Insulin, the Sugar Hormone
A brief overview of insulin and foods that will help keep insulin balanced...
Insulin, a natural hormone, has two critical roles in the body that we cannot live without. Yet when insulin is out of balance, it can be the root of many health problems, including diabetes. Insulin carries sugar (glucose), fat and protein into your cells where theses substances are converted into energy or otherwise used for the function of the cell. When you eat, a certain amount of the food is turned into glucose which enters the bloodstream. As the blood sugar levels rise, the body senses it and the pancreas secretes insulin to lower the sugar level by turning sugar into fat. This is insulin's second main function.If you eat too much of any food, especially carbohydrates (starch and sugar) the levels of glucose in the blood can rise quickly to very high levels. This will trigger a large release of insulin from the pancreas. Your cells will take what they need and then insulin will begin the process of converting the excess glucose, fat and protein into fat which is stored in your fat cells. By combining foods the right way for your body, you will maintain optimum levels of insulin throughout the day.
The best way to control insulin and fight sugar cravings is to eat protein snacks when you are hungry or when you have severe "sweet" cravings. Try to limit yourself to three carbohydrate-containing meals per day and include vegetables with most meals and snacks. SNACK TIP: A particularly good snack is non-fat cottage cheese and salsa. For your evening meal, try to avoid these vegetables: corn, yellow or orange squash, peas, beets and carrots. They have a high simple carbohydrate (sugar) content.
Good natural sources of protein for meals or snacks are:
- Chicken breast
Turkey
Fish
Lean Pork
Lean Steak
7% or less Ground Beef
Egg whites
Egg Beaters
Tofu
Non-fat cottage cheese
Non-fat cheese
Non-fat cream cheese
Non-fat sour cream
Fat-free Ham or Canadian bacon You can also try protein powder and protein bars. - I recommend Labrada ProPlete Protein powder. It is low fat, low carb and high protein. It comes in several flavors and you can probably get it at GNC stores or any vitamin store. It does not have artificial sweeteners. It is sweetened with Stevia, which is all-natural and it made from the root and leaves of the Stevia plant.
Labrada also makes good low-carb, sugar free protein bars. Other good protein bars are Ultimate Lo-Carb, Ultimate Lo-Carb2 and Premiere Elite. These are good as a "pretend candy bar" when you're having a craving. Just don't over do it. The last three bars I mentioned do have artificial sweeteners. You can find them at GNC, Trader Joe's and many vitamin stores.
The key to keeping your insulin well balanced is to eat frequently throughout the day. And limit a real sweet treat to once a week, staying away from sweets the rest of the week.
My fat loss and fitness plan "Every Body Loses" will give you the tools you need to begin a healthy weight loss program. The style of eating and exercising outlined in my book is one that you can follow for life without feeling deprived. If you're serious about losing fat and getting fit go to www.aim4nutrition.com and get started TODAY!
About the author:
Aimee Deak
is a certified Personal Trainer & Nutrition Analyst, author of the nutrition and fitness book
"Every Body Loses" and owner of AIM 4 NUTRITION. She offers online personal training and training
by phone.
www.aim4nutrition.com
|
"The Diabetes Miracle Breakthrough" Discover The Root Cause for Diabetes - And How To Slowly, But Surely, Trigger Your Body To Produce More Insulin... 
|
News about Balancing Insulin
Optimal Levels of Cortisol, Insulin and Thyroid are Essential to ... Natural News.com, AZ - The bedrock of protection against the high tide of insulin in the body is hormonal balance. After hormones have become balanced, diet becomes another ... |
Four Minor Hormones have Major Consequences in the Body Natural News.com, AZ - It is transported to the liver where it is converted to insulin growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a messenger molecule that travels to all parts of the body to ... |
 NewsReleaseWire.com (press release) | : Steve Jobs’ Wasting-Away Health Problem NewsReleaseWire.com (press release) - Branch chain amino acids are needed to fuel insulin signaling and muscle metabolism once basic nitrogen balance has been obtained. ... |
Diabetes Epidemic Now Poses Challenges for Nursing Homes Washington Post, United States - People with type 1 diabetes and people with type 2 diabetes who need insulin often choose to use an insulin pump when they're younger, but pumps may not be ... |
Insulet Corporation Not Yet an Attractive Short Opportunity Seeking Alpha, NY - Insulet's cash balance as on September 30, 2008 stands at US$74.1 million. This includes US$81.5 million raised through the Convertible Notes issue. ... |
 ABC News | Steve Jobs' Hormonal Imbalance: FAQ WebMD - The pancreas -- which is where Jobs had his 2004 tumor -- makes hormones including insulin, which regulates blood sugar, and also releases enzymes into the ... Video: Steve Jobs Weight Loss Due to Hormone Imbalance Jobs Tumor May Have Upset Hormone Balance, Spurred Weight Drop Endocrinologists Weigh in on Steve Jobs' Hormonal Imbalance |
Sleep May Be the Critical Factor for Weight Loss and Health Natural News.com, AZ - As a result of eating all those carbohydrates, insulin levels rose and so did the levels of the sex hormones which was a good thing because conceiving a ... |
 CTV.ca | Banks strong, but credit must keep flowing: Flaherty CTV.ca, Canada - The government has signalled it is willing to enter deficit in order to balance the books, but not a long term, so-called structural deficit. ... |
 Telegraph.co.uk | Menopause treatment reduces risk of bowel cancer Telegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom - It is not known exactly how HRT has an effect on the cancer risk but it is suggested that hormones may play a role in decreasing levels of insulin like ... |
 Scientific American | Does Exercise Really Make You Healthier? Scientific American - "Physical activity beneficially affects body weight," says Albanes, noting that leaner people have lower circulating levels of insulin, a hormone produced ... |
insulin balance - Google News
Diabetes ResourcesIs Freedom From Diabetes Possible? Check Out The Diabetes Breakthrough Diabetic Terms are Defined! At Diet-Cure's Diabetic Dictionary Deeply Discounted Diabetic Supplies DiabetesStore.Com Lower Your Blood Sugar Naturally Cure Insulin Resistance Fight Type 2 Diabetes & WIN! Treat Diabetic Neuropathy Rebuild Damaged Nerves and Improve Blood Circulation The ReBuilder®. |
RELATED ARTICLES
Raising Happy Diabetic Kids Part II
This is the second article in a series I am writing about how to raise happy diabetic children. You can find the first article titled Help Your Child Develope Self-Confidence in our article archives.
Build Health: Want To Prevent Diabetes?
To prevent diabetes you will get a real jolt when you follow the prescription offered up in the "Journal of the American Medical Association."This 'prestigious' organization reported on separate studies of coffee drinkers in Sweden and Finland.
Diabetic Complications - Can Benfotiamine Help Prevent Them?
Diabetic complications contribute too many life threatening diseases globally. The root cause of diabetic complications is elevated glucose levels which contribute to blood vessel damage.
Living Healthy with Diabetes
Diabetes affects around 16 million Americans and about 800,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Diabetes attacks men, women, children and the elderly.
Diabetes Break-Thru Helps Battle Blood Sugar Woes
Are you a diabetic? If so, you are definitely not alone. Recent numbers report that there are some 18 million Type 2 diabetics.
Insulin
Insulin has two critical roles in the body that we cannot live without, yet it can be the root of many health problems, including diabetes. Insulin carries sugar (glucose), fat and protein into your cells where they are used for energy and the repair of your cells.
Normal Blood Sugar Levels ARE Possible for a Diabetic!
What are normal blood sugar levels? Fasting (blood sugar level after not eating for 8 hours) blood sugar should be between 70 milligrams per deciliter to 100 mg/dL. Your blood sugar should not be above 100 at any given time; If it is, this suggests a pre-diabetes condition.
Living with Diabetes and Celiac Disease
Living with multiple health problems can complicate things. As a diabetic balancing the levels of carbohydrates, (starches and sugars) with the level of insulin requires thought and discipline.
Diabetes
Meal planning includes choosing healthy foods, eating the right amount of food, and eating meals at the right time. The American Diabetes Association and the American Dietetic Association developed 6 food exchange lists for the purpose of meal planning for people with diabetes as part of a diabetes diet.
Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic Neuropathy, a nerve disorder caused by diabetes, is characterized by a loss or reduction of sensation in the feet, and in some cases the hands, and pain and weakness in the feet. The symptoms of diabetic neuropathy vary.
Diabetes: African Americans Deadly Foe
Diabetes is having a devastating effect on the African American community. Diabetes is the fifth leading cause of death in African Americans and their death rates are twenty seven percent higher than whites.
What Is Diabetes?
Your doctor may have recently advised you have diabetes. Or you are overweight and you have discovered you may be at risk of diabetes.
Treating Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
The toes burn and tingle and sharp pains shoot into your legs. The bed sheets feel uncomfortable on the feet as you toss and turn, trying to get some rest.
I Have Diabetes or Another Chronic Condition - Should I Use an HSA?
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are becoming quite popular for people who are generally healthy. But what about sick people? What about people who have chronic conditions like diabetes, multiple sclerosis or the like? Does an HSA make sense for them?The short answer is yes.
Diabetes And The Long Term Dangers
Diabetes has hidden dangers that begin before diagnosis and continue to worsen if certain steps are not taken to prevent the complications that are the true, "killers" in terms of diabetes.Statistics show that there are around 18 million diabetics in America, both Type 1 and Type 2.
Diabetes Awareness: Wake Up Call
When traveling on out-of-town business, its common to have the hotel front desk give you a wake-up call in the morning. You want to avoid the embarrassment and repercussions of being late for your business appointments.
What You Need To Know About Diabetes
INTRODUCTIONAccording to the World Health Organization, a few decades back diabetes was an uncommon disease, in both developed and developing countries. Today, the story is different.
Exercising for Diabetes Sufferers
Exercise is often recommended in treating type 1 (insulin- dependent) and type 2 (noninsulin- dependent) diabetes ~ both as a stand-alone activity and in combination with diet and drug therapy. For people who are heavily dependent on medicines, exercise cannot replace drugs but it does contribute to normalizing the glucose metabolism.
Insulin Resistance And Complex Carbohydrates
One of the biggest mistakes that weight loss failures make is cutting out carbs altogether. An example of this flawed ideology is the Atkins diet.
Diabetes - A National Epidemic
Are you a diabetic? If so, you are definitely not alone. There are approximately 16 million people in the United States who have diabetes.