Struggling to lose weight even though you’re doing EVERYTHING right? I want to share something you may not be thinking about: Insulin resistance.
This is a condition that makes it harder for your body to use insulin effectively, and it can really throw a wrench into your weight loss plans!! When your cells stop responding to insulin, your pancreas has to pump out more of it to keep your blood sugar in check. This can lead to weight gain and make shedding pounds more difficult.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body use or store glucose (sugar) from your food. When you eat, your blood sugar rises, and insulin helps move that sugar into your cells for energy or storage. But if your cells are resistant to insulin, glucose can't get in as easily. This means more insulin gets produced, which can make your body store more fat, especially around your belly. Plus, high insulin levels can make you feel hungrier and less likely to burn fat.
Cortisol, our stress hormone, also plays a role here. When you're stressed, your body releases cortisol, which raises your blood sugar to give you energy to handle the situation. But if you're always stressed, your cortisol levels stay high, which can mess with your insulin. High cortisol can lead to higher blood sugar and insulin levels, more fat storage (especially in your belly), and even more insulin resistance.
A healthy gut can actually help manage insulin resistance and support weight loss. Here's how:
1. Better Microbiome: A diverse gut microbiome can improve insulin sensitivity. Good bacteria in your gut produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which help reduce inflammation and regulate blood sugar.
2. Less Inflammation: A healthy gut reduces inflammation in your body, which is linked to insulin resistance and weight gain.
3. Nutrient Absorption: When your gut is healthy, you absorb nutrients better, which supports overall health and metabolism.
To tackle insulin resistance and support your weight loss efforts, try these tips:
1. Eat Whole Foods: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods like veggies, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid processed foods and added sugars.
2. Stay Active: Regular exercise improves insulin sensitivity and reduces stress. Aim for a mix of cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises.
3. Manage Stress: Incorporate stress-relief practices into your routine, like yoga, meditation, or just taking time to relax.
4. Support Gut Health: Eat probiotic-rich foods (like yogurt and kefir), prebiotic foods (like fiber-rich veggies and whole grains) to keep your gut healthy, and take GREAT quality gut health supplements with a very high absorption rate!
5. Get Enough Sleep: Quality sleep is crucial for managing stress and maintaining healthy insulin levels.
By focusing on these areas, you can improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and make weight loss a bit easier. Remember, it's all about supporting your body in a balanced way!
PS: If you want any other suggestions as a Certified Integrative Health Practitioner, I would love to help you create a vitamin routine that will support you naturally healing your gut, and help you feel better overall!! UNLOCK my personal recommendations here.
🍏 Elise
Integrative Health Practitioner, level 2
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None of the statements on my blog, in my programs, or within my emails are intended to be medical advice. All of my content is based on my own experience and advice from my own doctor, and through my personal research. Always consult your Dr. if you have concerns or a medical need.
