Blog Archives
Insulin resistance and what to do about it
Do you often feel tired?
How about hungry all the time?
Cravings a little out of control?
Brain fog becoming an issue at work?
Read on to find out why you might be experiencing these symptoms and what to do about it.
Insulin resistance is a condition that, over time, has the potential of becoming a very serious health issue. It is the pre-cursor to type 2 diabetes ,which is a chronic condition that necessitates ongoing medication to control blood sugar levels and in many cases the regular injection of insulin to substitute for a pancreas that no longer functions correctly. It is also not uncommon for type 2 diabetics to have to undergo limb amputations. Despite the long term consequences of untreated insulin resistance, it often goes undiagnosed due to the “stealth mode” under which it operates.
In other words, you could be insulin resistant and just not know it.
The problem with too much insulin
A noticeable sign that you might have an issue with insulin is belly fat. This, however, does not mean that all slim, flat-bellied people get off scot-free. If not caught early enough, high insulin can ultimately result in poor health. Before your blood sugar starts to reach diabetic levels, insulin rises first. It is the proverbial “canary in the coal mine” that warns one of imminent danger. The build-up of insulin in your blood stream indicates, metabolically speaking, things are no longer working as they should. If left untreated, high levels of insulin develops into insulin resistance (a pre-diabetic state) and, eventually could result in full-blown type 2 diabetes. Read the rest of this entry
Why you should be supplementing with magnesium
It is no exaggeration to refer to magnesium as the miracle mineral. Dr Carolyn Dean, a medical doctor, naturopath and nutritionist wrote an entire book on the subject which she aptly titled, “The Magnesium Miracle”. This article references her work on magnesium and provides insights as to why it is so critical for treating many of today’s chronic conditions such as acid reflux, adrenal fatigue, angina, anxiety, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, constipation, depression, type 2 diabetes, obesity, fibromyalgia and many more. Magnesium is responsible for over 300 life-providing reactions in our body, yet most of us are magnesium deficient. Many of us severely so. Our nervous system, bones, muscles, heart, brain and other organs all require magnesium to function well. If we are going to avoid chronic and debilitating illness it is important to understand why we are deficient and what can be done about it.
Why am I still fat?
I have been putting off writing this post for ages as I feel that there is still more that I need to know before I can properly explain this to others. But the info that I do currently have could be enough to assist someone else to get the help they need . Why am I still fat? This is the question I have asked myself for years and what sent me on a quest for answers. I have for a very long time felt that something was “off”. How could I be exercising 5 times a week, plus following a fairly strict LCHF diet and not be able to lose the rest of my weight (about 15 kilograms). Even when I cut out dairy, alcohol, caffeine and nuts – nothing significant happens. When I restrict my calories – nothing significant happens. I have tried fasting which also didn’t help. Basically I have tried EVERYTHING. How is it possible that I have all the knowledge to coach others towards their weight loss goals but I can’t fix myself? Read the rest of this entry
Nuggets from the LCHF 2015 conference – Part 1
The first ever international LCHF conference was held at the Cape Town Convention Centre last weekend. The line-up of speakers was seriously impressive and the organisation of the event was brilliant (thank you Karen Thompson and Prof. Tim Noakes). It was a privilege to attend the 4 days, and absorb all the knowledge these thought-leaders had to share with us. Each lecture approached the topic from a different angle, which made it all the more interesting to see how our diets affect so many different aspects of our life and health. Thanks must also go to Old Mutual for their support in providing the platform for information sharing and learning. Read the rest of this entry
Insulin Resistance: The calm before the storm
A few years ago, I got the shock of my life. I was informed that I was on my way to becoming a Type 2 diabetic. I had visions of going blind, having my feet amputated, being paralysed by a stroke or dying of a heart attack. How could this be happening to me. I ate healthily and exercised regularly. I knew I was “heavy”, but flip, I could still fit (albeit snuggly) into an aeroplane seat . Although accessing the on-board entertainment system on the inside of the armrest was always a bit tricky! Read the rest of this entry
Primal Perks 