Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels in the body. It does this by signaling to the cells in our body to take up glucose from the bloodstream and use it for energy or store it for later use. However, when our bodies are exposed to high levels of insulin over a prolonged period, it can act like a fertilizer on the fat cells in our body, leading to weight gain and other health issues. (1)
How Insulin Acts as Fat Cell Fertilizer
To understand how insulin acts as a fertilizer on fat cells, we need to take a closer look at how our bodies process glucose. When we eat carbohydrates, they are broken down into glucose, which enters the bloodstream. In response, the pancreas releases insulin to signal to our cells to take up the glucose and use it for energy. Insulin also tells our liver to store excess glucose as glycogen and our fat cells to store excess glucose as fat. (2, 3)
How Insulin Sensitivity Works in Our Fat Cells
However, when our bodies are exposed to high levels of insulin over a prolonged period, the fat cells in our body become more sensitive to the hormone. This means that they are more likely to take up glucose and store it as fat, even if we don't need it for energy. (4) This can lead to weight gain and other health issues, including insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
High Insulin Turns Off Our Body's Ability to Break Down Fat
Additionally, high levels of insulin can also interfere with the breakdown of stored fat in our body. This is because insulin suppresses the activity of hormone-sensitive lipase, an enzyme that breaks down stored fat for energy. (5) This means that even if we are in a calorie deficit and trying to lose weight, high levels of insulin can make it difficult for our bodies to burn stored fat for energy.
Carb-Restricted, Healthy Fat-Dense Dieting
So what can we do to prevent insulin from acting like a fertilizer on the fat cells in our body? One of the most effective ways is to adopt a more carb-restricted, healthy fat-dense diet. This type of diet can help to lower insulin levels in the body, which can reduce the risk of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and weight gain.
Regular Lifestyle Interventions for Improving Insulin Levels
Other lifestyle interventions that can help to lower insulin levels in the body include regular exercise, stress reduction, and getting enough sleep. By taking steps to reduce our exposure to high levels of insulin, we can promote optimal health and wellbeing.
Insulin's Crucial Role in Blood Sugar Regulation
Insulin plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels in the body. However, when our bodies are exposed to high levels of insulin over a prolonged period, it can act like a fertilizer on the fat cells in our body, leading to weight gain and other health issues. By restricting carb intake and consuming more high quality fats, engaging in regular exercise, reducing stress, and getting enough sleep, we can help to lower insulin levels in the body and promote optimal health and wellbeing. Of course, we recommend that you consult a naturopathic practitioner to help put together a health plan that fits your needs.
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