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Theory of how the Paleodiet is effective in increasing health: Insulin Resistance Because of the strong relationship between obesity and Diabetes Mellitus (type II), it may be possible to treat both by addressing the underlying metabolic disturbances. One of the main theories about why diabetes occurs is based on an idea called "insulin resistance". This means that the body continues to produce the blood sugar lowering hormone (insulin), but its effects are weakened. Because it is not as effective in lowering blood sugar, the amount of sugar stays high and more insulin is released into the system. With time, the effectiveness is weakened again blood sugar goes higher - and the cycles continues. Eventually the system is overwhelmed. Either not enough can be produced to overcome the resistance, or the insulin is so ineffective that no matter how much is produced it is unable to lower blood sugar. When insulin resistance get severe enough, overt type II Diabetes Mellitus results. Obesity can be another condition that is caused, or at least worsened, by insulin resistance. It happens that insulin actually does more than just lower blood sugar. It also plays a critical role in regulating metabolic pathways involved in how our bodies use fat. When insulin levels are high (this is the case in insulin resistance) our bodies are less able to mobilize fat stores. This means that even though there is plenty of energy stored in the form of fat, a body cannot use it effectively. Because high insulin levels block the burning of fat, it very difficult for a person to mobilize fat stores or lose weight. No weight loss leads to weight gain which goes on to obesity in many cases. In this theory, it makes sense that obesity and DM occur so often in the same person because insulin resistance is the root cause for both. Part of the theory of the Paleodiet is that insulin resistance is caused by the massive intake of carbohydrates. Regardless of the type, the basic structure of carbohydrates is sugar. When big doses of carbohydrates are eaten, the blood sugar rises very fast and a huge dose of insulin is required to offset this spike. Be reducing the total intake of carbohydrates, and also by eating some fat and protein whenever eating carbohydrates, the big blood sugar swings and high levels of insulin can be minimize or eliminated. The Paleodiet is seen as a way to break the cycle of insulin resistance that leads to both Diabetes and obesity.
Read about Paleodiet and Cardiovascular Disease Click Here for a Detailed List of Paleodiet foods |
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Og the Neanderthal by Richard Wilson
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