Flourish Health & Wellbeing eMag - Latest Edition - Flipbook - Page 34
What Causes Big Glucose Spikes?
Several dietary and lifestyle factors in昀氀uence how
dramatic a glucose spike will be:
High-glycaemic foods: Sugary drinks, white bread,
pastries and confectionery are digested rapidly and
cause sharp increases in blood glucose.
Low 昀椀bre or protein intake: Fibre and protein slow
digestion. Meals lacking these nutrients allow glucose to
enter the bloodstream too quickly.
Skipping meals: Long gaps between meals can increase
glucose volatility, leading to larger spikes after eating.
Stress and poor sleep: Stress hormones like cortisol
increase glucose release from the liver, while inadequate
sleep reduces insulin sensitivity, amplifying spikes.
These factors combined increase the likelihood of unstable
glucose patterns and subsequent energy crashes.
Effects Beyond Energy
While energy crashes are the most noticeable
symptom, repeated glucose 昀氀uctuations
can affect other aspects of health:
Appetite regulation: After a glucose drop,
hunger hormones increase, encouraging
overeating and frequent snacking.
Mood and cognition: Rapid changes in blood
glucose can affect brain function, contributing
to irritability, anxiety and poor concentration.
Long-term metabolic health: Repeated spikes
over time may increase the risk of insulin
resistance, weight gain and type 2 diabetes.
These effects highlight why glucose stability
matters beyond simply avoiding tiredness.
