According to American nutritionist Brittany Poulson, MDA, RDN, CD, CDCES, this process does not take place in the blink of an eye but does not last all day as many people mistakenly thought.
After eating, the simplest form of sugar begins to penetrate the blood after just a few minutes, usually peaking within about 60 minutes, and will return to normal within two to three hours for healthy people, explains Poulson.
This process goes as follows: carbohydrates from food are broken down into glucose by the small intestine. The pancreas then releases insulin, a hormone that helps move glucose from the blood into cells for use as energy or storage. However, not all roads are treated equally.
Smooth sugar from candy or soft drinks will be absorbed very quickly, causing a spike in blood sugar levels. In contrast, whole grain or protein and fiber sugar is absorbed more slowly, helping to stabilize blood sugar levels," says Donald Barnes, a nutritionist at the Boston Clinical Nutrition Institute.
Factors affecting the duration of the road
The duration of sugar staying in the blood can be longer in people with insulin resistance, prediabetes or diabetes. These people often have prolonged high blood sugar levels because the body does not process insulin effectively. In addition, factors such as meal size, fiber ratio, exercise level, age, weight and even sleep also affect the rate of sugar excretion.
An important point emphasized by Ms. Poulson: There is no way to get sugar out of your blood immediately. Detox or drink a lot of water therapy is not as effective as rumored. Only your body can regulate blood sugar through the endogenous mechanism".
How to help the body process sugar more effectively?
The best way is to build a healthy lifestyle and eat scientifically. Combining carbohydrates with protein, healthy fats and fiber helps slow down the absorption of sugar. Another small but effective tip is to walk gently for 10 minutes after a meal, helping muscles consume glucose faster.
In addition, avoid sugary drinks, which cause blood sugar to spike and drop rapidly, causing fatigue and cravings. Maintaining a reasonable diet and monitoring personal reactions to each type of food is also a way to help you maintain stable blood sugar.
In short, the road is not an enemy, but a main source of energy if properly controlled. Understanding how your body processes sugar helps you eat smarter, especially if you are facing the risk of being overweight, diabetes or metabolic diseases.
