Feeling Fat and Tired? It Might Be Insulin Resistance

If you’re feeling sluggish and carrying a bit of extra weight, insulin might not be the villain here. Instead, think of insulin as a messenger. When sugar levels in your blood rise, insulin tells your cells to let that sugar inside. But sometimes — under certain conditions — the cells just don’t listen, and the doors stay closed.

This creates a couple of significant issues. First, since the sugar can’t get into the cells, you end up feeling tired. Second, the sugar lingers in your bloodstream, causing potential harm. So, your body decides to store that excess sugar as fat, leading to, well, you guessed it — feeling both fat and tired.

How common is insulin resistance? It’s becoming pretty widespread, according to Dr. Whit Roberts, D.C. “It’s pretty likely, and it’s increasing all the time.” Research from the National Library of Medicine reveals that the percentage of adults with insulin resistance has doubled over the past 20 years. Factors like poor diets, increased exposure to toxins, stress, and weight gain are contributing to this trend, as reported by the Cleveland Clinic.

Dr. Roberts goes so far as to call insulin resistance “perhaps the most serious epidemic in the world today.” It has links to various chronic conditions, like heart disease, diabetes, and even multiple types of cancer. Fortunately, we’re learning more about ways to reverse it, some of which might surprise you.

1. Prioritize Sleep

A study from 2022 indicated that individuals who sleep less than seven hours a night may experience higher levels of insulin resistance. “This is concerning since a lot of my patients struggle with insomnia in one form or another.” Dr. Roberts shares that improving sleep quality is crucial at Health Utah.

However, achieving enough sleep can feel easier said than done. The good news? Dr. Roberts notes that working to reduce inflammation throughout the body — through certain herbs and therapies — often leads to better sleep for patients.

2. Embrace Antioxidants

Another surprising approach to tackling insulin resistance is by increasing antioxidant intake. One study found that just two grams of vitamin C taken daily for two weeks made a significant difference in insulin resistance. Dr. Roberts emphasizes that a key part of Health Utah’s program is focused on foods rich in antioxidants. Some specific foods rich in polyphenols and phytonutrients are also suggested for their positive effects.

Yet, making better dietary choices isn’t always straightforward. You might know you should eat healthier, but with so many processed options around, it’s tough. That’s why Health Utah tries to make the transition easier, employing techniques to change your relationship with food.

3. Lemon Juice

This one’s a bit unexpected: drinking lemon juice might be a simple yet effective way to improve insulin resistance. Recent research supports long-held beliefs by holistic healers, showing that lemon juice can boost insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels.

Dr. Roberts has included lemon juice in Health Utah’s programs for over a decade. When patients start their health journey, they focus on detoxifying the body, and lemon juice plays a significant role in that process, along with certain herbs and in-office therapies.

Health Utah is all about achieving sustainable weight loss. Their approach combines coaching and subconscious work without the stress of calorie counting or carb restrictions, aiming to address insulin resistance effectively.

Health Utah is currently offering a weight loss package for $59, which includes body scans to identify issues related to insulin resistance. After the scan, Dr. Roberts reviews the findings with you, connecting them to your health history, helping to provide tailored recommendations.

You can also fill out a survey to uncover deeper health issues that might hinder your weight loss progress. It’s interesting how much insight this can provide! There’s no obligation; you can explore why you might be facing these health challenges by reaching out to Health Utah.