Did you know this about sugar?
Did you know this about sugar? My guess is probably not, so let’s talk about sugar, insulin and your gut health! You’ve probably heard about this hormone. But do you know what it is? It’s a hormone that is produced in the pancreas which regulates the amount of glucose in the blood.

When insulin levels are imbalanced, it can affect the gut microbiota (of course!). Proper insulin function is essential for regulating blood sugar levels, and unstable blood sugar can impact gut health. Basically your blood sugar and gut are related, shocking? Nope. So here’s a few quick things that help in terms of controlling your blood sugar:

One of the most important ways is to eat balanced meals. A balanced meal includes a combination of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats to slow down the absorption of sugar and promote steady blood sugar. With eating a balanced meal, you want to be mindful of portion control as well! This helps you avoid overloading your body with too much sugar at once.

Fiber-Rich Foods are another great way to balance the sugar in your gut. They slow the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, preventing rapid spikes in blood sugar. This includes foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Healthy fats are another great food source to be consuming; avocados, nuts and olive oil. They help regulate blood sugar and keep you feeling satisfied.

Lastly, limit added sugars! You can do this by minimizing the consumption of processed foods and beverages with added sugars. It’s important to read labels to identify hidden sugars in products; anything ending in “ose” is a great place to start.

If taking care of you gut overwhelms you and you don't know where to start, I have what you need! My Gut Health Made Easy Guide is packed with tips, resources and recipes to learn how to support your gut health and help you feel good!

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Meet Leah Negrin

 
I am a bold, beautiful, sometimes timid, usually happy, essential oil, nutrition junkie. Although at 39 I feel as if I've had several careers over a lifetime (or at least sometimes when I look back at my resume that is what shines through). I've been a paralegal, an office manager, an administrative assistant, worked in commercial lending and have finally landed on nutrition.

My journey to nutrition started many years ago when my sister was diagnosed with celiac disease and food had to change for the family. From there, along my own health journey I’ve helped people not only figure out what to eat but how to do it so that it can work for them sustainably. For almost seven years I’ve been counseling people on their nutrition and weight loss journeys. 

Finally getting some sunshine in Southern California *Photo credit  Brittany Hassett 

I am knowledgeable about what purpose food serves your body and I focus on finding sustainable options when it comes to food; this also led to my love of essential oils. I had the opportunity to attend a workshop where a registered dietitian spoke about using essential oils in her practice to help her patients. I was floored. I knew that #plantsheal but I didn't realize that others in the 'conventional' medical community thought that as well!! Learning that it was possible to incorporate these magical little bottles gave me a huge sense of hope.


Alina, myself and Caitlin (oily bffs) *Photo credit Anne Negrin

 
As I learned more about these oils I was diagnosed with increased intestinal permeability or as many of us know it, leaky gut. Leaky gut has been around for quite awhile but many of us are just learning what this is or why this is even more common these days than ever before. Many issues can be related to leaky gut including autoimmune diseases. Receiving this diagnosis just led me down a path further to learn about nutrition and how to best serve my body and take care of myself.


Enjoying a vegan ice cream cone in Budapest! *Photo credit to Michelle Owen 

Since birthing our sweet baby boy at home earlier this year I’ve been incredibly passionate about helping other women too who are pregnant and new mothers with their nutrition. Eating healthy for your pregnant body and your postpartum self is a game changer for both mother and baby.

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