Most of you know someone…
…or have heard stories about someone with diabetes losing their toe, foot, or leg because of the complications with diabetes. It’s primarily due to damage of the microscopic vessels (capillaries) that are only wide enough to transport red blood cells (RBC’s) in a single-file line.
This is where the magic happens in our body! However, sugar plays a super damaging role to the inside of those blood vessels.
Here’s why – sugar molecules are sharp! (think micro-razor blades)
The sugar molecules attach themselves to the outside of the red blood cells. So, as the RBC’s travel through the capillaries, they scrape the inside walls of the capillaries, causing damage and dysfunction. The damage to the capillary walls prevents the transportation of oxygen and carbon dioxide into and out of the RBC.
Oxygen is critical because that’s what we use to make energy… and energy keeps us alive.
When capillaries are damaged, the tissues (muscles, organs, skin, etc) in those areas start to starve of oxygen and decrease their “aliveness”.
You can get the same bummer outcome – decreased oxygen to tissues – if your body doesn’t have enough Omega-3’s.
Omega-3’s are a critical molecule in the cellular membrane of your cells, including red blood cells. One of the many things Omega-3’s (O-3) do is make the membrane of the cell flexible and malleable…able to deform. This is really important for RBC’s trying to squeeze through micro-vessels that are only one cell wide. If there aren’t enough O-3’s in the cell membrane then the RBC can’t deform and flow easily through the capillary to deliver the oxygen to the tissues. (see image below) No oxygen? No energy. Decreased “aliveness”.
At this point, you might be thinking, “Crap. Do I have to give up sugar forever and swap it for fish burps?”
You could… but I’d say, start with awareness and assessment of where you are now. Then consider one or two things you can do to start improving your oxygen delivery and aliveness in your body (microcirculation), such as
Only having one sweet treat a day – cookie, candy, doughnut, sugary cereal, dessert, etc.
Decrease your alcohol to one less day per week.
Cut back on breads and grains to one serving/day.
Start taking Omega-3 supplements – without the fish burps (not all O-3 supplements are created equal!)
Decrease soda and sugary energy drinks by 1/day or 2-3/week.
Cut back on fruit juice – shocker, I know. (Fruit juice is VERY high in sugar – and just because it’s natural sugar, doesn’t mean it’s not sugar)
Get tested to check your level of Omega-3’s (ask me!)
Remember, knowledge is power. Knowledge about yourself is self-empowerment. You deserve to be empowered!
Microcirculation might not have sparked your curiosity three weeks ago, and hopefully you’ve been enlightened and empowered.
With Love,
Dr. Michelle
PS … did you look at your fingernails last week? It gives insight into YOUR microcirculation.