Megan from Lake Oswego, OR, asked:

Hi Julie,

I was turned on to you from Dr. Christiane Northrup … yay!!!

I have had insulin resistance for about the last 3-4 years, have gained over 30 pounds and am frustrated.

I feel like I just keep gaining. HELP!

Thanks

Megan

Hi Megan,

Thanks for your question. It applies to many of us, most of whom aren’t even aware it exists let alone affects us personally.

In fact, Benjamin Bikman, PhD, a biomedical scientist at Brigham Young University (and one of the world’s foremost scientists on metabolic health and insulin resistance) claims that up to 80% of us are insulin resistant.

He also believes insulin resistance is the cause of many major diseases like cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s.

In his book Why We Get Sick:The Hidden Epidemic at the Root of Most Chronic Disease—and How to Fight It, Dr. Bikman combines his research with lots of other published data supporting the opinion we need to be checking insulin levels (you’ll have to specifically ask your doctor to test insulin instead of glucose levels) and eat a low carb diet. He also suggests making sure to get some form of exercise and a decent amount of sleep.

Now I know this sounds easier than it is, so just take baby steps. Perhaps you can go to bed a bit earlier and when you have that mastered, focus on substituting a sugary or refined food for something that is healthier and also tastes good. I find delicious, low carb recipes at gnom-gnom.

As for the exercise part of the equation, find an activity you enjoy and schedule time to do it. Something as simple as taking a walk, especially outside, will help you both physically and mentally.