyond the structured advice, it is equally vital for individuals to listen to their unique bodily cues. Understanding one’s own physiological responses can inform personal dietary and fasting decisions that work in conjunction with professional guidance for optimal health outcomes.
Conclusion:
As we discuss in this episode, addressing the root cause is fundamental. By regulating our blood sugar, we’re not just putting out the immediate fires; we’re laying down the logs for a sustained burn that supports long-term health and hormone harmony.
Today’s episode opened up a new avenue for those battling with endometriosis to consider: their relationship with blood sugar. By integrating this new understanding into your life, you can create a personalized pathway to better health, even in the face of endometriosis.
Remember, this episode is a treasure trove of insights, but your journey with endometriosis is unique. Be patient, be kind to your body, and make informed choices that sync with your personal health landscape.
Stay tuned for future episodes where we’ll continue to unravel the complexities of endometriosis and cast light on the shadows it casts on women’s lives.
