Do you experience that it is so difficult to lose weight, and especially around your belly? Do you exercise, counting calories and seriously nothing helps, you might be Insulin resistant!
In the gym
I see so many people in my practice and in the gym, who are insulin resistant and they have no clue. Yesterday I was talking to a man in the gym, and he was telling me that he needed to lose weight and tapped with his hand on his belly. Indeed, he had a vigorous big belly with a very normal muscles body. I see men like that so much. I asked what he was doing, so he told me he was counting calories and was eating protein bars, instead of normal meals. Also, females in my practice are telling me that they want to lose weight, they are often dieting to the extremes and nothing seems to help. If you have insulin resistance, indeed, nothing seems to help.
Insulin resistance
Insulin resistance is a condition characterized by reduced sensitivity of cells to the hormone insulin. This hormone plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels. It is a key feature of various metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome.
While conventional medical approaches often focus solely on pharmaceutical interventions, holistic epigenetic specialists recognize the interconnectedness of not only lifestyle changes but also the emotional, physical, mental, energetic, and spiritual factors in managing insulin resistance. In this article, we will explore the concept of insulin resistance, its underlying causes, and provide scientific-based recommendations for dietary and supplement interventions. Additionally, we will discuss the role of holistic transformational coaching in supporting individuals with insulin resistance.
Understanding insulin resistance
Insulin is produced by the pancreas and acts as a messenger to help cells take up glucose from the bloodstream. In individuals with insulin resistance, cells become less responsive to insulin’s signaling, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. This triggers the pancreas to produce more insulin, resulting in a state of hyperinsulinemia. Over time, the pancreas may struggle to keep up with the demand. This leads to decreased insulin production and, ultimately, the development of type 2 diabetes.
Insulin resistance can manifest in various symptoms, which can vary in severity among individuals. It’s important to note that some people with insulin resistance may not experience any noticeable symptoms. However, the following are common signs and symptoms associated with insulin resistance:
- Elevated Blood Sugar Levels: Insulin resistance often leads to higher than normal blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia), which can be detected through blood tests. Increased Hunger and Cravings: Individuals with insulin resistance may experience frequent hunger, especially shortly after meals. They may also have intense cravings for sugary or carbohydrate-rich foods.
- Weight Gain or Difficulty Losing Weight: Insulin resistance can make it challenging to maintain a healthy weight or lose excess weight, particularly around the abdominal area.
- Fatigue and Low Energy Levels: Fluctuating blood sugar levels and decreased efficiency in using glucose as an energy source can result in fatigue, low energy, and a general sense of sluggishness.
- Brain Fog and Difficulty Concentrating: Some people with insulin resistance report difficulty focusing, memory problems, and reduced mental clarity, often referred to as “brain fog.”
- Increased Thirst and Frequent Urination: High blood sugar levels can lead to increased thirst and consequently increased urination.
- Skin Issues: Insulin resistance can contribute to skin problems, such as acanthosis nigricans, which is characterized by darkened, thickened patches of skin, particularly in the neck, armpits, and other skin folds.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Insulin resistance is strongly associated with PCOS, a hormonal disorder that can cause irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, impotency, excessive hair growth, and acne.
- High Blood Pressure: Insulin resistance can lead to an increase in blood pressure, putting individuals at a higher risk of developing hypertension.
- Increased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome: Insulin resistance is a precursor to the development of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, which is a cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar levels, abnormal cholesterol levels, and excess abdominal fat.
It’s important to remember that these symptoms are not exclusive to insulin resistance. They can also be present in other conditions. If you suspect you may have insulin resistance, it’s recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and personalized treatment recommendations.
Causes of insulin resistance
There are several causes of insulin resistance:
- Diet: A diet high in processed foods, refined carbohydrates, sugars, and unhealthy fats can contribute to insulin resistance. These foods lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, placing an increased demand on insulin. Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity and prolonged sitting have been associated with insulin resistance. Regular exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity and promotes glucose uptake by muscles
- Obesity: Excess body fat, particularly abdominal fat, is strongly correlated with insulin resistance. Adipose tissue releases inflammatory molecules that interfere with insulin signaling.
- Chronic stress: Elevated stress levels and inadequate stress management can impact hormone balance, leading to insulin resistance. Stress hormones, such as cortisol, can interfere with insulin function and glucose regulation.
Recommendations
The dietary recommendations for insulin resistance are as follow:
- Emphasize Whole Foods: Opt for a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. These foods provide essential nutrients while minimizing blood sugar spikes. Very often the above recommendations are not working, the stage of insulin resistance is too progressed already. In that case:
- Reduce Carbohydrate Intake: Limit consumption of refined carbohydrates and sugary foods, including white bread, pastries, soda, and sugary snacks. Read everything about the ketogenic diet instead, combined with intermittent fasting. Follow that diet at least for 6 months and take some supplements like Berberine with it. Heal your leaky gut, read our article about that. Do an IGG food intolerance test and eliminate all the tagged foods from the above diets. Include:
- Fiber-Rich Foods: Fiber slows down digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Incorporate foods like leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, berries, and seeds into your meals.
Balance macronutrients
Aim for a balanced intake of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats to provide sustained energy and support stable blood sugar levels. With a ketogenic diet, you eat a maximum of twenty net carbs.
Supplement recommendations
The supplement recommendations for insulin resistance are:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3s have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation. Sources include fatty fish, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds. Omega-3 supplements may also be beneficial. Magnesium: This mineral is involved in glucose metabolism and insulin signaling. Magnesium-rich foods include dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Take magnesium bisglycinate 350 mg per day.
- Chromium: Chromium plays a role in glucose regulation and insulin sensitivity. Good dietary sources include broccoli, whole grains, mushrooms, and green beans. Take Chromium two times per day, 200 micrograms.
- Vitamin D: Low vitamin D levels have been associated with insulin resistance.
Take also the above-mentioned Berberine 2 x 500 mg per day.
Epigenetic factors
Epigenetic factors play a crucial role in gene expression and can influence the development and progression of insulin resistance. By implementing the following lifestyle changes, you can positively impact your epigenetic profile and promote healing from insulin resistance:
- Manage Stress: Chronic stress can contribute to insulin resistance. Incorporate stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or engaging in hobbies and activities that bring you joy. Prioritize self-care and make time for relaxation.
- Quality Sleep: Inadequate or poor-quality sleep has been linked to insulin resistance. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Establish a regular sleep schedule, create a calming bedtime routine, and optimize your sleep environment for restful sleep.
- Regular Physical Activity: Engaging in regular exercise has a positive impact on insulin sensitivity. Aim for a combination of cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and flexibility exercises. Find activities you enjoy making it sustainable and consider incorporating daily movement into your routine, such as walking or taking the stairs.
- Intermittent Fasting: Intermittent fasting, which involves cycling between periods of fasting and eating, has shown promising effects on insulin sensitivity. Consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian to determine the most suitable fasting protocol for you.
- Maintain a Healthy Weigh: Excess body fat, particularly visceral fat, is strongly associated with insulin resistance. Adopt a holistic approach to weight management that includes a healthy diet, regular exercise, stress reduction, and adequate sleep, like mentioned above.
- Mindful Eating: Practice mindful eating to develop a healthier relationship with food. Slow down, savor each bite, and pay attention to hunger and satiety cues. Choose nutrient-dense foods that support insulin regulation and avoid mindless snacking or emotional eating.
- Detoxify Your Environment: Minimize exposure to environmental toxins that can disrupt hormonal balance and contribute to insulin resistance. Use natural cleaning products, filter your water or drink solely bottled water, choose organic foods when possible, and reduce exposure to harmful chemicals found in plastics, personal care products, and household items.
- Cultivate Positive Relationships: Surround yourself with a supportive network of family and friends. Positive social connections have been shown to reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being.
- Practice Mind-Body Techniques: Engage in activities that promote mind-body connection, such as meditation, yoga, tai chi, or qigong. These practices can help reduce stress, improve emotional well-being, and support overall health.
- Seek Holistic Transformational Coaching: Consider working with a holistic transformational coach who specializes in supporting individuals with insulin resistance. They can provide personalized guidance, support, and accountability on your healing journey, addressing emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of your well-being.
Remember, each individual is unique, and it’s essential to consult with healthcare professionals and registered dietitians for personalized guidance tailored to your specific needs. Epigenetic changes take time, so be patient and consistent with your lifestyle modifications. With a holistic approach, you can positively influence your epigenetic profile and support healing from insulin resistance.