A Silent Epidemic

There is a current epidemic that is often overlooked and misdiagnosed. This issue involves the inability of our body to make the most with the food we eat. In fact, it is so common, you may currently may be suffering with some form of it and don’t even know it. This condition is referred to as insulin resistance or syndrome X.

If the name does not sound familiar the following indications might;

Under normal circumstances after you eat a meal insulin assures efficiency in the conversion of glucose from the blood cells to the body where it is needed. Glucose prompts the release of insulin and is the hormone responsible for glucose regulation. Constant abuse to our bodies can dramatically suppress the bodies natural capacity to go about this internal process effectively. Cells become less responsive to insulin, hence the name “insulin resistance”. Our bodies compensate by causing beta cells in the pancreas to produce more insulin. As a result, insulin remains high and little glucose gets burned. This explains the storage of certain food types as fats, as our body is unable to utilize the energy. Ultimately, these beta cells can wear out and the bodies ability to produce insulin in the amounts needed is completely suppressed, resulting in Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2 or adult onset diabetes).If effected with even minor forms of insulin resistance the results can be devastating, not only to our everyday lives, but to our long term health. Glucose, a highly energetic compound and the primary source for energy, will spontaneously oxidize. This causes it to be a substantial contributor of free radical damage, which is linked with many diseases and ailments (an issue we will cover in future mail outs). Knowing how to prevent and control this disease is important, and the same techniques can also be used as a healthy way to loose weight and for a feeling of well being. The most beneficial way to counteract this is by going back to the basics; proper nutrition, healthy living (exercise) and good eating habits. Exercise is important, it primes are cells to be active, and we get the energy for exercise by moving sugar into fat into cells with insulin, where they are in turn burned as fuel. With the increase in insulin activity, sugar levels are decreased resulting in our bodies producing less insulin. The worst things we can do is eat refined carbs (namely white bread, pasta, donuts, candy, etc.). Proper nutrition is key in maintaining proper body weight because essential nutrients are critical for burning the fats and removing the carbs from the diet. We recommend a low glycemic diet that consists of foods that don’t superficially spike the blood sugar, helping you stay off the energy roller coaster. Improving the quality of fats that we eat is critical, avoiding saturated fats and trans fats and increasing monosaturated oils and omega 3 oils (proper ratio of omega 3-6-9 and quality is important). It is also beneficial to ensure we are eating several small meals throughout the day rather than a couple large meals, ensuring we can make the most of the food.