Our diet has very dramatic effects on our body and health—sometimes without us even knowing it. In this article, you will learn another side effect to a poor diet.
If you are like many people, you may find it hard to barely have enough energy to make it through the day. Finding it difficult to get out of bed in the morning only leads you to get your energy boosts in the form of caffeine. Getting through work without the occasional energy slumps would be a miracle, and going to the vending machines for a diet soda is par for the course. Every spare moment you have, you may try to find a quiet place for a nap and nothing you do seems to get rid of that sluggish feeling throughout the day for long.
The fact of the matter is that you may be suffering from Insulin Resistance (IR). IR is a condition where your body is having a difficult time digesting and processing insulin. Other symptoms (including energy slumps) are a burgeoning midsection and cravings for carbs. You may have walked around with IR for years and not even known what it was. Some doctors are even unaware of the condition and can sometimes misdiagnose it.
What Causes IR?
There are several speculations on how IR is caused. One factor is heredity, where there is a family history of Type 2 diabetes. Other cases have been linked to polycystic ovary syndrome and the prescription drug, glucosamine. However, there are other causes, the main cause seems to be having a diet that is high in carbohydrates or fructose.
How is IR Effecting Your Body?
There are several symptoms associated with insulin resistance. Other than always being sleepy and increased amounts of belly fat, your body is also suffering from high blood sugar, brain fogginess, increased blood triglyceride levels, increased blood pressure, and even depression. Another side effect of having IR is difficulty losing weight no matter how much you exercise.
What Can You Do to Fix This?
Changing your diet is the cure for this condition. Limit your carb intake to only a couple of servings a day. Also, make sure to load up on lean meats, fruits and vegetables. Having a well-balanced diet void of sweets, fats, processed foods and artificial sweeteners helps to completely turn around IR and the damaging effects it is having on your body. Eating the wrong foods created this condition, so eating the right ones will get rid of it. Remember, water is always better than sod—even if it is diet soda.