Posts about weight loss | Dr. Emina Jasarevic

What are natural treatments for insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome?

Insulin resistance can often be helped by addressing a few key areas of health such as diet, exercise and stress reduction techniques. A diet rich in low starch vegetables, little/no refined sugar, good protein and healthy fats is important to reduce your risk factors for developing insulin resistance. A Ketogenic Diet has been found to be the most impactful for metabolic syndrome, but also for diabetics who are currently on medications.

High stress spikes cortisol, blood sugar and insulin. Stress reduction techniques like yoga (and other exercise), meditation, breathing practice, clinical therapy, acupuncture, and massage therapy can all be beneficial.

Our naturopathic doctors will work with you to help you manage your symptoms, prevent diabetes (or treat existing diabetes), and get to the source of your insulin resistance through your own individualized treatment plan. It may include:

Specific dietary modifications –– eliminating food intolerances; increase in fibre, vegetables, fats and protein, decrease in starches and sugars; increase omega 3 fatty acid-rich foods; education and recommendation for a ketogenic diet or intermittent fasting.
Vitamins, minerals, enzymes –– may include chromium, vanadium, alpha-lipoic acid, B Vitamins, and others.
Botanicals –– such as devils club, gymnema, momordica, and milk thistle.
Exercise Guidance and recommendations
Stress reduction techniques, tools, and resources

What are the signs and symptoms of prediabetes?

You may be unaware that you have insulin resistance issues. Some of the signs and symptoms are similar to those of diabetes. Others are evidence of higher than normal amounts of insulin. Symptoms of insulin resistance may include:

Excess thirst
Frequent urination
Weight gain
Hormone imbalances (excess estrogen or testosterone)
PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)
Elevated cholesterol
High triglycerides
Elevated HbA1c or glycated hemoglobin
High blood pressure
Metabolic Syndrome
Fatigue or muscle weakness
Gestational diabetes
Acanthosis nigricans (darkened patches of skin on the neck, underarms, elbows, knees, knuckles)

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 are Adrenal Glands?

The adrenal glands are tiny hats, one each, that sit atop your kidneys and secrete hormones to help you deal with and manage stress. The outer part of the glands, called the cortex, releases cortisol, for our stress response and metabolism control, as well as aldosterone to regulate blood pressure. The inner part of the glands are the medulla where adrenaline is released, another part of the stress response.

When your central nervous system perceives stress, it stimulates the adrenal glands to release their hormones as a part of the “fight or flight” response. This can happen several times throughout the day and can vary depending on your lifestyle. For example, an alarm clock startling you out of sleep will trigger this response, as will less sudden stressors like feeling overwhelmed by your overflowing email at work or worrying about finances or family members. In the early stages of stress, this response is actually beneficial. It can improve mental clarity, focus and energy. But over time, the benefits start to fade, and the consequences of chronic stress take over.

Dr. Emina jasarevic, nd | Naturopathic physician

weight loss

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FAQ

What are natural treatments for insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome?

What are the signs and symptoms of prediabetes?

What causes insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome?

What are Adrenal Glands?

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