How Does Blood Sugar Affect Skin?

Lowering Blood Sugar Levels to Improve Skin | Tips for Lowering Blood Sugar Levels | Reduce Sugar Consumption | Eat Nutritious Meals | Get Regular Exercise | Reduce Stress | Get More Sleep

The Best Foods for Skincare

Choose Extend Protein Bars & Shakes to Improve Skin

Research shows blood sugar and your skin's appearance are connected. One of the most common problems is dry, itchy skin. Many people who have trouble maintaining healthy blood sugar levels also experience rashes, diabetic dermopathy, blisters, and bacterial and fungal infections. 

The itching can be caused by dry skin, poor circulation, or a yeast infection. It's also highly frustrating. A constant itch is distracting, can interrupt sleep, and continuous scratching inflames the skin, causing a puffy appearance. Although mild soap and regular moisturizer can reduce itching, controlling blood sugar is a long-term solution. 

Another associated condition is psoriasis which involves itchy red patches on the body. High blood sugar can lead to diabetic ulcers. These are open sores on the feet. These are dangerous and also the reason why doctors always check people's feet during annual checkups. 

One way to help lower blood sugar levels is to switch to a low- or no-sugar and low-carb diet. 

Nicole Hopsecger, a registered dietitian, told the Cleveland Clinic,

" ...Eating too many processed or refined sugars and foods with high glycemic index, dairy, carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats can actually cause skin inflammation, irritation, and breakouts and encourage the aging process of your skin."

In addition to improving your skin and overall health, a low sugar diet can lower your risk of diabetes and related complications.

Dr. Justin Ko, MD, the medical director and service chief of medical dermatology at Stanford Health Care in Redwood City, CA, explains, 

"For the most part, control of diabetes can help with related skin issues."

Choose nutritious meals and low sugar snacks to improve skin's appearance and feel. A few lifestyle changes can take dry, rough, and inflamed skin and return its natural glow and softness. 

Following Dr. Ko's advice, you can add nutritional and other wellness steps to your skincare routine to keep your body happy on the inside and out. Here are some ways to lower blood sugar levels and look and feel healthy. 

The number one way to quickly lower glucose levels is to stop or severely limit sugar intake. Start by replacing one or more snacks with a low or no sugar option. Extend Nutrition Bars and Shakes are an excellent way to cut sugar from your snacks. 

Follow the healthy snacks with nutritious meals loaded with protein and fiber and low on simple carbs. You can also replace one meal with an Extend Nutrition Shake. Mix it with almond milk or even low-sugar plain Greek yogurt. 

Exercise helps reduce the blood sugar in the blood. It also encourages weight loss which can make it easier to manage glucose levels. Additionally, regular fitness with good nutrition is ideal for cardiovascular health. You can reduce your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other preventable diseases by increasing your daily activity. Try adding a 20-minute walk to your routine and expand it to 30 minutes as you build more stamina. This simple step can help improve your overall health. 

Stress can throw off your whole body and interfere in everything from producing insulin to regulating sleep. The good news is that reducing sugar consumption, eating healthier, exercising more, and lowering blood sugar levels can lessen stress levels, too. With fewer stressors, you'll also have happier skin that shines. 

Sleep plays nearly as much of a role in your skin's appearance as your diet. When you get seven to nine hours of sleep at night, your body has time to rejuvenate. Tiredness shows on your face. From bags under your eyes to early wrinkles, the lack of rest takes a toll on your mind and body. If you're not sleeping well, your body has to work harder to control blood sugar. Although it might seem minor, something as simple as going to sleep at the same time and waking up at the same time nightly while staying in dreamland for at least seven hours can improve the skin's look. And body. If you're not sleeping well, your body has to work harder to control blood sugar.

You can improve your skin's appearance by adding the right foods to your daily meal plan while lowering blood sugar levels. 

Fish is full of omega-3s with antioxidant properties. These are great for the skin and may help you maintain healthy glucose levels. The best options include,

• Mackerel
• Salmon
• Tuna
• Herring
• Trout

Are you vegetarian? Choose plant-based omega-3s to boost your antioxidants. Top choices are

• Chia seeds
• Walnuts (and walnut oil)
• Flaxseed oil
• Canola oil
• Soybean Oil

Other foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants include,

• Citrus
• Tomatoes
• Bell Peppers
• Kiwi
• Strawberries
• Broccoli
• Sunflower seeds
• Almonds

Keep an eye on fruits. Too many can cause an unexpected spike in blood sugar. 

Diet is intertwined in all areas of your health. From preventing chronic disease to boosting energy levels and promoting heart health. So, it makes sense that glucose levels play a role in your skin's appearance. Use Extend Protein Bars and Shakes to complement your overall health and skincare routine. These low-carb, gluten-free, all natural and low calorie protein bars and shakes contain help curb appetite/hunger cravings and control blood sugar for up to 9 hours. Enjoy natural, long-lasting energy with no crash. Whether you enjoy eating protein bars or sipping on shakes, we have protein products for whatever your taste is. For more information on nutritional values please go to each products page linked here: Anytime Protein Bars, Anytime Protein Shake, Extend Performance Premium Whey Protein Shakes, Extend Performance Vegan with Quinoa Protein Shake. Extend your health with our delicious and healthy protein bars and shakes.