Tips for Healthy Living: Pillar 1

I’m a bit of a health nut. It’s probably obvious to most of you by now! In addition to to eating as healthily as possible, I try to get to the gym every day and keep up on health & fitness news. For example, the June 2009 issue of Life Extension magazine featured an article titled, “The Nine Pillars of Successful Weight Loss” which I’d like to summarize and share with you. We’ll feature a new pillar in each of the the next eight issues.   – Carmelo Sigona

Pillar Number 1: Restore Insulin Sensitivity

Normal aging causes the insulin receptors on cell membranes to lose their youthful sensitivity or functionality. The result is a pathological condition called “insulin resistance” that impairs the ability of cells to efficiently take up glucose and utilize it for energy production.

Luckily there are several ways to restore insulin sensitivity to our cell membranes. Nutrients such as chromium, magnesium, cocoa, polyphenols (which can be found in our olive oils!), and fish oil can help.

The best way to restore insulin sensitivity is to reduce calorie intake.  Even a moderate cutback can help. So the first pillar to successful long-term weight loss should involve a moderate reduction in calorie intake, at least long enough to restore insulin receptor sensitivity.