Feeling fatigued and struggling with weight gain? You might be dealing with insulin resistance. Insulin acts as a messenger; when blood sugar levels rise, it signals cells to absorb sugar. However, sometimes cells ignore this signal, leading to fatigue and sugar remaining in the bloodstream, subsequently being stored as fat.
According to Dr. Whit Roberts, D.C. of Health Utah, the likelihood of having insulin resistance has more than doubled in the past two decades. Contributing factors, according to the Cleveland Clinic, include poor diets, exposure to toxins, stress, and increased body fat.
Roberts argues that insulin resistance is a significant global health issue, potentially leading to serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and various cancers. Fortunately, research is shedding light on ways to reverse it, some of which are quite unexpected.
1. Sleep
A 2022 study reveals that insufficient sleep exacerbates insulin resistance. Improving sleep quality is a priority at Health Utah, as it can significantly impact overall health.
2. Antioxidants
Increased antioxidant intake can mitigate insulin resistance. For instance, consuming foods rich in antioxidants and polyphenols can be beneficial, as noted in several studies.
3. Lemon Juice
Interestingly, lemon juice has been found to enhance insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels, aligning with holistic practices.
Vocabulary List:
- Fatigued /fəˈtiːɡd/ (adjective): Experiencing extreme tiredness or exhaustion.
- Resistance /rɪˈzɪstəns/ (noun): The refusal to accept or comply with something.
- Antioxidants /ˌæn.tiˈɑːk.sɪ.dənt/ (noun): Substances that reduce damage caused by free radicals in the body.
- Exacerbates /ɪɡˈzæsərˌbeɪts/ (verb): To make a problem bad situation or negative feeling worse.
- Holistic /hoʊˈlɪstɪk/ (adjective): Relating to the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
- Mitigate /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ (verb): To make something less severe serious or painful.
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