Eating in sync with your circadian rhythm may help to improve your blood sugar control. But what is blood sugar control and why is it important for your health? Let’s dig a little deeper to find out.
What is Circadian Rhythm?
Your circadian rhythm refers to your bodies internal clock that runs on a 24 hour pattern. By following a more natural circadian rhythm of being awake when it’s light and resting while it’s dark, your body clocks can work in their natural state. Scientists have recently discovered that focusing on your body’s internal clock may be the key to sustaining a healthy lifestyle.
Blood Sugar
Carbohydrates provide the body with energy to function. For this to happen you need to eat foods with carbohydrates, which your body then breaks down into simple sugars such as glucose. This glucose is then carried from the stomach to your blood stream.
Carbohydrate Foods
- Breads
- Cereals
- Pasta
- Rice
- Grains
- Fruit
- Dairy
- Starchy vegetables (for example peas, corn, potato, pumpkin)
- Sugar
Insulin
Insulin is a hormone made by your pancreas and its role is to move glucose (sugar) from your blood stream into the cells where it is used for energy. Your pancreas will release insulin into the blood when your glucose levels rise after you’ve eaten or had something to drink with carbohydrates.
If you have more glucose than you need for energy, insulin will help store it for use when your blood sugars get too low and no new food comes in. When insulin works well your blood sugars are maintained at a stable level.
Blood Sugar Control
Having good blood sugar control is important in the short term to keep energy levels stable. In the long term having good blood sugar control can reduce the risk of some health conditions such as eye disease, heart disease and stroke. It can also help to reduce complications from diabetes. Keeping blood sugars level can also help keep hunger at bay as low blood sugar levels can increase your hunger signals. Having a balanced diet, eating regularly throughout the day, including foods high in fibre and regular physical activity can all help keep blood sugars in a healthy range.
How Circardian Rhythm helps insulin
Consuming more kilojoules earlier in the day can help improve your blood sugar control. Naturally, insulin becomes higher at night – so if you eat a lot at night, you’re more likely to store this as body fat rather than burning it off in the day when your body is burning kilojoules most effectively.
If you have concerns about your blood sugar levels, it best to consult your GP or health professional.
