Chromium, What It Is and What It is Found In
Some Dietary Guidelines
Note: I’d like to say that The Footrest is back. I left to handle more obligations, and writing, and now my fantasy series, Royal Blue, Mimi the Mad Queen, is finished and now is an e-book on Amazon, and no longer on Substack, so that has freed up a little time, even though I haven’t figured out yet how to remove the title, but the episodes are gone. I will try to stay fairly regular with The Footrest. I hope you enjoy this newsletter, and learn much.
Chromium is a trace mineral. It is commonly known to help insulin sensitivity, which is essential for regulating blood sugar, for metabolizing and storing carbohydrates, fats, and protein. It was found in 1957 that a compound in Brewer’s yeast (chromium) helped to lower the age-related decline in the ability to maintain normal blood sugars. It’s a blood sugar support even for those that don’t have problems with their blood sugar levels, helping to keep blood sugar levels in check. If you are taking medications like steroids, steroids are known to spike blood sugar levels. (rootd.com)
It is a mineral found in foods such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables; chromium plays a role in how the body uses glucose. When taken as a supplement by athletes, it’s used as a weight loss aid or to help convert fat to muscle, but there’s insufficient evidence to support these claims. When taken as a supplement, it may interfere with iron in the body. (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics)
Though it is also used to reduce cravings and lower hunger, getting fit, exercising, and being active will help to do the same, and eating right nutritionally.
Chromium may also help heart health. Animal studies showed it reduced the symptoms of atherosclerosis in mice, and further studies have supported this.
Very little of chromium is needed in the body. I do not recommend taking chromium supplements. People with liver or kidney problems, and those with anemia, should not take chromium. It comes with risks, and side effects, and it’s better to get your chromium through the foods you eat, and a healthy lifestyle.
Also, animal studies suggested that antacids, particularly those containing calcium carbonate (including Tums and Mylanta), may reduce the amount of chromium your body absorbs. (mountsinai.org) But there are other factors that prevent the absorption of chromium, which are food combinations, drug interactions, age, stress, or other lifestyle factors.
Some chromium rich foods are:
Broccoli
Onions, raw
String beans
Liver
Turkey, breast and leg
Tomatoes, raw
Romaine lettuce
Ham
Potatoes (with skins, please)
Beef
Shellfish/fish
Grape Juice
Meat
Whole Wheat
Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
Eggs
Apples
According to the National Institutes of Health – NIH, nutrition and physical activity are important parts of a healthy lifestyle for people with diabetes. Eating well and being physically active can help you do the following:
Keep your blood glucose level, blood pressure, and cholesterol in your target ranges
Lose weight or stay at a healthy weight
Prevent or delay diabetes problems
Feel good and have more energy.
That goes for all of us whether we are diabetic or not. Remember, it’s best for your health to get fit, exercise, be active, eat right nutritionally, and live a healthy lifestyle.
Note: Consult your doctor or a dietician whenever in need if you have diabetes, or other medical conditions, or need their advice on taking supplements, and have questions about your health, and those concerning nutrition. Most dieticians do Telehealth, not just office visits, as some doctors do also.
All best, Giulietta
I am a certified reflexologist and nutrition counselor, besides being a self-published author, poet, and writer. I have been sugar-free since 9-1-01.
Website: https://www.gpasarelli.com
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