Unlocking Fertility: Understanding the Connection Between Blood Sugar and Pregnancy with Dr. Christine Maren

Are you pregnant and have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes? Are you looking for nutrition advice to help you have a healthy pregnancy? Do you have food sensitivities that are affecting your blood sugar levels? If so, then this podcast with Dr. Christine Maren is for you! In this podcast, we will discuss gestational diabetes, nutrition advice for a healthy pregnancy, food sensitivities, blood sugar management, and elimination diets. Tune in as we chat about the importance of healthy fats during breastfeeding and some of the most significant health issues impacting fertility.  Gestational Diabetes: Nutrition Advice for a Healthy Pregnancy Gestational diabetes affects pregnant women, causing high blood sugar levels, and the lack of discussion around it may make women hesitant to deviate from their doctor"s advice. Dr. Christine Maren"s podcast shares her personal experience with gestational diabetes and conflicting nutrition advice, such as the recommendation to follow a high-carb, whole-grain diet, which led to blood sugar spikes. The confusion arises from the misconception that whole wheat bread is better than white bread for blood sugar levels. Additionally, the advice to consume 50% carbs but low fat left her unsure of suitable food choices. The Link Between Food Sensitivities and Blood Sugar Management Not all carbohydrates are created equal. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) does not differentiate between types of carbohydrates, treating all carbs as equal; this can be problematic for individuals with gestational diabetes, type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes, and even type 1 diabetes. Consuming high-carbohydrate foods can cause blood sugar levels to spike, leading to complications and health issues. Elimination Diet: A Guide to Identifying Food Sensitivities Food sensitivities can contribute to various health issues, including gastrointestinal problems, skin rashes, mental health issues, and inflammatory states. Identifying and eliminating these sensitivities can be crucial for individuals looking to improve their overall health and well-being. The top three food sensitivities are dairy, gluten, and eggs. While these foods are nutrient-dense and beneficial for many people, some individuals may have sensitivities that cause negative reactions. The best way to learn about food sensitivities is through elimination diets and food sensitivity testing. Elimination diets involve removing potential trigger foods from the diet for at least four weeks and then slowly reintroducing them one at a time to see if any physical reactions occur. Food sensitivity testing can also be helpful, but it is essential to interpret the results with caution, especially if the individual is already on an elimination diet. By taking control of their diet and identifying potential trigger foods, individuals can improve their quality of life and reduce the negative effects of food sensitivities. Key Takeaways: [10:10] How food sensitivities play a role in different stressors [18:30] What are some of the side effects of gluten? [20:35] The importance of healthy fats during pregnancy and breastfeeding [28:10] What are some of the biggest health issues impacting fertility? [32:15] Advice for people who are newly diagnosed with diabetes. Resources: Website: https://drchristinemaren.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrChristineMaren/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc2X8HJUMZCjDEHveGLjggQ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/dr_maren/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drchristinemaren/ 12 Ways to Detox Your Home: https://drchristinemaren.com/gift/ Support the show