Is this Thanksgiving tradition actually a hidden health hazard?

The post-turkey nap has become almost as big of a Thanksgiving tradition as the meal itself. But it turns out overdoing either one can put your health at risk.

Unfortunately, the consequences of overeating don’t stop when you loosen your belt buckle. Those heaping scoops of stuffing, mashed potatoes, candied yams, and all the other Thanksgiving staples actually send your metabolism into a tailspin. Your body simply can’t produce enough insulin to meet the extra demand. So your blood sugar spikes, then crashes. Which sets the stage for insulin resistance and diabetes.

It also makes you sleepy.

But, sprawling out on the couch for a long nap isn’t the best way to recuperate and “let your food digest.”

In fact, according to a new study, it ups your risk for diabetes even more.

A team of researchers from the University of Tokyo presented this research couple of months ago at the annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes.

They found people who take long naps have significantly higher risk of diabetes. Specifically, people who sleep for more than an hour during the day are 46 percent more likely to develop diabetes.

But forcing yourself to stay awake isn’t necessarily the answer. Because the results showed that even just feeling excessively sleepy during the day increases diabetes risk (by 56 percent, no less). And that held true whether or not the participants actually reported “giving in” and taking a nap.

Of course, sleep isn’t the real culprit here. In fact, feeling tired and taking long naps (or regularly feeling like you need to) are just symptoms of a much bigger problem.

As I said above, drastic swings in your blood sugar are the primary cause of daytime sleepiness. And it’s those swings that are really increasing diabetes risk.

So the goal isn’t necessarily to stop napping. In fact, the researchers noted that people who napped for less than an hour a day didn’t show any increased risk. And short naps that lasts less than 30 minutes can be like hitting a “refresh” button — helping to increase alertness, mood, and motor skills.

But if you find yourself barely able to keep your eyes open in the middle of the afternoon, consider it a big wake-up call. It’s time to start paying closer attention to your blood sugar.

The good news is, if your blood sugar is out of whack, there are lots of simple, natural ways to help rein it in. In fact, I’ve put together a detailed Metabolic Repair Protocol that can tackle blood sugar swings head-on. And even reverse full blown diabetes.

This protocol outlines the safe, natural, affordable, science-backed strategies I’ve used in my practice for years. And I’ve seen them work wonders for my patients.

But don’t worry — none of them involve skipping Thanksgiving dinner.

That said, it certainly won’t hurt to be mindful of what you’re putting on your plate — and in your mouth — later. Check out my Thanksgiving Survival Guide for some tips that can help you stay on track (and off the couch) today. [link to YouTube video scheduled for 11/20]

Have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving.

 P.S. If you find you need an energy boost to get you “over the hump” while you’re getting your blood sugar under control, consider trying Robuvit^®, the new supplement I told you about in this month’s issue of my Logical Health Alternatives newsletter. “Has the secret to curing chronic fatigue been hiding in the bottom of a wine barrel?”)

Robuvit^® is a patented, all-natural extract from French oak trees. And research shows it offers significant improvements for both general and chronic fatigue — not to mention a slew of other benefits. It’s one of the most exciting new breakthroughs I’ve come across lately, so if you haven’t seen the story yet, take a few minutes to read it now.

And if you’re not already a subscriber, now is the perfect time to get started. This is one article you don’t want to miss.

Resources:

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=190718

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/09/150918080627.htm