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Ways On How To Reverse Insulin Resistance

By Patty Goff


Insulin resistance is perhaps the biggest risk factor of type 2 diabetes identified so far. In general the condition is asymptomatic and most people only realize that they have it when they progress to diabetes. Recognizing the condition in time provides room for timely intervention and halts the likelihood of its progression to diabetes. There are a number of tips on how to reverse insulin resistance.

In general the strategies that are used include dietary modification, regular physical exercise, supplements and reduction of psychological stress reduction. It is common for the various options to be used in combination. Each of them works differently but in the end all of them help to reduce oxidative stress, inflammatory changes as well as helping in liver detoxification.

The general idea is to identify the kinds of foods that you need to cut on and those that you need to eat more often. The main problem in insulin resistance (and by extension, diabetes), is disordered metabolism of carbohydrates. All carbohydrates are normally broken down into glucose which is subsequently taken up by body cells. When this process is hindered, there is accumulation of sugar in the body.

Carbohydrates are generally regarded as being highly glycaemic. What this means is that they produce much more glucose that other groups of food. If you are struggling with hormonal resistance, it is a high time that you reduced the number of servings of carbohydrate that you serve yourself. Instead, eat more of proteins, vegetables and fruits all of which are classified as low glycaemic foods.

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.

Psychological stress is another important cause of hormonal resistance and diabetes. The hormone cortisol is usually produced in stressful situations. Cortisol is a pro-metabolic hormone that causes an increase in the amount of circulating glucose among other things. If the levels of cortisol are elevated for long periods of time, the risk for hormonal resistance increases significantly. Engaging in relaxation exercises helps reduce this risk.

Various supplements have been used over the years and a number of them have been found to be very helpful. Magnesium is one of the supplements that have been in use for a while now. The element is said to help in increasing insulin sensitivity and facilitating fat digestion. Others that have been tried include vitamin B complex, chromium and calcium.

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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