Natural Ways to Improve Insulin Resistance

by Dr Alex Jimenez | Diets, Functional Medicine, Health, Holistic Medicine, Natural Health, Nutrition, Supplements, Vitamins, Weight Loss, Wellness

Insulin is an essential hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. It is naturally produced in the pancreas and helps move excess glucose from the bloodstream into the cells to be used for energy. When the pancreas recognizes high blood sugar levels, it creates more insulin to reduce glucose. However, this can diminish the pancreas of insulin-producing cells which can eventually cause insulin resistance or impaired insulin sensitivity. If the pancreas can’t produce enough insulin, it can lead to prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. In the following article, we will discuss natural ways to improve insulin resistance or impaired insulin sensitivity to prevent and regulate prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, among other health issues.

Foods to Avoid with Insulin Resistance

If you have insulin resistance or impaired insulin sensitivity associated with prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, or any other health issue, there are several types of foods that can increase blood sugar levels. Frequently eating foods with high glucose content can diminish the insulin-producing cells that can ultimately affect the human body’s ability to produce enough insulin. When this occurs, high blood sugar levels remain elevated which can ultimately cause prediabetes and type 2 diabetes as well as lead to a variety of other health issues, including damage to organs such as the eyes and kidneys or limbs (neuropathy). Avoid eating the following types of foods if you have insulin resistance or impaired insulin sensitivity:

• fried foods
• processed snacks and foods
• dairy products from cows, such as milk
• foods high in saturated fats, such as butter, and salt pork
• refined grains, such as white rice, pasta, bread, and flour-based foods
• sugary sweets and pastries, such as ice cream, chocolate bars, and cupcakes
• starchy vegetables, such as corn, potatoes and yams (without skin), and pumpkin
• sweetened drinks or beverages, such as fruit juices, fountain drinks, and sodas
• alcohol, such as beer and grain alcohol, in large quantities

Foods to Eat with Insulin Resistance

Many people are commonly deficient in essential nutrients, such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, and fiber. These nutrients are necessary for regulating blood sugar levels. People with insulin resistance or impaired insulin sensitivity, or any other health issue, including prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, should eat foods that have plenty of these essential nutrients. According to the American Diabetes Association, people with insulin resistance or impaired insulin sensitivity can eat from any of the basic food groups, however, it’s fundamental for individuals to understand which types of foods can increase blood glucose levels. Eat from the following types of foods if you have insulin resistance or impaired insulin sensitivity:

• antioxidant-rich foods, such as berries
• citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and limes
• non-starchy vegetables, such as dark leafy greens, peppers, and broccoli
• protein-rich foods, such as legumes, nuts, soy, fish, and lean meats
• high-fiber foods, including beans, and lentils
• omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods, such as sardines, herring, and salmon
• certain types of whole grains, such as oats, quinoa, and barley
• water, especially as a substitute for sweetened drinks and
• unsweetened teas

Exercise to Improve Insulin Resistance

Eating good foods and avoiding bad foods can help improve insulin resistance or impaired insulin sensitivity, however, there’s another natural way to improve this health issue: exercise. Participating and engaging in regular exercise helps improve insulin resistance or impaired insulin sensitivity associated with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, among other health issues, by moving sugar from the bloodstream into the muscles to be used for energy. The American Heart Association recommends approximately 150 minutes of exercise every week for adults. Participating or engaging in exercise on a daily basis can improve high blood sugar levels as well as promote overall health and wellness.

For more information regarding how to naturally improve insulin resistance, please review this article:

Nutritional Modulation of Insulin Resistance

Insulin is an essential hormone that is naturally produced in the pancreas to help regulate blood sugar levels and move excess sugar from the bloodstream into the cells to be used for energy. When the pancreas senses high blood sugar levels in the blood, it creates more insulin to help reduce glucose. However, this can decrease the amount of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas which can cause insulin resistance or impaired insulin sensitivity. If the pancreas can’t produce enough insulin, it can ultimately lead to prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, among other health issues. There are several natural ways to improve insulin resistance or impaired insulin sensitivity to prevent and regulate prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, including eating good foods, avoiding bad foods, and exercising. Furthermore, adding a variety of good foods to a smoothie can be a fast and easy way to add nutrients to your diet. – Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insights

Eat Mushrooms

One simple thing we can do to improve the microbiome!

Mushrooms feed bacteria in the gut. They are rich in chitin, hemicellulose, ? and ?-glucans, mannans, xylans, and galactans. They are also amazing prebiotics that promotes the growth of gut microbiota, equalling health benefits.