When we eat sugar or carbohydrates our digestive system converts these larger molecules into glucose, which is then absorbed into the bloodstream and taken to cells throughout the body. Blood sugar fuels cells, keeping them healthy, making it critical to maintain stable blood sugar levels. Key antioxidant and trace mineral compounds have been shown to improve blood sugar stability.
When blood sugar is elevated the sugar molecules connect to protein enzymes in the body producing sticky enzymes in a process called glycation. These glycation products are named advanced glycolytic enzymes (AGE's) and they produce rampant amounts of oxidative stress, inflammation and tissue damage.
The dangers of elevated blood sugar:
The body naturally produces insulin in order to shunt the sugar out of the bloodstream and into the cells where it can be used for energy. Under circumstances of chronic sugar and carbohydrate consumption and/or chronic inflammation the insulin receptors become unable to effectively do their job. This is called insulin resistance, a condition that increases the level of glycation and resulting tissue damage in the body.
Glycation is the process that leads to atrocious conditions such as diabetic neuropathy, optic nerve destruction and resulting diabetic blindness and diabeties-induced kidney failure. Controlling glycation and the destructive effects of glycation is critical. Certain antioxidant and trace mineral compounds have been found to be highly effective at combating the damaging effects of glycation and improving blood sugar signaling patterns.
Chromium:
Nearly 50% of the US population is deficient in chromium which is greater than any other developed nation, which is particularly concerning as chromium deficiencies lead to diabetes and heart disease. This deficiency is due to over cropping that has stripped the land of chromium, as well as processed food consumption.
Chromium helps to activate the glucose transporter molecule within the cell called GLUT4. The GLUT4 receptor is found most abundantly in skeletal muscle and fat tissue, where most glucose metabolism takes place.
Chromium activates GLUT4 and it positions itself right on the surface of the cell membrane where it is easily able to interact with insulin and glucose. This allows glucose to pass from high concentrations in the blood to low concentrations in the cell through the GLUT4 bridge.
Chromium based studies have repeatedly demonstrated chromium improves blood sugar levels, insulin sensitivity and lipid profiles. Chromium achieves this through modulation of the cells intracellular signaling systems, lowering blood glucose effectively.
N-acetyl L cysteine: (NAC)
NAC is a precursor to glutathione, which is the body's primary antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and detoxifies harmful substances. A powerful antioxidant found within every cell in your body, glutathione has many key functions. One of glutathione's most important roles is to defend cells against wastes and toxins.
NAC has been shown to improve blood flow and blood vessel integrity in individuals with hyperglycemia. It has also been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and create more stable post-meal blood sugar responses. NAC supplementation has additionally been able to reduce oxidative stress and the negative effects of glycation in the body.
Alpha lipoic acid: (ALA)
This is a unique and powerful antioxidant that has both water and fat soluble properties. This unique characteristic allows it to be absorbed and transported into many organs and systems such as the brain, liver and nerves.
Lipoic acid is able to regenerate vitamins C and E and other major antioxidants such as glutathione and CoQ10. Lipoic acid also protects the mitochondria, the energy producing factories of cells, from being damaged by oxidative stress so they can produce energy more efficiently.
