Welcome to the fifth edition of Viewpoints, our monthly
e-newsletter.
One of our major goals at Insulite Laboratories is to provide you with the key
to well being through cutting edge research that impacts not only your weight
loss regimen but, above all, your health. Now more than ever, it is apparent
that losing weight and being well are inevitably linked.
In this issue, we focus on stress – an element in all of our lives – and a major
contributor to Insulin Resistance, increasingly seen as the cause of many
serious health risks including Metabolic Syndrome (Syndrome X), PCOS (Polycystic
Ovarian Syndrome) Pre-Diabetes and excess weight gain.
Stressful situations often find us reaching for a hi-carb snack, a seemingly
“comforting” fix. But here the link takes a negative turn. Recent research
raises concerns about the relationship between hi-carb intake and breast cancer
in women. Scientists suggest that carbs may increase cancer risk by quickly
raising sugar in the blood and triggering surging insulin. This results in cell
division leading to higher estrogen levels in the blood which can encourage
cancer.
While most stress is unavoidable, we urge you to take steps to manage it as you
would any other aspect of your life, like healthy eating. At Insulite
Laboratories, your health is our greatest concern.
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“Little by little, one walks far.”
- Peruvian proverb
Small steps can lead to great things.
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INTELLIGENCE REPORT |
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Stress Takes Its Toll and Increases
Insulin Resistance
We are all aware of the increased stress in our lives and evidence shows it is
harmful to the body as well as the mind.
Stress comes in two forms: acute and chronic. Acute stress is a response to
imminent danger. The chronic variety is caused by constant emotional or
physiological pressure that one may or may not be able to control or change.
Stress is first perceived in the brain, which goes on high alert, sending nerve
impulses to the rest of the body to prepare for fight or flight. Then the
adrenal glands release adrenalin (epinephrine) which makes the heart pump faster
and the lungs work harder to flood the body with oxygen.
The adrenal glands also produce extra cortisol and other glucocorticoids which
help convert the body’s sugars into energy. When the perceived threat passes,
levels of adrenalin and cortisol drop.
If this perceived danger comes too often, the cortisol can damage the arteries,
weaken the immune system and increase the loss of bone mass, suppress the
reproductive system and even affect memory.
Stress is one of the major contributors to Insulin Resistance, the condition
that prevents the cell absorbing glucose and insulin properly. It forces glucose
to be stored in the bloodstream as fat, which can lead to weight gain and
serious disorders like PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), Metabolic Syndrome
(Syndrome X), Pre-Diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
By increasing cortisol levels, the liver produces more glucose and puts it into
circulation. This may have been happening for many years - perhaps even decades
- for people suffering from Insulin Resistance. Increased glucose in the blood,
accompanied by an elevated consumption of carbohydrates, causes a compensatory
rise in the production of insulin.
This extra insulin causes a lowering of the number of receptor sites on each
individual cell, making it much harder for insulin to allow glucose to pass
through and be converted to energy. The unused glucose is then stored as fat,
which can result in obesity.
The way to break this vicious cycle is to minimize stress, correct your nutrient
depletions with pure, natural supplements and increase your exercise
regime.
To begin reducing your stress:
- Simplify your life. Start by saying “no” to obligations that are not vital to
your work or family.
- Take 10-20 minutes a day to be alone and focus just on breathing.
- Begin to recognize those things over which you have direct control and things
you cannot change.
Click here to read more about the Insulite System’s pure natural
nutraceuticals (vitamins, minerals and herbs) that can effect metabolic change.
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NEW RESEARCH |
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Large Waistlines Linked to Metabolic Syndrome
A new study has shown that waist-to-hip ratios are highly efficient in
predicting whether you’re at risk of becoming Insulin Resistant or suffering
from Metabolic Syndrome (Syndrome X), the cluster disorder that results from
Insulin Resistance and substantially increases your chances of developing
cardiovascular disease.
To find your waist-to-hip ratio, divide the circumference of your waist in
inches by the circumference of your hips in inches. If the resulting difference is
greater than 0.8 inch for a woman or 1.0 inch for a man, you risk developing
Insulin Resistance or Metabolic Syndrome.
Researchers tracked high waist-to-hip ratios in more than 2,000 people enrolled
in the San Antonio Heart Study.* Over a period of 8 years, 32% of subjects who
had a high body mass index (BMI) of more than 30kg (see below for conversion)
and high waist-to-hip ratios developed Metabolic Syndrome, compared to 10% with
low BMI and low waist circumference.
SOURCE: Obesity Research, 2002, 10(9): 923-931
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DR. MARY'S VIEW:
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“The Body Mass Index is an alternative way of discovering your risk factor.”
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Dr. Shackelton consults in her Boulder, Colorado Clinic |
Many people ask me how to determine if they have either Insulin Resistance or
Metabolic Syndrome. Occasionally, they are not able to obtain blood tests to
confirm or rule out either condition. Therefore, the BMI is an alternative
way and a strong predictor of discovering your risk factor.
A desirable BMI is less than 25. An additional report from the Nurses’ Health Studies found that women with a BMI greater
than 29 had triple the risk of coronary heart
disease, compared with women who had a BMI greater than 21.
If your BMI is over 30, you are considered obese and at risk of developing
Metabolic Syndrome.
To find your BMI:
- Convert your weight into kilograms (divide your weight by 2.2)
- Convert your height to inches.
- Divide your height by 39.37 to convert the inches to meters.
- Multiply this number by the same number e.g. if you are 1.75 meters,
multiply by 1.75.
- Divide your result in #1 by your result in #4. The resulting figure is
your BMI.
Dr. Mary Shackelton, MPH ND, is the Medical Director of Insulite Laboratories.
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WEIGHT LOSS: MYTH OR FACT? |
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Myth: Calorie restriction is the only thing that reduces weight.
Fact: Reducing calories may be helpful if one has a highly caloric diet.
However, weight loss is possible without calorie restriction. It is more
beneficial to balance the proportion of foods in the diet i.e. decreasing
carbohydrate intake and increasing protein and fat intake.
Regulating blood sugar and insulin levels is more important than focusing on the
number of calories consumed. At every meal, try to have 60% of your plate
covered by protein, 20% by green vegetables and 20% by fats. You are unlikely to have
another weight loss concern if you stick approximately to this ratio.
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CONSULT DR. MARY |
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Q. Is there anything in the Insulite System that will increase blood
pressure?
A. No. In fact, one additional long-term benefit of using the Insulite
System is that, by lowering circulating fasting insulin levels, you will
actually reduce high blood pressure.
Elevated levels of insulin will actually damage the interior lining of vessels
contributing to high blood pressure or hypertension.
A study, published this week by the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, reveals that 1 in 3 Americans has high blood pressure, an increase
that puts millions of more people at risk of heart disease and stroke.
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“In just my first few days on the Insulite System, I began to feel that my
food was being digested more efficiently. Now, I’m feeling more energetic and am
experiencing a greater overall sense of well being.”
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DID YOU KNOW? |
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GRAPEFRUIT AIDS WEIGHT LOSS AND
MAY REDUCE INSULIN LEVELS
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A new study has found that the humble grapefruit not only promotes
weight loss when added to a diet but also seems to influence insulin
secretion.
One hundred men and women participated in a study by the Scripps Clinic
in San Diego. The group who ate half-a-grapefruit with each meal lost an
average of 3.6 pounds over three months while some patients lost 10
pounds. A placebo group lost an average of half-a-pound.
Additionally, researchers discovered that those who ate grapefruit had
reduced insulin levels after meals. Glucose levels were also lower,
suggesting improved metabolism. Further research is needed is needed to
determine exactly what impact grapefruit has on insulin secretion, blood
glucose control and Diabetes.
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If you’re interested in adding
grapefruit to your diet, keep in
mind that citrus juice does have the potential to interact with some
medications. Check with your pharmacist or doctor.
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“Victory goes to the most persevering.”
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- Napoleon Bonaparte
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Keep up your efforts! Look what it did for The
Duke of Wellington at the Battle of Waterloo.
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INSULITE LIFESTYLE: TIPS
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The human body wasn’t designed to sit at a desk for hours on end. Sedentary
habits in the office can lead to weight gain and muscle deterioration. But a
busy work schedule sometimes makes it difficult to find the time to follow the
U.S Government’s health recommendation of half-an-hour of daily physical
activity. However, spending a large chunk of your day in an office doesn’t have
to mean you get no exercise. Here are some tips for staying in shape during the
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- Aim to sit at your desk for no longer than 50 minutes at a time before getting
up and taking a brief walk or doing some side bends and arm or ankle circles.
- Take short brisk walks each day if you have a spare ten minutes in your lunch
hour.
- Instead of emailing a message to a colleague down the hall or on another floor,
print it out and deliver it by walking to him or her.
- Suggest a “walk and talk” meeting with workmates.
- Choose the stairs rather using the elevator.
- Gentle stretching is a good idea because muscles get tight when hunched,
particularly those of the wrist, back, hips, shoulder, chest and hamstrings. To
stretch your neck, sit tall in your chair. Relax your neck and gently tilt the
head to each side, then front and back, holding each position for a count of 10.
Don’t forget to seek medical advice if you have persistent aches and pains at
work.
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Drinking water can help you lose weight. For a start, it’s a natural
appetite suppressant that contains no calories, fat or cholesterol and is
low is sodium.
Studies have shown that low consumption of water allows more fat to be
deposited in the body instead of being metabolized into energy. So, the more
water you drink, the less fat is deposited.
As well as being a great ally when it comes to losing pounds, water is vital
for enjoying good health because it regulates the way our bodies function.
If your body isn’t getting enough water, it does everything it can to hold
on to the water it does have in order to carry out multiple functions. The
end result is bloating, which is cured, believe it or not, by taking in more
water.
Once the body is taking in the right amount of water, it rids itself of
excess water and begins to run more efficiently, including burning stored
fat for energy.
Drinking ice cold water burns calories. The body needs to heat up this water
to use it properly and doing so requires energy i.e. calories.
New research suggests there is no scientific basis for the “8-by-8” rule
which calls for at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day for good
health. An expert panel organized by the National Academy of Science
concluded that people should let thirst be their guide.
A wedge of lemon or lime adds calorie-free pizzazz to your water while a
simple filter, available online or in most grocery or drug stores, can
remove impurities from tap water.
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You are well on the achieving your desired weight loss goal and the healthy
lifestyle you deserve.
Remember that persistence is crucial. We at Insulite Laboratories are
committed to your success and your well being.
We're here to help you. Please contact us with any questions or to order the Insulite System at info@insulitelabs.com |
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DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this newsletter is for the sole purpose of being informative.
This information is not and should not be used or relied upon as medical advice. Always seek the advice
of your physician, nurse or other qualified health care provider before you undergo any treatment, take
any medication, supplements or other nutritional support, or for answers to any questions you may have
regarding a medical condition.
Nothing contained in or provided through this newsletter is intended to be or is to be used or relied
upon for medical diagnosis or treatment. Your use of our newsletter opportunity is subject to certain
terms and conditions including, but not limited to, the fact that you have not been seen, evaluated or
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