Blood sugar, also known as glucose, is a type of sugar that our body uses for energy. However, having high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period can lead to several health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and nerve damage. Therefore, it's important to maintain healthy blood sugar levels through proper diet and lifestyle habits. In addition to these habits, certain supplements and vitamins can also help regulate blood sugar levels, which your brand can offer countless consumers! Here are some ingredients to consider for your next blood sugar supplement.
Chromium
Chromium is a mineral that plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels. It helps insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, to transport glucose from the bloodstream to the cells where it's used for energy. Several studies have shown that chromium supplements can help lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes or insulin resistance. It may also help reduce the risk of heart disease by improving cholesterol levels. Chromium can be found in foods such as broccoli, whole grains, and meats, but if you have difficulty getting enough from your diet, a supplement may be beneficial.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant that can help improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels. It's a naturally occurring compound that's found in small amounts in foods such as spinach, broccoli, and liver. Several studies have shown that ALA supplements can help reduce blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It may also help protect against nerve damage caused by high blood sugar levels.
Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral that's involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including regulating blood sugar levels. It helps insulin to transport glucose from the bloodstream to the cells where it's used for energy. Several studies have shown that magnesium supplements can improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Magnesium can be found in foods such as spinach, almonds, and black beans.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that's essential for bone health and immune function. It's also been shown to play a role in regulating blood sugar levels. Several studies have shown that vitamin D supplements can help improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Vitamin D can be obtained through sun exposure or by consuming foods such as fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified dairy products.
B Vitamins
B vitamins, including thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pyridoxine (B6), and cobalamin (B12), play a crucial role in energy metabolism. They help convert food into energy that can be used by the body. Several studies have shown that B vitamin supplements can help improve glucose metabolism and lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. B vitamins can be found in foods such as whole grains, leafy greens, and dairy products.
If you take the private label route, we carry strawberry flavored B-complex gummies that can aid your customers’ efforts in regulating their blood pressure.
Berberine
Berberine is a compound found in several plants, including barberry, goldenseal, and Oregon grape. It has been shown to have several health benefits, including regulating blood sugar levels. Several studies have shown that berberine supplements can help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It may also help improve cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation in the body.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a spice that's been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. It's been shown to have several health benefits, including regulating blood sugar levels. Several studies have shown that cinnamon supplements can help improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It may also help reduce inflammation in the body.
Why is blood sugar regulation important?
High blood sugar levels, also known as hyperglycemia, can cause several health problems if left uncontrolled over time. Some of the potential complications of high blood sugar levels include:
- Diabetes-related complications: Long-term high blood sugar levels can cause complications related to diabetes, including nerve damage, eye damage, kidney damage, and cardiovascular disease.
- Increased risk of infection: High blood sugar levels can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of infections such as urinary tract infections, yeast infections, and skin infections.
- Diabetic ketoacidosis: In people with type 1 diabetes, high blood sugar levels can cause a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical attention.
- Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state: In people with type 2 diabetes, high blood sugar levels can cause a condition called hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS), which is also a life-threatening emergency.
On the other hand, low blood sugar levels, also known as hypoglycemia, can also cause several health problems. Some of the potential complications of low blood sugar levels include:
- Confusion and difficulty concentrating: Low blood sugar levels can cause confusion, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating.
- Weakness and fatigue: Low blood sugar levels can cause weakness, fatigue, and lethargy.
- Seizures and loss of consciousness: Severe hypoglycemia can cause seizures and loss of consciousness.
- Brain damage: Prolonged or severe hypoglycemia can cause brain damage.
It's important to note that people with diabetes who take medication to lower their blood sugar levels are at risk of experiencing low blood sugar levels. It's important to work with a healthcare professional to develop a plan to manage blood sugar levels safely and effectively. Additionally, people who experience symptoms of high or low blood sugar levels should seek medical attention promptly to avoid complications and before taking any dietary supplement.
Lifestyle and blood sugar
In harmony with dietary supplements, there are several ways to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels:
- Balanced Diet: Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help regulate blood sugar levels.
- Portion Control: Eating in moderation and controlling portion sizes can help prevent overeating, which can lead to high blood sugar levels.
- Regular Exercise: Exercise helps the body to use insulin more effectively and can help regulate blood sugar levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
- Hydration: Drinking plenty of water can help regulate blood sugar levels. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day.
- Limiting Processed Foods: Processed foods, including foods high in sugar, can cause blood sugar levels to spike. Limiting or avoiding these types of foods can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
- Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels: Regularly monitoring blood sugar levels can help individuals identify when their levels are high or low and take action to address the situation.
- Managing Stress: Stress can cause blood sugar levels to rise. Managing stress through activities such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can help regulate blood sugar levels.
- Getting Adequate Sleep: Lack of sleep can cause blood sugar levels to rise. Getting enough sleep, typically seven to eight hours per night, can help regulate blood sugar levels.
Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels doesn’t have to be a chore when your customers find balance through a healthy lifestyle. While proper diet and lifestyle habits are the cornerstone of blood sugar management, your private label or custom vitamins and supplements can be the key that helps individuals unlock the door to better health. And Makers Nutrition is the full-service supplement manufacturer that can push your brand in the right direction with unbeatable value, service, and quality.
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