Blood sugar, also known as glucose, is an essential source of energy for the body. It comes from the food we eat, and its levels in the blood are regulated by a hormone called insulin, which is produced by the pancreas. When blood sugar levels are too high or too low, it can have negative effects on our health, including our brain function and mental health. In this blog post, we will discuss how blood sugar affects our brain and mental health, and ways to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
How High Blood Sugar Affects Cognitive Function
High blood sugar levels can have detrimental effects on cognitive function. Elevated blood sugar levels can cause damage to blood vessels and nerves, leading to impaired blood flow to the brain and neural dysfunction. These changes can lead to cognitive impairments, such as decreased attention, impaired memory, and difficulty with information processing.
If you have high blood sugar you may experience:
- Brain Fog
- Headaches
- Memory Problems
- Decreased Vision
- Absent Mindedness
- Drowsiness
High blood sugar levels can also lead to inflammation, oxidative stress, and damage to the blood-brain barrier, which can further contribute to cognitive decline. Additionally, individuals with diabetes or prediabetes are at an increased risk for developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is crucial for preserving cognitive function and reducing the risk of cognitive decline.
The Effects of Low Blood Sugar on Brain Focus
On the opposite end of the spectrum, there is low blood sugar which is also detrimental to brain focus. Low blood sugar levels, can affect cognitive function in various ways. When blood sugar levels drop too low, it can cause forgetfulness, anxiety, panic attacks, nervousness, irritability, restlessness, confusion, and OCD. Blood sugar levels can be affected by consuming too much sugar or refined carbohydrates. It's a common misconception that consuming sugary energy drinks or candy bars will help raise blood sugar levels in people with low blood sugar. However, the spike in blood sugar from consuming these types of foods is only temporary and can quickly lead to a crash, leaving the person feeling even more fatigued and mentally foggy. Over time, the body can become resistant to insulin, which is the hormone that allows sugar to enter the brain. This can lead to a cycle of needing more and more sugar to achieve the same effect.
Studies suggest that over 50% of mental disorders are related to blood sugar levels. The brain requires a steady supply of fuel to function properly, and low blood sugar levels can significantly impact cognitive function. Insulin plays a critical role in regulating blood sugar levels, and frequent spikes in insulin due to frequent snacking or overconsumption of refined carbohydrates can cause insulin resistance. To accurately assess blood sugar levels, medical professionals may use various tests, including a fasting glucose test or fasting insulin test.
A person with low blood sugar may experience:
- Forgetfulness
- Anxiety
- Nervousness
- Irritable
- Restlessness
- Depression
- Confusion
- OCD
Simple Ways To Improve Brain Focus
1. Cut out all sugars and hidden sugars
Consuming sugar is detrimental to your brain's health, and it's crucial to shift to an alternative fuel source called ketones. This involves significantly reducing your sugar intake, ideally to zero added sugar, and adding more healthy fats and prebiotic-rich foods to your diet. Carbohydrates can reduce the oxygen supply to the brain over time, leading to brain atrophy.
Insulin resistance can develop from prolonged sugar consumption, causing the brain to starve for fuel. Hence, cutting out all sweeteners, including honey and agave nectar, is essential. The two most critical steps to improve your brain health are to cut out sugar and stop eating when not hungry, as it spikes insulin levels.
2. Eat 2-3 meals per day - No snacking
Eating two to three meals per day with 3-6 ounces of protein without snacking in between can significantly stabilize blood sugar levels and improve brain focus. Consistently eating throughout the day can lead to constant insulin spikes, causing blood sugar fluctuations and impacting cognitive function. When you eat fewer but more substantial meals, your body has more time to digest and process the food, leading to more stable blood sugar levels. This stability translates to better concentration, productivity, and overall brain function. By avoiding snacking between meals, you allow your body to have regular fasting periods, which helps improve insulin sensitivity and metabolism, leading to improved cognitive performance
3. Incorporate a Cognitive Focus Supplement
Incorporating the Total Brain Boost cognitive supplement into your daily routine can make a significant impact on improving mental focus and productivity while blowing away the dreaded "brain fog." This supplement was developed without any caffeine, ephedra, or other dangerous "heart-stopping" ingredients that are commonly found in other brain supplements. Its formula contains natural ingredients that work synergistically to enhance brain function without causing any side effects.Total Brain Boost Cognitive Supplement with CurcuRouge® Turmeric
$149.00
$239.85
Revival Point’s Total Brain Boost is a caffeine-free brain booster supplement for adults to help enhance mental agility, cognitive processing speed, and overall brain performance. Formulated with six science-backed ingredients, including CurcuRouge® turmeric, a trademarked curcumin turmeric formula proven to… read more
