The holiday season is often centered around sharing meals with family and friends. Get togethers may turn into nutritional indulgences. Sugar intake rises in proportion to the consumption of alcohol and sweet desserts. And with it, so does our blood sugar, that if left unattended, could lead to Insulin Resistance or worse.
That being said, holidays are the perfect time to take inventory of nutritional intake and the affects it has on healthy living. It is this time of year that reminds us of the special seat we hold at the table and how it is within our power to pay more attention and manage what we eat in order to add longevity to our place.
Maybe you are wondering…
What is Insulin Resistance?
Somewhere beyond high blood sugar lies a characteristic called Insulin Resistance, that if left unattended, could turn into a chronic condition. You may not be aware that your high blood sugar has morphed into Insulin Resistance, so here are some common symptoms to watch for from high blood sugar to pre-diabetes according to the Cleveland Clinic:
- Increased thirst.
- Frequent urination (peeing).
- Increased hunger.
- Blurred vision.
- Vaginal and skin infections.
- Slow-healing cuts and sores.
Why does Insulin Resistance matter in the scheme of things?
If Insulin Resistance is allowed for a long period of time, chronic diseases can occur such as: obesity, Type II Diabetes, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, and/ or cardiovascular disease.
As dire as the prognosis of Insulin Resistance sounds, it is equally within your control to prevent the manifestation of high blood sugar and Insulin Resistance in your body. Think of Insulin Resistance as a warning sign of what is to come; an indicator that you must stop and reassess the choices you are making and whether or not they are healthy.
Who is at risk for Insulin Resistance?
Generally speaking, people over the age of 45 who have larger waists or belly fat are most prone to Insulin Resistance. Other risk factors include family history, personal history, high BMI, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, PCOS, and poor sleep quality.
How is Insulin Resistance detected?
At your annual physical, your doctor will test your blood sugar as part of routine blood work. However, they will most likely not test your insulin levels. It’s possible you might have normal fasting glucose but your insulin is off. Doing a whole blood sugar analysis is important because insulin resistance is an indicator of future disease.
Where do I turn if I’m diagnosed with high blood sugar?
While conventional medical doctors might use insulin as a course of treatment for high blood sugar, naturopathic doctors go a step further in treating the underlying causes.
For instance, the first line of treatment for PCOS, Diabetes and heart disease is managing blood sugar. And while insulin is an effective protocol for that, so is making diet and lifestyle changes.
First and foremost you must alter your nutritional intake. Focus on balancing the macros – protein, fat and carbohydrates. An example: to keep your blood sugar from spiking when you eat pumpkin pie, balance it in equal proportion to turkey or ham.
After you enjoy a meal, whether or not you indulge, make sure to move your body.
Did you know a brisk 10-minute walk will help create insulin receptor sensitivity? You want the sugar in your blood to go into your cells because sugar that stays in the blood stream can create damage. Movement helps both insulin and insulin receptors to work better together to absorb sugar from blood into cells. Therefore, movement is key in preventing blood sugar from spiking.
With just a few changes at the holiday season and beyond, you can prevent blood sugar surges and ultimately stave off Insulin Resistance. Over the long term these changes will help to prevent more chronic conditions and disease.
Neighborhood Naturopathic uses holistic and natural medicine, proven treatments and alternative therapies to help your body heal. If you live in the Minneapolis/ St. Paul area and are curious about a naturopathic approach to your health or have questions about supplements, or IV Nutrient Therapy that might support your overall wellness, click here to schedule or call (612) 259-8529.
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