05 Oct It Isn’t Just Insulin

Most of people know that diabetes is closely related to insulin hormone disorders that cause blood sugar levels to increase. In fact, there are many other factors that worsen the case of diabetes and a crucial one of these factors is the lack of chromium content in the body.Still, not many people are aware –and these would also include those with diabetes –that chromium also affects this dreaded disease.

Elderly and Chromium

Chromium is a type of micro mineral needed in small quantities, namely in the amount of ≤ 100 mg / day or ≤ a 0.01% of body weight. Chromium is known to play an important role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. In addition, chromium is also essential to the proper functioning of the insulin hormone (a hormone that plays a role in the metabolism of glucose) that is associated with diabetes.

The fact is that elderly people tend to be at risk for chromium deficiency, as listed in The British Journal of Nutrition. This is because elderly people experience an increased loss of chromium through urine – an occurrence that is due to an increase in age and the lowered pace of or non-replacement of expended chromium.This lack of chromium can cause interference in glucose, fat metabolism and the functioning of the insulin hormones as stated in the journal Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental. As a result, the level of risk of diabetes and heart disease is increased. Thus, one way to maintain one’s health is to improve the functioning of the insulin hormone, which is to utilize the magic of chromium.One should ensure that the level of Chromium is as required to prevent health problems caused by chromium deficiency. Several studies have shown the benefits of chromium supplementation in helping to improve glucose metabolism and reduce the level of body fats in the elderly. Supplementing chromium levels is not difficult – all you need to do is choose foods that contain lots of chromium, such as egg yolks, cereals, beans, and broccoli.

In addition, you can also get the benefits of chromium from a glass of milk as a meal replacement for diabetics. Simultaneously, do not forget to reduce the consumption of sugar and high-sugar foods. Foods with high sugar levels are not only low in chromium content, but excessive sugar consumption can also increase the expenditure of chromium from the body. Are you confused about how much Chromium you need each day?

Based on the table of Dietary Reference Intakes issued by the Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine, National Academies, men over the age of 50 years need 30 mcg of Chromium per day, while women over the age of 50 years need only 20 mcg of Chromium per day. Surely by now, you realize that chromium is essential to maintaining your health. But you must remember that chromium alone is not enough to balance your health in your later years. Do not forget – implementing a healthy lifestyle means choosing a healthy diet and regular exercise routine.