Why Blood Sugar Balance Isn’t Just About Sugar (and What Minerals Have to Do With It)

When most people think about blood sugar, they picture dessert or maybe a carb-heavy meal that leaves them in a literal food coma. But what if I told you that your mineral levels could be just as important as your macronutrients when it comes to stabilizing your blood sugar?

Balancing blood sugar is one of the most foundational pieces of long-term energy, hormone health, mood stability, and metabolism. And when you’re trying to get pregnant, are already pregnant, or deep in the postpartum season? Keeping those levels steady is a game-changer. (Spoiler: it can also reduce those 3 p.m. crashes and late-night pantry raids.)

The Mineral–Blood Sugar Connection

Your body needs certain minerals to actually use the carbs you eat. Think of minerals as the “spark plugs” behind the scenes, they help enzymes work properly and allow your cells to do what they’re supposed to do. And I'm guessing your're all for that.

Some MVPs when it comes to blood sugar:

• Magnesium: Helps insulin work properly and improves glucose uptake into your cells. Low levels are linked to insulin resistance, cravings, and mood swings. (If you’re hangry before meals, this might be why.)

• Chromium: Supports insulin sensitivity and helps transport glucose (the useable form of sugar for your body) into cells. A deficiency here can make cravings and crashes worse.

• Zinc: Plays a role in making insulin and helps stabilize blood sugar. It's also super helpful for immune and hormone health.

• Potassium & Sodium: Both of these electrolytes help regulate hydration and adrenal function, which also affect how your body handles stress (and how steady your energy is throughout the day).

Signs Your Blood Sugar and Minerals Might Be Off

• You're exhausted even after a good night's sleep

• You feel shaky, irritable, or anxious if you go too long without eating

• You crave sweets or caffeine to get through the day

• You wake up wired or can't fall asleep easily at night

• You’ve been told your bloodwork is "normal," but something still feels off

If you checked off more than one of those, it may be time to zoom out and look at the bigger picture... not just your food, but the minerals supporting the way your body processes that food.

What You Can Do Today

• Eat protein with every meal — especially breakfast. This helps curb blood sugar spikes and keeps you satisfied longer.

• Don't skip meals. (I know you're busy, but believe me when I say this one's worth it.)

• Include mineral-rich foods: think leafy greens, root veggies, bone broth, sea salt, and nuts/seeds.

• Cut the blood sugar rollercoaster: limit refined sugar and opt for fiber-rich carbs like sweet potatoes, quinoa, or fruit paired with fat or protein.

• Support your minerals: HTMA testing gives you a personalized look at where your mineral levels stand, and how to rebalance for energy, hormones, and metabolism.

Want to Dig Deeper?

If you’ve been doing “all the right things” and still feel like you’re barely getting through the day, it might be time to get curious about your mineral levels. This is exactly what I help women uncover through my Nourish & Restore program using HTMA testing (Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis). Together, we use data to create a personalized plan that actually makes sense for your body.

Ready to stop guessing?
Nourish & Restore: A Personalized HTMA Program can provide you with the answers you have been looking for.