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 condition can be tackled by a multi-pronged approach. Various strategies that may be adopted include physical exercise, dietary modification, use of supplements and stress of reduction. Although the approaches may be used singly with success, it has been shown that using two or more of them tends to be more effective. All these strategies work to help in the reduction in oxidative stress, reduction in inflammatory changes in the body and increased liver detoxification.

The first thing that you need to do is to identify the foods that need to be reduced in the diet and those that should be increased. This may mean that you work very closely with your nutritionist. In general, the intake of carbohydrates should be reduced significantly. Carbohydrates are broken down to glucose which usually accumulates in the body in the absence of insulin hormone.

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.

Physical exercise has a major role to play. As we exercise, the energy requirements of individual cells and the body as a whole increase. Effectively, more glucose is used up and this serves to reduce its levels in circulation. Exercise has also been shown to help in the redistribution of adipose tissue and this helps in weight control. Small amounts of intense physical exercise are better than low intensity endurance routines.

Stress reduction is another step that may be taken. Stress contributes to high levels of sugar in the blood stream by raising the levels of the catabolic enzyme, cortisol. This hormone causes increased breakdown of macromolecules to glucose and this often tends to accumulate and serves as a risk for many diseases. Excessive levels of cortisol cause central obesity and this worsens the condition. Various relaxation techniques, sports and professional counseling are all used in handling stress.

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.

If the natural options fail then you may need to turn to pharmacotherapy. A lot of research has gone into diabetes and its treatments and the results have been very encouraging. Today, there are numerous types of drugs that can be used in the management of the condition. Although the mechanisms of action are different, the common effect for all of them is a reduction in blood sugar levels or increased hormone sensitivity.




About the Author:



0 comments:

Post a Comment

Twitter Delicious Facebook Digg http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/weightloss33 Favorites More

 
Design by Free WordPress Themes | Bloggerized by Lasantha - Premium Blogger Themes | Facebook Themes