Insulin resistance is the main culprit for numerous severe diseases, including dementia, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
As an alarming crisis of health, researchers and healthcare professionals throughout the world are researching the underlying mechanisms to find more effective ways to fight against it.
Interestingly, some have discovered that insulin resistance isn’t just preventable, but it’s also reversible.
Scientific data supports the claim that resolving insulin resistance promotes better health and provides hope for the prevention and reversal of severe health conditions like dementia, diabetes, and heart disease.
Insulin Resistance: What Does It Mean?
Insulin resistance isn’t just linked with some major health problems, but it’s also the contributing factor to muscle loss as we age that contributes to sarcopenia.
This condition can quickly lead to metabolic chaos and disability and further worsen the health issues associated with the condition.
Although it’s a global issue, this condition goes undiagnosed in a lot of cases. Namely, 88 percent of Americans suffer from it whereas 90 percent of people who have it don’t know it.
Knowing the risks associated with it, keeping our blood sugar and insulin levels under control is pivotal for a healthy and long life.
The issue is that not all doctors monitor insulin levels when fasting or the response of insulin after sugar consumption. These tests can help understand the aging process and provide essential information for the metabolic health of patients.
Insulin resistance is triggered by the overconsumption of starch and sugar that causes the pancreas to pump out surplus insulin amounts.
The cells become desensitized to the effects and begin to need an even higher amount of insulin levels to keep the blood sugar levels normal.
This turns into a vicious cycle that contributes to type 2 diabetes and numerous other health problems like inflammation, hormonal imbalance, belly fat, and even brain damage.
Half of Americans older than 60 struggle with insulin resistance and this problem is also an issue for younger people as well. Today, even kids as young as three are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes!
The Fight Against Type 2 Diabetes Global Pandemic
To fight against this health crisis, adjusting our diet is pivotal. The Pegan Diet, a blend of paleo and vegan principles, is said to be one of the best insulin-sensitizing diets today.
The focus is on whole foods, healthy fat, lean protein, and low GI carbs. It’s a balanced diet that stabilizes the levels of blood sugar, lowers inflammation, and encourages healthy weight.
A more drastic approach may be needed for people already experiencing metabolic issues. This may require eliminating starches and sugars for several months and even years.
This is known as the low-carb or keto diet. It’s said to be an effective way to restore insulin sensitivity and encourage weight loss. These diet changes must always be done in consultation with your healthcare professional to maximize safety and effectiveness.
There are also potent supplements that can help in the fight against insulin resistance like magnesium, cinnamon, chromium, fish oil, and vitamin D.
Another crucial element in the fight against insulin resistance is regular physical activity. When we exercise, we better insulin sensitivity, encourage weight loss, and better cardiovascular health.
A combo of aerobic exercises, strength training, and exercises for flexibility significantly better insulin resistance.
Getting regular and quality sleep and practicing appropriate stress management techniques are also vital allies in the fight against insulin resistance. This is due to the fact that chronic stress and sleep deprivation cause an imbalance in the hormones and increase the risk of insulin resistance.
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