Michael's Naturopathic Programs

DIRECTIONS:

Take the contents of one (1) packet daily with a meal.

Related Wellness Reports: Blood Pressure | Cardiovascular System | Cholesterol Metabolism | Glucose Metabolism | Kidneys | Nervous System | Weight Management

Blood Sugar Regulation

Blood sugar is regulated and maintained in the body by the adrenal glands working in conjunction with the liver and the pancreas. The way the system works is as follows: The liver converts food into sugar; some will be stored for future use and some will be secreted into the bloodstream to be used as fuel. The adrenal glands act as regulators monitoring the amount of glucose in the blood.

When blood sugar levels rise above a particular level based on current demands the adrenal glands communicate with the pancreas asking it to secrete the hormone insulin. Insulin makes it possible for cells to use sugar as fuel.

Cells have receptors on their surfaces to transfer glucose into the cells’ interiors to be used as fuel. Insulin works with these receptors to make this process possible. 

Before sugar levels drop too low in the bloodstream, the adrenal glands communicate once again with the pancreas, this time telling it to secrete glucagon which raises blood glucose levels. Glucagon raises the blood glucose level by causing the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose. Through the communication between the adrenal glands, the liver and the pancreas, blood sugar levels are kept within the normal range.

The adrenal glands are rich in Vitamin C and pantothenic acid. Vitamin C is involved in hormone production including cortisol which is often referred to as the stress hormone. Cortisol raises blood sugar levels. Pantothenic acid plays a key role in cellular energy production as part of Coenzyme A (CoA). The pancreas contains the minerals zinc and chromium.

Zinc is required by the pancreas for insulin production; insulin being the hormone essential for sugar regulation. Chromium is also found in the pancreas; it helps liberate glucose from muscle, so it is also part of the mechanism regulating insulin or sugar availability. Should there be a fasting state, physical exertion, or stress, there is a higher demand on the body for fuel. In other words, there is a greater need for more sugar to be released into the bloodstream. 

METABOLISM OF GLUCOSE
Metabolism is the term used to describe the sum of all chemical processes that take place in the body. Larger molecules, such as glycogen, are broken down into smaller molecules, such as glucose in a process called catabolism. The hormone insulin serves as the catalyst for the process of catabolism of carbohydrates.  

Insulin is manufactured in the pancreas and requires the minerals chromium and zinc for its production. Other nutrients important in the process of metabolism include Vitamin B1, Niacin, and Iodine.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT
Chromium is involved in carbohydrate, lipid (fats), and nucleic acid metabolism. It functions in carbohydrate and lipid (fat) metabolism as a potentiator of insulin action.

Insulin is a naturally occurring hormone released by the pancreas in response to increased levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Chromium entered into the science of mammalian nutrition in the late 1950’s when Schwarz and Mertz reported that rats fed chromium deficient diets exhibited glucose intolerance.

Vitamin B-1 (Thiamin) is needed for carbohydrate metabolism. Vitamin B-1, also known as is essential for digestion and for the functioning of the heart.

Zinc is a component of insulin.

Pantothenic Acid is necessary for growth, and it contributes extensively to energy functions and the skin.

Manganese promotes enzyme activation. An enzyme is a protein that speeds up or causes chemical reactions in living matter. An example would be the conversion of glycogen to glucose to energy that the body can use.

Cinnamon has a long history of use. Studies have demonstrated cinnamon’s ability to support the action of insulin. Lower fasting blood glucose levels are supported through the intake of cinnamon.

Alpha Lipoic Acid is both a water- and a fat-soluble antioxidant helping to protect cells from free radical (oxidative) damage. It is also involved in carbohydrate metabolism.

THE ADRENAL HORMONES
Epinephrine causes almost the same effects as norepinephrine, but differs in that it has a several times greater metabolic effect on tissue metabolism. Epinephrine can increase the metabolic rate of every cell in the body by as much as 100% above normal, influencing other metabolic activities such as glycogenolysis in the liver and muscle and glucose release in the blood. 

NUTRIENTS FOR THE ADRENALS
The following nutrients play a role in the various functions and activities of the adrenals including hormone & energy production:

Pantothenic Acid plays a role in the release of energy from carbohydrates.

Vitamin C occurs in large concentrations in both parts of the adrenal gland, the medulla & the cortex. It is essential in the production of the two active hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine by the adrenal medulla. Even though the adrenals are rich in Vitamin C, upon secretion of corticosteroids large amounts of Vitamin C are lost from them.