Lovin’ Summer with GlucoSmart
Although spring has been a little shy this year, warmer weather will soon be here in full force. You can finally dig out the shorts and light-weight tops from the back of your closet. After a long winter, however, it’s possible that your summer fashions may be a little more snug around the middle than you remember – even if your diet or exercise regimen hasn’t changed since last year. What gives?
Hormone havoc
It’s possible that your hormones have shifted. In fact, research shows a connection between changes in the hormone insulin and waist expansion. Insulin’s primary role is to transport blood glucose into our cells to be used for energy. When insulin is ignored by our cells in the case of insulin resistance, the hormone becomes elevated in the bloodstream. Excess insulin levels are associated with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and can lead to serious health risks including high cholesterol, high triglycerides, diabetes and weight gain – particularly around the middle.
You’ve got the power
When it comes to improving insulin sensitivity, there is a lot you can do. Enjoy a high-fiber, plant-based diet and limit your intake of refined carbohydrates. Research also suggests that restricting eating to an 8-hour window each day can boost insulin sensitivity. Speak with your health care provider to determine if this is a good strategy for you. Exercise is also important to help reduce insulin levels, and a combination of both aerobic (raising heart rate) and resistance (muscle building) has the most positive impact. Using these strategies may also help you to lose 5-10% of your body weight, which can significantly improve insulin sensitivity.
Natural support
Key nutrients to support insulin sensitivity include chromium and inositol. Chromium is a trace mineral that helps the body metabolize fats and carbohydrates, while also amplifying insulin sensitivity. Deficiencies in chromium have been linked to decreased insulin sensitivity along with elevated triglycerides (blood fats). Look for the picolinate form of chromium for improved absorption.
Inositols are known as the second messenger of insulin and can either be obtained directly from foods (fruits, beans, grains, and nuts) or synthesized in the body. The majority exist as myo-inositols, and these are converted to D-chiro-inositol in insulin-sensitive tissues (muscle, liver, adipose tissues). Insulin resistance is associated with abnormalities in inositol metabolism. Research shows that inositol supplementation not only improves insulin sensitivity but is also associated with decreased total testosterone and increases in sex hormone-binding globulin in women with PCOS. Consider supplementing with D-chiro-inositol directly to by-pass any conversion problems you may have.
Try GlucoSmart with Chirositol®
Over 30 published studies have shown that Chirositol® is an effective form of D-chiro-inositol for insulin-resistant conditions including weight gain, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, as well as for excess androgen (male hormone)-related concerns such as PCOS. Also containing chromium picolinate, GlucoSmart may help to reduce sugar cravings, support healthy weight management – and even whittle your middle so you can easily zip up your favorite pair of shorts!
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Did you know?
Risk of insulin resistance increases for people:
- Over age 45
- With PCOS
- Who smoke
- Who do not get adequate sleep
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Selected references:
Dâmaso A., da Silveria Campos, R.M., Caranti, D.A., de Paino, A., Fisberg, M., Foschini D, de Lima Sanches, P., Tock L., Lederman, H.M., Tufik, S., & de Mello, M.T. (2014) Aerobic plus resistance training was more effective in improving the visceral adiposity, metabolic profile and inflammatory markers than aerobic training in obese adolescents. J Sports Sci. 2014;32(15):1435-45. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2014.900692. Epub 2014 Apr 14.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24730354
Sutton, E. Bey, R., Early, K., Cefalu, W., Ravussin, E., & Peterson, C. (2018). Time-Restricted Feeding Improves Insulin Sensitivity, Blood Pressure, and Oxidative Stress Even without Weight Loss in Men with Prediabetes. Cell Metabolism. Volume 27, Issue 6, 5 June 2018, Pages 1212-1221
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1550413118302535
