Many people suffer from what is known as insulin resistance or sometimes referred to as early stage diabetes. This condition is essentially the same thing as diabetes except that blood sugar levels do not remain quite as elevated during periods of fasting when someone has insulin resistance. High insulin levels are often a significant tip off that insulin resistance exists and quite often the problem has to do with the body’s sensitivity to insulin rather than its production of it.
For people who have low grade, moderate insulin resistance the best treatment program for it is usually to start exercising and to alter one’s diet. There are many foods which help with insulin resistance but one in particular has been shown through medical research to help improve insulin levels naturally by simply being a significant part of the diet.
ALA, or Alpha-Lipoic Acid, plays a large role in transforming blood sugar into energy for the cells. ALA basically responds to one’s insulin levels and aids in metabolizing the blood sugar. In people who consume ALA on a regular basis it has been found that their insulin sensitivity in better than it is for others and they have better odds at reversing the signs of insulin resistance and diabetes.
The problem here is that few people know what ALA is nor do they know where to get it in their regular diet. ALA is in fact one of the omega-3 fatty acids however it is not found in abundance in fish like the other fatty acids. This acid is found more frequently in plants such as purslane, and in oils such as flaxseed and walnut oil. Because these sources are a little less commonly used many people supplement with ALA to reap the benefits.
It’s important to note however that despite the scientific research supporting this practice supplementing with ALA to improve insulin sensitivity is not the best treatment for insulin resistance. The best treatment is getting regular exercise and changing your diet is simply a support mechanism. Keep this in mind and do what you can to prevent insulin resistance.
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