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How Insulin Resistance Affects The Body

How Insulin Resistance Affects The Body

by | Chiropractic, Functional Medicine, Health, Viscerosomatic Reflex, Wellness

Introduction

The body needs the energy to get through the entire day. Energy can come in various foods consumed and converted into three molecules: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Carbohydrates convert into glucose, which becomes energy used for bodily function. At the same time, protein helps repair and build body tissues that allow metabolic reactions and coordinate physical function. Healthy fats in the body help support cell function, provide energy, and produce essential hormones that the body needs. When the body has too much glucose, it can cause various metabolic factors to take over the body, resulting in metabolic disorders associated with chronic conditions over time. This is known as insulin resistance and today’s article looks at how insulin resistance is detected, the signs and symptoms, and treatments to manage insulin resistance. We refer patients to certified providers specializing in metabolic treatments to help many individuals with insulin resistance. We also guide our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is the solution to asking our providers insightful questions. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer

How Is Insulin Resistance Detected?

 

Have you been feeling a tingling sensation along your hands and feet? Have you been experiencing headaches that go away when you eat food or drink something? Do you constantly go to the bathroom? Many of these issues are signs that you might be at risk of developing insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is an impaired biological response in the body that requires insulin stimulation to the targeted tissues: the liver, muscle, and adipose tissue. The liver supplies the glucose to the body by secreting it into the bloodstream to be used for energy. So when there is a high glucose level in the bloodstream, the pancreas, which is between the liver and the stomach, sends out insulin to help the glucose be absorbed into the body cells. Many individuals don’t realize their insulin levels are high until they go in for routine check-ups with their primary physicians.

 

The Signs & Symptoms Of Insulin Resistance

Various factors could lead to insulin resistance when the body has high glucose levels in the bloodstream. Many individuals do develop habits that do contribute to insulin resistance. Some of the signs that indicate that a person may have insulin resistance include:

  • Excess body fat
  • Physical inactivity
  • High-carb diet 
  • Hormone disorder

Studies reveal that obesity is considered the triggering factor for individuals with insulin resistance associated with diabetes. Since obesity is a factor that escalates the pathogenesis of diabetes through the stimulation of insulin resistance. When the body becomes overstimulated, the body starts to release elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines that can lead to various abnormalities like organ dysfunction and tissue injury associated with insulin resistance. Studies show that chronic low-grade inflammation associated with obesity is responsible for the body to have a decrease in insulin sensitivity. Some of the risk factor symptoms related to insulin resistance include:

  • Increased thirst and hunger
  • Blurred vision
  • Obesity
  • Gut inflammation
  • Weight gain
  • Fatigue
  • Acanthosis nigricans
  • Numbness or tingling sensation on hands and feet
  • Thyroid issues
  • Metabolic syndrome

 

What Is Insulin Resistance-Video

Have you been feeling a tingling sensation on your hands or feet? Have you noticed your midsection becoming more prominent than normal? Or have you been feeling depressed or constantly more tired than usual? Many of these symptoms are signs that you could be at risk of developing insulin resistance. The video above explains insulin resistance and how it affects the body. Many symptoms like obesity and inflammation do play a factor in contributing to insulin resistance associated with weight gain. Studies reveal the association between obesity and insulin resistance through the link between visceral adipose tissue accumulation in the liver. When there is an accumulation of excess lipids in the liver makes the visceral adipose tissue prone to inflammatory cytokine production, which then contributes to insulin signaling impairment. Fortunately, there are available treatments to help manage insulin resistance.

Treatments To Manage Insulin Resistance

 

Some treatments available to manage insulin resistance can help many individuals feel better by making small changes in their lifestyle habits. Many individuals utilize the Mediterranean diet as it has many beneficial properties in lowering insulin resistance and managing diabetes by incorporating healthy polyunsaturated fatty acids from olive oil and seeds, resveratrol from grapes, and other anti-inflammatory foods to reduce inflammation associated with insulin resistance. Since other symptoms are associated with insulin resistance, like metabolic syndrome, getting a chiropractic adjustment may help lower the effects of inflammation associated with metabolic syndrome and manage insulin resistance. Chiropractic care is commonly used for musculoskeletal issues; however, since metabolic syndrome is a mediator for musculoskeletal problems like neck pain, shoulder pain, and back pain, it can make the body dysfunctional. To that point, it becomes a cross-link for insulin resistance, causing the body to have reduced mobility. Chiropractic care uses spinal manipulation to adjust the subluxation or spinal misalignment in the body and help improve mobility back to the joints.

 

Conclusion

The body needs the energy to get through the entire day by consuming various foods. When these foods are consumed, they are converted into three molecules:

  • Carbohydrates convert to glucose for bodily function.
  • Protein repairs and builds muscle tissues.
  • Healthy fats produce essential hormones and support cell function.

Watching the foods we consume can help us in the long run. When the body has too much glucose in its system, it can lead to insulin resistance and cause various metabolic factors like obesity and weight gain, resulting in metabolic disorders associated with chronic conditions. Insulin resistance can affect the body over time if not treated right away. Incorporating a healthy diet like the Mediterranean diet, chiropractic care, and physical activities into a person’s lifestyle can help manage insulin resistance from escalating to dangerous levels like diabetes affecting a person’s life.

 

References

Chen, Li, et al. “Mechanisms Linking Inflammation to Insulin Resistance.” International Journal of Endocrinology, Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2015, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4468292/.

Freeman, Andrew M, and Nicholas Pennings. “Insulin Resistance – Statpearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 4 July 2022, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507839/.

Hardy, Olga T, et al. “What Causes the Insulin Resistance Underlying Obesity?” Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Obesity, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Apr. 2012, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4038351/.

Wondmkun, Yohannes Tsegyie. “Obesity, Insulin Resistance, and Type 2 Diabetes: Associations and Therapeutic Implications.” Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity : Targets and Therapy, Dove, 9 Oct. 2020, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7553667/.

Disclaimer

Natural Ways to Improve Insulin Resistance

Natural Ways to Improve Insulin Resistance

by | 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

 

 

Image of sweet and spicy juice recipe.

 

Sweet and Spicy Juice

Servings: 1
Cook time: 5-10 minutes

  • 1 cup honeydew melons
  • 3 cups spinach, rinsed
  • 3 cups Swiss chard, rinsed
  • 1 bunch cilantro (leaves and stems), rinsed
  • 1-inch knob of ginger, rinsed, peeled, and chopped
  • 2-3 knobs whole turmeric root (optional), rinsed, peeled, and chopped

Juice all ingredients in a high-quality juicer. Best served immediately.

 

 

Image of mushrooms.

 

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.

 

 

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, and nervous health issues or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask�Dr. Alex Jimenez�or contact us at�915-850-0900.

 

Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T.

 

References:

 

  • Raman, Ryan. �14 Natural Ways to Improve Your Insulin Sensitivity.� Healthline, Healthline Media, 17 May 2017, www.healthline.com/nutrition/improve-insulin-sensitivity.
  • Herrmann Dierks, Melissa. �Meal Planning & Exercise Tips for Insulin Resistance.� AgaMatrix, AgaMatrix Media, agamatrix.com/blog/insulin-resistance-diet/.
  • Felman, Adam. �Diet and Insulin Resistance: Foods to Eat and Diet Tips.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 27 Mar. 2019, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316569#foods-to-eat.

 

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