At this time of year, it’s tempting to throw health goals out the window and say, “I’ll restart in January.” Even if you have blood sugar concerns, it can be enticing to bury your head in the sand, eat delicious things, and ignore your concerns until after the holidays. But, realistically, we know staying on track is essential for good health.
Having extra reasons to stick to a healthy plan can be beneficial in times like these. They add new bricks and cement to an unsteady structure — making it strong and resolute.
A study with 40,000 people found that a high-sugar diet may lead to cognitive decline. The researchers looked at modifiable risk factors to see how they impacted a specific “weak spot” in the brain. They found that three factors contributed the most to avoidable dementia — blood sugar spikes, air pollution and alcohol consumption.
Dementia is a broad term for cognitive decline that impacts day-to-day life. It’s problems like memory issues, problems thinking and difficulty making decisions.
Another study found that a person doesn’t have to have serious blood sugar concerns to have blood sugar impact cognition. Elevated blood sugar levels play a role in cognition even without a serious, ongoing concern.
“Blood sugar exists on a spectrum — it isn’t a black and white categorization of healthy or unhealthy,” said Dr. Jean Chen, the study’s senior author. “The findings highlight the importance of managing your blood sugar through healthy diet and exercise, not only for your body but also for your brain.”
Her study found that higher blood sugar was linked to fewer connections in the brain. Connections in the brain impact memory, attention and emotional responses.
The good news is that the researchers said that these are modifiable risks, meaning the problem can be lessened if people change their habits. Eating less sugar and maintaining healthy blood sugar can help you maintain healthy cognition.
While throwing our diet goals and healthy plans out the window in December and starting fresh in January is tempting, it’s not healthy. Eating well all year round is essential to maintaining all aspects of health. It’s easier to stay on track when you remind yourself that healthy blood sugar plays a role in many facets of your life. Plus, we have been sharing wonderful low-carb holiday recipes. You don’t have to miss out on any of your favorites this season or any time of year!
