Options On How To Reverse Insulin Resistance

By Patty Goff


The hormone insulin plays a central role in the metabolism of carbohydrates. Disorders associated with the hormone are associated with serious complications. Insulin resistance means that the hormone can no longer facilitate the entry of glucose into cells. Consequently, glucose accumulates in the blood stream and often leads to diabetes. There are a number of ways on how to reverse insulin resistance that can be considered.

The options that are available can be used singly or in combination. It has been shown through research that outcomes are better when several strategies are employed simultaneously. Dietary modification, engaging in regular physical exercise, reducing psychological stress and the use of nutritional supplements are all commonly used strategies. Although each of them works differently they all help in reducing inflammatory changes in the body, detoxifying the liver and reducing oxidative stress.

The general advice as regards dietary modification is to cut down on foods that are likely to worsen the condition and to replace them with those that will help reverse it. Carbohydrates are a very important group of foods to consider when discussing diabetes. The end product of carbohydrate metabolism is glucose and it is this molecule that is ultimately responsible for diabetes.

Foods that produce high amounts of glucose after metabolism are said to be highly glycaemic. Most carbohydrates fall under this category. They are the foods that contribute most to the progression of diabetes. The general recommendation is that persons at risk should take more protein, fruits and vegetables. Foods with olive oil, beans, soy products and omega-3 oils are among those thought to be most helpful.

The importance of physical exercise cannot be overemphasized. During exercise, the metabolic requirements of the body increase and this helps to burn down excess glucose that is contributing to hormonal resistance. At the same time, exercise helps in redistribution of fat tissue effectively curbing excess weight which is another of the biggest risk factors. It is recommended that one takes part in small amounts of high intensity exercise rather than the low intensity cardio.

Stress is one of the contributors of high levels of glucose in circulation. This occurs due to an increase in the levels of a hormone known as cortisol. Cortisol is typically produced in stressful conditions and one of its roles is to increase the breakdown of macromolecules into molecules such as glucose. When consistently high, cortisol may contribute to hormonal resistance and diabetes. Taking part in relaxation exercises such as yoga and meditation are very useful in these cases.

Supplements are said to help in some situations. Magnesium is said to increase insulin sensitivity and to facilitate the digestion of fats. All these help in reducing the amount of glucose in circulation. Other supplements that have also been in use include calcium, vitamin B complex and chromium. Many of their mechanisms of actions are not yet clear.

Pharmacotherapy options are often considered when the natural options fail. There are many different classes of drugs available for the condition all with varying degrees of successes. Commonly, drugs from different classes are combined to enhance their effect. The common denominator in all their actions is a reduction in the amount of blood glucose levels.




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