Insulin Resistance

August 17, 2014

Insulin resistance increases cancer risk

Insulin Resistance Insulin is a crucial hormone in the body. Hormones are the body’s messengers that are made by the Endocrine glands. The hormones flow through the bloodstream to the organs and tissues where they help in accomplishing some bodily processes. The hormones are very important in the entire body of humans as they affect most bodily functions. The hormones will give us good health when there functions are at optimum. In case they do not function well a person may get some diseases and the major cause of hormonal dysfunction is hormonal imbalance. In case the balance between crucial hormones is not achieved disease like cancer will be knocking on the doors of your immunity. The changes in hormone dominance may occur naturally. This is because as we are growing production of some hormones is halted leading to some hormones being dominant. This can be addressed by help of an integrative cancer doctors as dominance of certain hormones increases your risk to cancer. However these fluctuations in levels of hormones may be induced by environmental factors such as the pathogens in the environments and the heavy metals that may remain in the vegetables we eat as a result of harmful herbicides used. Hormones play a great role in cancer etiology and therefore levels of some hormones like insulin should be monitored to avoid levels that may increase cancer risk.

Insulin Hormone Resistance

The blood sugar level is controlled by insulin hormone. It is responsible for transporting food that is converted into simple sugar (glucose) and transports it to the cells where it is broken down through oxidation to release energy. At times our bodies may have more sugar than what the insulin hormone can transport. This will lead to insulin resistance and eventually will cause obesity and diabetes. The connection between insulin resistance and cancer is that, when there is plethora of carbohydrates that cannot be broken down, they are store as fats. Excess body fats increase the levels of estrogen hormones, estrogen dominance leads to higher risk of breast cancer.

Insulin resistance is a situation is a condition when the body organs become resistant to insulin’s ability to transport the glucose into the cells. This condition is common after taking a meal that is high in carbohydrates. When there is insulin resistance and the glucose is not transported into the cells, the pancreas will react by producing more insulin hormones which leads to high hormonal levels in the blood. The pancreas may compensate for insulin resistance for some time but this won’t last long, therefore when the pancreas becomes overwhelmed and stops producing more hormones the insulin level in the blood will drop therefore leading to high sugar levels in the blood this increases cancer risk. Researchers have opined that insulin hormone resistance may be caused by obesity.

Insulin hormone inhibits growth and it increases when we eat more processed foods, carbohydrates and sweets. When this hormone is in high levels it increases the Insulin growth factor (IGF) which triggers the growth of cancer cells. There is a research that was done by Vanderbilt University in 2004, the findings of this research proved that increased growth factor and insulin resistance increased the risk of breast cancer in women. Women who have high levels of insulin resistance and increased growth factor are highly at risk of getting breast cancer. Another doctor, Dr. Pamela Goodwin while working at Mt. Sinai Hospital observed that most of the women who had breast cancer had high Insulin growth factor.

Insulin can also increase the sensitivity of cells towards other growth factors. Cancer is a disease that is rather complex and multifactorial but all types of cancer is characterized by uncontrolled growth and cell division. They are also resistant to programmed death also known as mitosis. Growth factors have been shown to be critical to cancer development and growth. Researchers have shown that people who have higher levels of insulin growth factors are at increased risk of cancers such as the colon, breast and prostate cancer than those who have lower levels of Insulin growth factors.

Insulin resistance affects the ability of the insulin to transport the glucose into the cells but it does not affect the growth promoting abilities of the insulin hormone. The glucose transporting ability is the only thing affected. This therefore means that in a case of insulin resistance the high levels of circulating insulin hormones may increase risk to cancer in a person. The pancreases ability to supply high levels of hormones during insulin resistance may help in avoiding diabetes but are worst to cancer as higher levels of circulating hormones increases cancer risk.

Insulin Resistance Different organs breast differently to high insulin levels in circulation .some organs become more vulnerable to the adverse effects of insulin hormone while others are not as vulnerable. The most vulnerable organ is the colon. Researchers have shown that colon has risk factors similar to diabetes. Factors that increase colon cancer risk include obesity, extra fat along the waistline, and lack of exercise, refined foods and diets that are high in saturated fats.

Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) is an experienced integrative cancer doctor that has helped many cancer patients in their fight against the disease. She has worked hard not only in treating the disease but also in availing informational support to cancer patients at Awaremed which has become a place called home for many cancer patients. Call on her now and get help on cancer.

Insulin resistance increases cancer risk

Exploring the causes of Drug Addiction

May 9, 2014

Exploring the causes of Drug Addiction-The Nutrition way

Looking at the contrast of drug addiction and nutrition, the solution is readily available if only you can choose to feed healthily

It is almost becoming common knowledge that alcohols among other substances are the commonly abused drugs globally. What may not be common in the public knowledge is the possible roots and genesis of drug taking and drug addiction. In our last article I introduced the causes siting poor diet and the brains consequent magnetic and chemical imbalance as some of the primary root causes of drug taking and drug addiction. In this article I want to progress on that so that we can have a clear understanding of this disturbing condition. Of the two primaries we will look at the deficiency of nutrients as we progressed on.

Exploring the causes of Drug Addiction-Serotonin
Diet is the key to the synthesis of the neurotransmitter serotonin which has repeatedly been linked to drug taking. The dietary precursor for serotonin is the amino acid tryptophan which is low in a high-protein diet and high in a high-carbohydrate diet. The effects of drug taking may either increase or decrease levels of serotonin in the brain depending on the subject/patient taking the drug. Individuals responds differently with some people alcohol increases their serotonin levels, possibly by decreasing levels of other competing amino acids in the blood as they reach the blood-brain barrier, causing them to relax. While other people may find alcohol and sugar decreases serotonin in the brain causing depression or aggression. They may find that sugars affect them badly and have a condition called oreactive hypo glycaemia. Many criminals, as well as those with chronic depression have been found with this condition.

Exploring the causes of Drug Addiction-Poor Diet and Deficiency of serotonin
Poor carbohydrates (sugar) with high-protein diets (meat) are possible elements of abnormal low serotonin levels. The increase in meat and sugar and other refined carbohydrates consumption like junk food over the last two decades may have resulted in generally low brain serotonin levels which may explain the recent epidemic of childhood depression in the our society today. Serotonin deficiency has also been linked by researchers to various states of mental illness, drug-taking and violent crime.

Tryptophan, the precursor of serotonin (5HT), is believed to be a controlling factor in the CNS, affecting the person’s moods, aggression, pain, anxiety, sleep, memory, eating behavior, addictive behavior, temperature, endocrine and motor regulation. Abnormalities of 5HT include: Parkinson’s disease, MS, sleep disorders Huntington’s, schizophrenia, mania, depression, hyper sexuality, bulimia, and many more.

Deficiency of tryptophan and tyrosine, the precursors of serotonergic and catecholamine systems have been found in eight adolescents with impulsive behavior. Thirteen studies of serotonin in aggressive cases have been reported.

All show the concentration of 5-HIAA as cerebrospinal fluid are inversely related to aggression, irritability, hostility and criminal activity.

Some parents of maladjusted boys have been alcoholic and had nervous or somatic disorders. Many children with hyperactive syndrome have alcoholic parents and become aggressive in childhood or adulthood. The evidence suggests a reduced activity of brain serotonin may be involved. Alcohol may create mental irritability and hyperactivity and aggression in offspring, possibly due to its effect on the brains neurotransmitter, serotonin.

Drug-taking, especially alcohol, by parents and their children at an early age may cause genetic damage to the brain, a possible precursor to psychopathy and violent crime. Studies of prisoners find that they are often drug abusers and have generally eaten a poor diet high in meat, sugar and commercialized foods with deficiencies of thiamin, zinc and foliate which are essential to brain function. The work of Schoenthaler and Schauss and America on diet and crime has revealed how better diet and vitamin supplements have improved mood and reduced violent behavior in criminal populations.

Virkunnen has proven that low blood sugar and alcohol are linked to violent crime. It is likely that dietary mechanisms are instrumental in creating these low levels of blood sugar in violent criminals. The well-known brain abnormalities (i.e., abnormal CNS and limbic system responses) of psychopaths may be the result of magnetic deficiencies that have genetic and dietary causes. The prevalence of fast food, which is high in sugar and fat, can, in certain cases, be the precursor to drugs such as heroin.

Exploring the causes of Drug Addiction-Vitamin and Mineral Deficiency
There are two kinds of foods which are believed to be causing vitamin and mineral deficiency and abnormal serotonin levels. They are sugar and meat. Research has found considerable evidence linking high sugar intake to abnormal blood glucose levels and alcoholism, and this is because sugar intake can cause nutrient deficiency like thiamin, zinc, vitamin C, folate, Vitamin E. etc. Meat also lacks vitamins such as thiamin and folate which are essential for brain function. The consumption of meat can create a deficiency of tryptophanth precursor of serotonin because it contains many other competing amino acids.

According to the American Dietetic Association’s Guidelines for Nutritional Care of Alcoholics during Rehabilitation, alcoholics are deficient in Vitamins B1, B2, B6, folic acid, and zinc. Experts have found evidence that, the heavy drinker has a nutritional deficiency. This is because when one is under the influence of alcohol the intestines are thrown into reverse, preventing the digestive system from absorbing the vitamins minerals and trace elements it requires. It is also important to note that niacin (vitamin B3) has been found to help the alcoholic resist the craving for alcohol, combined with vitamin C, vitamin B6 and occasionally vitamin E, so that a recovery is made feasible.

When administering nutrition as treatment for alcoholic and heroin users at The Chrysalis Outpatient program for alcoholics and heroin for over a period of time, 90% of patients were found to be hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) and almost all cases shown improvement when vitamin C are used. Children in the program were found to suffer from food allergies or allergies to chemicals in cleaning agents, perfumes and sprays. Most were hypoglycemic that is about 16 out of 20 children.

So far it is becoming clear that food nutrients are very instrumental in curbing the problem of drug taking and addiction. Nevertheless foods high in both sugar and fat create a sense of euphoria and pleasure which conditions the child for the drug experience. Children raised on poor diets high in sugar, caffeine and animal products and lacking in plant foods will be at risk of developing a drug dependency. Children on high caffeine and sugar intake through chocolates and cola drinks have higher levels of hyperactivity and anxiety.

It is therefore very important that parents need to consider the effect of poor diet on their children. The very things that children enjoy (sweets, chocolates and ice cream) may in fact, predispose them to nutritional inadequacy and loss of appetite for vegetables and fruits. Many of us parents have seen this process in action but we give into the child’s demand for junk food because it is easier to buy than raw natural foods which we have to prepare or cook ourselves. I strongly believe that you will agree with me that as parents we need to change our actions and start doing the right thing to our children and to ourselves. Finally we are in the business of making people comfortable and healthy despite the challenges of addiction that is why at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of its founder Doctor Akoury we focus on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE. Visiting us is all you need and you will be on the right path to full recovery.

Exploring the causes of Drug Addiction-The Nutrition way

Weight Loss and Adrenal

February 17, 2014

Weight Loss and Adrenal-Could it be a hindrance?

Is stress causing you to Gain Weight? your adrenal glands initiated a “fight or flight” response

We go through periods of time in our lives when the demands are greater and the stress load is heavier. Regardless of the reasons – illness, relationship difficulties, work struggles, caring for an aging parent or ailing child – there can be a physical impact. We may turn to food for comfort, or we may not nourish ourselves adequately. During times of stress there are actual physiological changes that happen in our bodies, one of which is weight gain. It may not happen overnight, but if we do not pay attention to our body’s needs, over time we may notice we are putting on the pounds.

Our adrenal glands govern our stress response, by secreting hormones relative to our stress levels. They actually help control many hormonal cycles and functions in our body. When the adrenal glands are overworked, the body prepares for disaster, by storing fat and calories. We crave foods, we lose precious energy, and we gain weight. So how can we keep the heavier stress load from equaling heavier bodies?

Weight Loss and Adrenal-How stress becomes physical

For millions of years, humans were forced to protect themselves from environmental factors. From the earliest days of dinosaurs and cavemen, nature has proven its ability to put fear in human beings. Life and death circumstances have evolved around the ability to understand danger, and seek protection and survival. If you were being chased by a predator, your adrenal glands initiated a “fight or flight” response, releasing adrenaline and cortisol into the body. These hormones provided extra physical energy and strength from stored carbohydrates and fats.

While most of our stressors are not the same our earliest ancestors, the body’s natural course of evolution has maintained this original fight-or-flight stress response. But whether we are being physically threatened or not, with any increased stress our body looks to its stored fuel, and then replenishes it when used. Also, with increased levels of cortisol, our body also does not respond as well to leptin, the hormone that makes us feel full, so we eat more.

Modern-day stress may be more psychological than physiological, but it is also more constant. Many of us face chronic stress as a way of life, which means we have consistently elevated levels of cortisol. Now the body thinks it continually needs extra fuel, and typically stores that as fat around the abdomen, or as it’s commonly referred to, the old “spare tire.”

Belly fat: a common sign of adrenal fatigue

Adrenal imbalance causes a number of issues, including an expanded waistline. The science behind it is quite interesting. Normally when we feel begin to feel hungry, our blood sugar drops and the brain sends a message to the adrenal glands to release cortisol. Cortisol activates glucose, fats, and amino acids to keep our body fueled with energy until we eat. Cortisol maintains blood sugar levels, and insulin helps our cells absorb glucose. When we have long term stress, both insulin and cortisol remain elevated in the blood, and the extra glucose is stored as fat mostly in the abdomen.

Here’s where it gets interesting. Scientists have discovered that fat cells actually have special receptors for the stress hormone cortisol, and there are more of these receptors in our abdominal fat cells than anywhere else in our bodies! In addition, scientists have shown that belly fat is actually an active tissue, acting as an endocrine organ that responds to the stress response by actually welcoming more fat to be deposited! This is an ongoing cycle until we take steps to correct this adrenal imbalance. How do we do that?

Weight Loss and Adrenal-Eat well for healthy adrenal glands

What you eat matters. Although it sounds ironic, if you want your body to believe that it is not in danger of starving to death, you need to eat healthy food at regular intervals. Since cortisol helps regulate blood sugar, keeping glucose levels balanced will take some of the stress off the adrenal glands. Three nutritious meals and two healthy snacks spread out across the day will keep our adrenal glands steady.

When you eat matters. Our natural circadian rhythms can help us know when our bodies need nourishment and fuel. Cortisol’s cycle complements our body’s own rhythms, although is highest in the morning and declines gradually throughout the day. When we eat we elevate our cortisol, so it’s ideal to consume larger meals earlier in the day, which also helps our body prepare itself for restful sleep at night.

Have healthy foods on hand. It may be easy to reach for sweets and caffeine for quick energy, but these actually backfire on us, dropping our blood sugar levels rapidly. Reaching for micronutrient-rich foods, such as lean protein, avocado, fresh fruits and vegetable, garlic, and ginger will more adequately support adrenal functioning.

Supplement your daily diet. Adrenal expert, Shawn Talbot, PhD, says, “When it comes to dietary supplementation for stress adaptation and cortisol control, the first line of defense appears in the form of a comprehensive multivitamin/mineral supplement.” The benefits of a daily multivitamin enhance many of the functions in our body. Consider the high-quality multivitamin mineral complex we have in our Program at Women to Women.

For more information on healthy eating and adrenal glands, see my articles about how to eat for your adrenal health.

Weight Loss and Adrenal-Pace yourself to heal

Our fast-paced world is never unplugged. We rarely have time to disconnect from technology, our cell phones, the Internet, email, and even television. And our adrenal glands notice! Instead of being tired, wired, and overeating, consider slowing down and restoring balance to your adrenal glands, and your life. You may think that by moving fast you will lose weight, but in fact, when stress levels are high and our adrenals are working overtime, we will stay in a perpetuating cycle of adding pounds. Here’s how we can learn to pace ourselves.

Sleep

Many of my patients complain of being tired all day then having trouble sleeping at night. They are in an upside down circadian rhythm, which affects cortisol levels, causing irregular sleep patterns. You can correct these by eating less food late in the day, turning off all technology including television, by 8 p.m., and by trying to be in bed and asleep by 10 p.m. The goal is to have at least eight hours of sleep, so our bodies can rest and regulate our hormonal cycles.

Exercise

Our adrenals respond to stress, even if we think it is positive. Exercise is positive, and can help us reduce stress, but only if it does not make us feel tired. When we are exhausted, our adrenals are already working hard, and exercise can put added strain on them. The goal is to keep your heart rate under 90 beats per minute when working out. If you don’t regularly exercise, walking 15 minutes once or twice a day after meals, outside in fresh air, makes our adrenal glands, and our mind and body, very happy.

Have fun

Don’t forget that having fun, laughing, and enjoying your time is a very important way to relax! We all need to make having fun a priority, the benefits are amazing!

Don’t forget to breathe

Deep breaths in and out of your nose can not only slow your heart rate down, but will calm your entire body. Sometimes when we are under stress our breathing becomes shallow, and fast. It only takes three or four deep breaths to feel better. Try to remember that slowing down our breath, as well as our life, even for a few minutes, can make a big difference in reducing our stress level.

Weight Loss and Adrenal-Just let it all go

It isn’t always easy to let things go. We put pressure on ourselves to meet the demands in our lives, to take care of others, to do well in our endeavors, and to make everyone around us happy. But when we forget about ourselves in that equation, the stress will appear as extra pounds, or other things that impede our health and our functioning. When we live with continually elevated levels of stress, our body adjusts to the “crisis mode” and sometimes needs help learning how to live in a calmer state. The first step is to heal your adrenals. By following some of the tips in this article, giving yourself time, and being patient, you will begin to replenish your energy, lose extra weight, and most importantly, feel better.