Principles On How To Reverse Insulin Resistance

By Serena Price


Insulin is a protein hormone whose purpose in the body is to ensure that the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats is regulated properly. Its role is to enhance cellular uptake of glucose from the vascular system. Cells active in this kind of absorption include those of the liver, adipose and skeletal muscle. The hormone is secreted by the pancreas, specifically the islets of Langerhans. Knowledge of aetiology and symptoms is very important if one wants to reverse insulin resistance.

Disordered hormonal control of carbohydrate metabolism is associated with dire consequences. Insulin resistance, also known as relative insulin deficiency can be described as a condition in which cells fail to respond to the normal action of this hormone. The body normally produces the hormone but the cells fail to utilize it leading to increased glucose levels in blood. This is the typical presentation in type 2 diabetes.

Usually, symptoms and signs of relative insulin deficiency go unnoticed because of their constitutional nature. Such constitutional signs include weight gain, fatigue, depression, frequent urination and so forth. Other indications include raised blood sugar levels and acidosis. It is only through these tests that one can certainly know whether they are diabetics or not.

What are the causes of resistance? When blood sugar concentration goes up, more hormone is produced. Increased production of the hormone impacts negatively on hormone binding, such that receptors become more reluctant. An increased blood sugar level therefore forms the basis for the aetiology. These include excessive consumption of sugary foods, stress, caffeine, alcohol among many other toxins.

Since hormone resistance is cause by high blood sugar, it can be reversed by cutting down of carbohydrate and replacing it with a diet rich in fats and protein. When this is done, the body responds by producing less hormone and using up stored fat. This in turn causes a stabilization of insulin, cholesterol, blood pressure and everything else that had been out of place.

Another important strategy is the use of physical exercise. Taking part in exercise at least 3 days a week helps in burning excess glucose. Brief periods of exercise also stimulate the autonomic nervous system to release adrenaline which facilitates glucagon action by the liver. Glucagon is a hormone that opposes a fall in blood glucose levels.

Physical exercise must be coordinated with the dietary modification. If this is not done, the gains made by the exercise are negated by poor dietary habits. Other habits that should be avoided include the consumption of alcohol and tobacco smoking. Both of these have been found to raise sugar levels. One should focus on relieving stress through having enough sleep and meditating.

One can liaise with a nutritionist to come up with detailed program on diet. This is a major step if you intend to reverse insulin resistance. Recommended supplements include chromium, glutamine and vitamin. Minor ones include manganese, magnesium and vitamins B, C and E. The supplements not only help in diet adjustment but in lowering sugar levels. An ideal diet will be one containing fish, eggs, lean meat, vegetables without starch and clean drinking water.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment