At RawQ Foods, we know that maintaining balanced blood sugar levels is crucial—not just for sustained energy but for overall well-being. Our co-founder, Arina Kuzmina, recently sat down with Katie Sims from Liz Earle Wellbeing to discuss the key signs of blood sugar imbalance in midlife and how to take control of your health with better nutrition.
Here are the main takeaways from their conversation:
1. 5 signs of blood sugar imbalance:
Blood sugar fluctuations can lead to symptoms that many of us dismiss as ‘normal’ parts of aging. These include:
Feeling thirstier than usual
If we’re drinking plenty of water but still feeling thirsty, it could be a sign that our blood glucose levels are too high.
“This happens because the body is trying to flush out the extra sugar by making you urinate more, which can leave you dehydrated,” Arina explains. “So, if you notice more frequent trips to the bathroom and a constant need for water, it might be your body’s way of asking for help with balancing your blood sugar.”
Feeling lethargic
Low energy and feelings of lethargy are a common symptom of high blood sugar, due to the ‘crash’ that follows a glucose surge. Research shows that when we can consume a lot of carbohydrates, we cause our blood sugar levels to rise and our energy intake at meal time is lower, which is why we can sometimes feel sluggish after eating.
Hunger cravings, even after a big meal
Blood sugar can impact our hunger cravings due to the rapid increase and subsequent drop in glucose levels. “The sudden drop signals to the brain that energy is low, triggering hunger and cravings for more food, even if the body doesn’t truly need it,” Arina says.
Often, we will crave quick energy sources like sugary or high-carb foods. These cravings are a direct signal from the brain to restore glucose levels rapidly.
Irritability and mood swings
Research shows that eating sugar can have negative effects on our mental health, often showing up as feeling more irritable or experiencing mood swings.
“When blood sugar levels fall too low, the brain perceives this as a lack of fuel, which can impair its ability to regulate emotions and cognitive functions,” Arina explains. “Additionally, the hormonal response to low blood sugar – such as the release of adrenaline – can further exacerbate mood instability.”
Poor concentration
Blood sugar fluctuations can also impact our ability to focus. As the pancreas releases more insulin in response to the glucose surge, this triggers the release of other hormones like serotonin. Too much serotonin can cause us to experience confusion, forgetfulness, or an inability to focus on tasks.
2. What You Can Do to Balance Blood Sugar
The good news? Small, intentional changes can help keep your blood sugar steady and your energy levels high.
Here’s what Arina and Katie recommend:
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Prioritize Protein & Fiber: Protein helps slow glucose absorption, while fiber stabilizes digestion. Start your day with a protein-rich breakfast (like nuts, seeds, or eggs) instead of just toast or cereal.
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Time Your Carbs Smartly: Rather than cutting out carbs completely, pair them with healthy fats and proteins(e.g., avocado with whole-grain crackers or nut butter with fruit) to avoid spikes.
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Move After Eating: A 10-minute walk after meals can help regulate glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
3. How RawQ Foods Can Help You
At RawQ Foods, we’ve designed our buckwheat-based energy bars to fuel you without the blood sugar rollercoaster. Here’s why they fit into a blood sugar-friendly lifestyle:
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Low Sugar, High Energy – With 70% less sugar than most energy bars, RawQ bars provide a steady energy release without the crash.
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Nutrient-Dense Ingredients – Buckwheat, nuts, and seeds deliver fiber, protein, and healthy fats that support blood sugar balance.
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Perfect On-the-Go Fuel – Whether post-workout or mid-afternoon, our bars offer lasting energy without spiking insulin levels.
If you’re looking to keep your blood sugar in check while still enjoying delicious, natural snacks, RawQ Foods is here to support you.
