NORMAL LEVELS: Fasting, micro 5 IU (International Units)/mL
(milliliters)
FUNCTIONS: Food metabolismInsulin, which was discovered by Frederick Banting and Charles Best in 1921, is
secreted by the beta cells of the pancreas to regulate food storage and
metabolism. If you have too much or too little of it, you won’t live for long. In
essence, insulin governs your body, and it has a profound effect on aging.
Centenarians come from all countries and backgrounds. Some are even smokers,
but they all have one thing in common— low insulin levels.
Your pancreas can store about 200 units of insulin each day. Insulin sweeps
sugar inside cells, turns amino acids from protein into muscle, and transforms
fatty acids into fat. Sugar is first stored in the liver and muscle. Excess sugar that
can’t be stored in the liver and muscles is converted to triglycerides to be stored
as fat. Insulin secretion is promoted by all food groups. However, a low-fat diet
full of excess carbohydrates causes the pancreas to overproduce insulin. The bad
carbs of white bread, white rice, pasta, and starchy vegetables put you at risk.
The United States is a sugar nation. It’s no surprise that excess insulin is our
main hormonal problem. When you strain your pancreas with too much sugar,
you gain weight and increase your chances of developing disease. If your
pancreas becomes overwhelmed, it won’t be able to continue making insulin,
and it may even stop altogether. With not enough insulin going around, your
blood sugar will remain elevated, and you’ll develop diabetes. Your insulin
levels must remain perfect, secreted just in the right amounts. If you’re
wondering whether or not you’re producing too much insulin, just look at your
belly. If you can’t see your abs, your pancreas is secreting too much insulin. Get
it?
FOODS AND FACTORS THAT HELP BALANCE INSULIN INCLUDE:
chromium, a trace mineral that enhances insulin function, and is found in
brewer’s yeast, wholegrain breads, meats, eggs, and shellfish. Zinc is also
important, and it is present in seafood and dark meats. Exercise is also essential
to lowering your insulin levels and losing weight.
FOODS AND FACTORS THAT DISTURB INSULIN INCLUDE: sugar;
low-fat products; artificial sweeteners; sweets; margarine; enriched, refined, and
processed foods; and a sedentary lifestyle.
GLUCAGON