More Dangerous Than Cholesterol
Unfortunately many people are chasing the wrong criminal when it comes to improving health outcomes. The medical literature is exploding with the dangers of insulin resistance in the increase of cardiovascular disease and oter disease entities.
It is reported that chronic insulin resistance is also associated with various types of cancer such as colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, endometrial cancer, and breast cancer.
Insulin resistance is when cells in your muscles, fat and liver don't respond well to insulin and can't use glucose from your blood for energy. To make up for it, your pancreas makes more insulin. Over time, your blood sugar levels go up.
Some signs of insulin resistance include:
- A waistline over 40 inches in men and over 35 inches in women
- Blood pressure readings of 130/80 or higher
- A fasting glucose level over 100mg/dl
- A fasting triglyceride level over 150mg/dl
- Fasting insulin greater than 6
- HDL level under 40mg/dl in mend and 50mg/dl in women
- Skin tags
- Patches of dark velvety skin called acanthosis nigricans
Effective treatment for Insulin Resistance:
Carbohydrates such as simple sugars, grains and starchy vegetables should be avoided as they stimulate insulin secretion. They should be replaced with higher protein containing foods and non starchy vegetables.
Adequate Vitamin D Intake
Aerobic and resistance training-HIIT (high intensity interval training) has been found to be superior to low intensity cardio. Of course, I suggest that people completely out of shape work their way up HIIT. Start out slowly. Some exercise is better than none.
Get adeqate sleep! This cannot be stressed enough.
Reduce stress-mediation is recommended.
Get adequate magnesium intake.
Take Berberine supplementation.
Conclusion:
I recommend one take insulin resistance very seriously. The implications in being associated with increased cardiovascular disease and cancer is overwhelming. The above list is a good starting point in reversing insulin resistance.
This aricle thanks to Functional Medicine University. More information may be found at www.functionalmedicineuniversity.com