Posts about nutritional deficiencies

What causes insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome?

Factors that have been shown to cause or contribute to metabolic syndrome or insulin resistance include:

Poor diet
Being overweight
Lack of exercise/physical activity
Sleep apnea
Hormonal changes such as pregnancy, peri-menopause, menopause and andropause (male menopause)
Some medications including steroids and antidepressants
Some medical conditions such as Cushing’s and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies

What is Adrenal Fatigue?

Adrenal Fatigue is a modern-day epidemic and results from the overstimulation of the adrenal glands due to chronic stress and over time, low cortisol levels. The most common report is feeling “burnt out”.

Adrenal fatigue is one of the most common health disorders, but it’s not recognized or screened for in conventional medicine – unless you have the extreme case of Addison’s or Cushing’s Disease – and these are uncommon. However, Adrenal Fatigue will impact up to 80% of us at some point our lives. Adrenal fatigue may occur after a major life-changing event such as divorce, surgery, childbirth, or even following a car accident.

The main purpose of your adrenals is to enable your body to deal with stress from every possible source, ranging from injury and disease to work and relationship problems. Adrenal function is of paramount importance because these small glands play a pivotal role in determining the way your body responds to every change in your internal and external environment. For example, the protective activity of anti-inflammatory adrenal hormones such as cortisol help to minimize reactions like swelling and inflammation in situations ranging from allergies to autoimmune disorders. These hormones closely involved in many metabolic processes:

Blood sugar regulation
Metabolism of carbohydrates and fats
Conversion of fats and proteins into energy
Distribution of stored fat – focused around your waist (the spare tire); & sides of your face
Cardiovascular function
Gastrointestinal function

After mid-life (menopause in women, andropause in men), the adrenal glands gradually become the major source of the sex hormones circulating throughout the body in both men and women. These hormones themselves have a whole host of physical, emotional and psychological effects, from the level of your sex drive to the tendency to gain weight.

Adrenal fatigue causes a feeling of generalized “unwellness” which creates havoc on your life. In more serious cases, the activity of the adrenal glands is so diminished that you may have difficulty getting out of bed for more than a few hours per day. With each increment of reduction in adrenal function, every organ and system in your body is more profoundly affected. Metabolic changes occur in your carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism, fluid and electrolyte balance, heart and cardiovascular system, and sex drive. Many other alterations take place at the biochemical and cellular levels in response to, and to compensate for, the decrease in adrenal hormones that occurs with adrenal fatigue.

Common Signs, Symptoms or concerns patients present with in our office

Abdominal pain
Abdominal Gas or Bloating
Acid Reflux or Heart Burn
Brain fog, poor memory, reduced concentration, poor focus
Constipation or Diarrhea
Excessive Burping or Flatulence
Food allergies or food intolerances.
Skin problems: acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis & other rashes or itching
Anxiety and Depression or other mood disorders
Headaches or Migraines
Yeast Overgrowth
Difficulty losing weight, despite a balanced diet and exercise
Lack of Appetite or Lethargy after eating
Environmental Allergies (grass, pollen, etc.) or Asthma
Hormonal Imbalances (painful heavy menses, PMS, PCOS, etc.)
Autoimmune Conditions: Celiac Disease, Hashimoto’s Hypothyroid, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, MS, psoriasis and others
Chronic Fatigue or Fibromyalgia

Insulin

Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas to move glucose from your blood stream (after a meal) into your cells. If your life is stressful, especially with a diet high in refined carbohydrates and without regular vigorous exercise, high blood sugar and insulin elevation can create problems over time. The cells in the body become more resistant to insulin to avoid the toxicity of excess glucose. This can leave too much glucose in your blood and too little in your cells. To maintain balance, your body converts and stores the excess blood sugar as fat – usually around your abdomen. Paradoxically, less glucose into your cells means increased hunger and carbohydrate cravings. Adrenal dysfunction is often implicated here too.

Dr. Emina jasarevic, nd | Naturopathic physician

nutritional deficiencies

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FAQ

What causes insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome?

What is Adrenal Fatigue?

Common Signs, Symptoms or concerns patients present with in our office

Insulin

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