Protect Your Heart- Balance Your Blood Sugar
Blood sugar levels have a profound impact on heart health. When blood sugar rises, all organs of the body are affected, most notably the cardiovascular system and especially the heart. A study conducted by the University of Alabama found that 40 percent of young adults without diabetes had blood levels indicating insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is a precursor to diabetes and is also considered a risk for potentially fatal cardiovascular events, namely heart attack, and stroke. (1)
The blood sugar heart health dance
Endothelial Dysfunction: High blood sugar levels can damage the endothelium, the inner lining of blood vessels. This damage promotes the development of atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the hardening and narrowing of the arteries, which is a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes. According to the CDC, people with diabetes are twice as likely to have heart disease or a stroke as people without diabetes.
Inflammation and Oxidative Stress: Hyperglycemia can lead to increased inflammation and oxidative stress. This can cause further damage to the cardiovascular system by promoting the formation of plaques in the arteries. (2)
Glycation End Products: Elevated blood sugar levels lead to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs can accumulate in tissues and organs, including the cardiovascular system, leading to stiffness in the blood vessels, and making them less flexible, which in turn can increase blood pressure. (2,3)
Insulin Resistance and Hyperglycemia: Chronic high blood sugar can lead to insulin resistance, a condition where the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin. Insulin resistance is a major component of metabolic syndrome, which is defined as a cluster of conditions (high cholesterol, excess body fat, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar) that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
The Dynamic Duo
To combat the adverse effects of high blood sugar on heart health, look no further than 2 power-packed and effective supplements to help you balance your blood sugar and give your heart what it needs.
Blood Sugar Balance and Healthy Heart supplements work synergistically to provide what your heart and body need to function efficiently.
Blood Sugar Balance
Natural Ingredients: Packed with botanicals like cinnamon, berberine, and chromium, which are known to improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels naturally.
Antioxidant Powerhouse: Contains antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress, a key player in cardiovascular damage.
Regulates Blood Sugar: Helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels, preventing the spikes and crashes that can damage your heart.
Supports Metabolic Health: Improves overall metabolic function, reducing the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Healthy Heart
Heart-Healthy Nutrients: Includes omega-3 fatty acids, CoQ10, taurine, and magnesium, essential for maintaining cardiovascular health.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Contains ingredients that combat inflammation, a major contributor to heart disease.
Improves Circulation: Helps keep arteries flexible and reduces blood pressure, lowering the strain on the heart.
Boosts Heart Function: Enhances the efficiency of the heart muscle, ensuring better blood flow and oxygen delivery.
Our Blood Sugar Balance and Healthy Heart supplements can play a pivotal role in mitigating these risks.
Other factors when balancing blood sugar and heart health.
Supplements are only the beginning of balancing blood sugar and heart health. Diet and lifestyle, along with genetics also play a crucial role in heart health.
Diet
Antioxidant-Rich Foods: Consuming foods high in antioxidants, such as berries, nuts, and green leafy vegetables, can help reduce oxidative stress.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., fatty fish, flaxseeds) and anti-inflammatory compounds (e.g., turmeric, and ginger) can help reduce inflammation.
Stress control.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress, which can positively impact blood sugar control and heart health.
Exercise- Regular physical activity can improve insulin sensitivity, strengthen the heart muscle, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy blood vessels. Regular exercise also reduces stress and increases feel-good endorphins. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week. (4)
Smoking Cessation-Smoking cessation significantly reduces the risk of heart disease and improves overall health outcomes in individuals with diabetes.
Regular checkups
Regular checkups with your primary care provider. Elevated blood sugar levels and heart disease can appear without any prior symptoms. Be proactive about your health before it’s too late.
Putting It All Together
In addition to a healthy diet, exercise, stress reduction, and regular checkups with your care provider, combining Blood Sugar Balance and Healthy Heart supplements creates a powerful synergy. By keeping blood sugar levels in check and supporting cardiovascular health, these supplements can help you reduce the risk of heart disease.
References:
- University of Alabama at Birmingham. (2021). UAB researchers find that 40 percent of young American adults have insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk factors. Retrieved from https://www.uab.edu/news/research/item/12289-uab-researchers-find-that-40-percent-of-young-american-adults-have-insulin-resistance-and-cardiovascular-risk-factors
- González P, Lozano P, Ros G, Solano F. Hyperglycemia and Oxidative Stress: An Integral, Updated and Critical Overview of Their Metabolic Interconnections. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 May 27;24(11):9352. doi: 10.3390/ijms24119352. PMID: 37298303; PMCID: PMC10253853.
- Prasad, Anand MD*; Bekker, Peter MD†; Tsimikas, Sotirios MD†. Advanced Glycation End Products and Diabetic Cardiovascular Disease. Cardiology in Review 20(4):p 177-183, July/August 2012. | DOI: 10.1097/CRD.0b013e318244e57c
- Colberg, S. R., Sigal, R. J., Yardley, J. E., Riddell, M. C., Dunstan, D. W., Dempsey, P. C., ... & Tate, D. F. (2016). Physical activity/exercise and diabetes: A position statement of the American Diabetes Association. Diabetes Care, 39(11), 2065-2079. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc16-1728
Written by Brooke Lounsbury