Blood Sugar Support Isn’t Just About Food

How Fragrance and Phthalates Can Interfere With Insulin Sensitivity

When people think about blood sugar issues or insulin resistance, food is usually the first thing that comes to mind.

Carbohydrates.

Sugar.

Protein.

Meal timing.

While nutrition absolutely matters, it’s not the only factor influencing blood sugar regulation. One of the most overlooked contributors is chronic background stress on the body, especially from everyday chemical exposures found in personal care and household products.

Two of the most common — and least recognized — are synthetic fragrance and phthalates.

The Connection Between Stress Hormones and Blood Sugar

Blood sugar regulation is closely tied to the nervous system.

When the body perceives stress, it releases cortisol to help raise blood sugar and provide quick energy. In short-term situations, this is protective. But when cortisol remains elevated due to ongoing stressors, blood sugar becomes harder to regulate.

Over time, this can contribute to:

• Afternoon energy crashes

• Increased cravings, especially for sugar or refined carbohydrates

• Feeling “wired but tired”

• Weight loss resistance despite dietary changes

This is where environmental stressors — including fragrance exposure — begin to matter.

What Are Fragrance and Phthalates?

Synthetic fragrance is not a single ingredient. It is a blend that can include dozens to hundreds of undisclosed chemicals. Phthalates are frequently used within fragrance formulas to help scents last longer.

These compounds are commonly found in:

• Shampoo and conditioner

• Body lotion and deodorant

• Laundry detergent and dryer sheets

• Hand soap and household cleaners

Because they are absorbed through the skin and inhaled, exposure is often daily and cumulative.

How Fragrance and Phthalates Affect Insulin Sensitivity

Chronic exposure to synthetic fragrance and phthalates can keep the nervous system in a low-grade stress response. When stress hormones remain elevated:

• Blood sugar tends to rise more easily

• Insulin has to work harder to do its job

• Energy becomes less stable

• Cravings become more persistent

This does not mean fragrance or phthalates cause insulin resistance on their own.

However, they can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar, especially when combined with poor sleep, chronic stress, or existing metabolic imbalance.

For many people, reducing this chemical stress load is a meaningful first step toward improved regulation.

Why Removing These Ingredients Often Supports More Than Blood Sugar

Blood sugar, hormones, and the nervous system are deeply interconnected. When background stress is lowered, the body is better able to self-regulate.

As a result, people often notice improvements in:

• Sleep quality

• Anxiety or irritability

• PMS or hormonal mood changes

• More consistent daytime energy

Not because one change “fixed” everything — but because the body finally had fewer competing stress signals.

A Foundational Step in a Complete Wellness Protocol

Supporting insulin sensitivity is not just about food choices. It also means reducing the chemical signals that keep stress hormones elevated.

This is why I often recommend starting with personal care and household products that are guaranteed to be free from synthetic fragrance and phthalates.

One option I trust and use is Pure Haven, which formulates personal care and home products without fragrance, phthalates, or other known endocrine-disrupting ingredients.

Removing these exposures does not replace nutrition, herbs, or lifestyle support — but it can make those strategies more effective.

Final Thoughts

If blood sugar feels unstable — or progress has stalled despite making dietary changes — it may be worth looking beyond food alone.

Reducing the body’s background stress load is one of the most overlooked yet impactful ways to support metabolic health.

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual responses vary. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health routine or product use.