Why Blood Sugar Balance Is Key for a Mum's Nervous System—and Her Family's Well-Being

As a mum, your energy sets the tone for the whole house. If you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or frazzled, chances are your children pick up on that and react in their own way. What many don’t realise is that the way you feel—your ability to stay calm, grounded, and patient—is directly tied to the balance of your blood sugar levels.

Blood sugar not only affects your physical energy but also plays a major role in regulating your nervous system. When your blood sugar is balanced, it helps you feel stable and emotionally regulated, allowing you to respond to challenges with calmness instead of reactivity. Let’s explore why balancing your blood sugar is so important for your nervous system—and how it impacts your entire household.

The Nervous System of the Mum is the Nervous System of the House

Your nervous system controls how your body responds to stress. When you’re calm and regulated, it’s easier to be patient and present with your children. However, when your nervous system is out of balance—because of blood sugar fluctuations, stress, or lack of sleep—your ability to cope with daily challenges diminishes. As mums, we don’t just manage our own emotions; we also influence the emotional state of our family.

Children, especially, are incredibly sensitive to their parents’ emotional states. When your blood sugar is imbalanced, it can cause mood swings, irritability, and fatigue, which can lead to emotional dysregulation. If you're feeling on edge, chances are your children will start acting out too. They feed off your energy.

How Blood Sugar Affects Your Nervous System

Blood sugar balance is crucial for maintaining a calm and regulated nervous system. When your blood sugar is stable, your body has a steady supply of energy to fuel your brain and nervous system, helping you manage stress and emotional ups and downs.

However, when your blood sugar spikes (perhaps from sugary snacks or simple carbs) and then crashes, it sends your nervous system into "fight or flight" mode. This can cause you to feel anxious, shaky, or overwhelmed, making it harder to stay patient and calm when your kids need you.

Signs of blood sugar imbalance that affect your nervous system can include:

• Feeling irritable or “hangry” when you haven’t eaten.

• Mood swings that seem to come out of nowhere.

• Energy crashes in the afternoon that leave you feeling drained.

• Difficulty concentrating or feeling foggy-headed.

How to Balance Your Blood Sugar to Support Your Nervous System

To keep your nervous system (and your household) calm and stable, here are a few simple tips to balance your blood sugar throughout the day:

1. Start the Day with Protein:Skipping breakfast or eating something high in sugar can set you up for blood sugar swings all day. Instead, aim for a balanced breakfast with protein, healthy fats, and fibre. For example, scrambled eggs with avocado on whole grain toast will keep you energised and balanced.

2. Eat Regularly:Try to eat small, balanced meals or snacks every 3-4 hours to prevent your blood sugar from dropping too low. This will keep your energy steady and reduce mood swings.

3. Include Healthy Fats and Fibre:Healthy fats (like avocados, nuts, and olive oil) and fiber (from vegetables, whole grains, and legumes) slow down the absorption of sugar into your bloodstream, helping to prevent spikes and crashes.

4. Avoid Sugary Snacks:Sugary snacks and drinks can cause a quick spike in your blood sugar, followed by a crash that leaves you feeling tired and irritable. Choose whole foods like fruits, nuts, or yogurt instead.

As a mum, your energy affects your entire household. By balancing your blood sugar, you can regulate your nervous system, stay calm and patient, and create a more peaceful environment for your family. Remember, when you nourish yourself, you’re also nourishing the emotional health of your home.