Hello Inner Circle Members!  :)

I'm beyond excited to discuss metabolic health as it truly stands out as one of the most effective ways to prevent disease and improve overall health and well-being.  And to be honest, there's not a person on this planet who wouldn't benefit from a little metabolic reboot :)

TOPIC OF THE MONTH

Metabolic Health: One of the #1 predictors of disease

Metabolic health is one of the most significant predictors of overall health and well-being, yet its importance is often overlooked until health issues arise. Recent studies have shed light on a concerning reality: less than 12% of the US population is considered "metabolically healthy," leaving a staggering 88% at a much higher risk for common diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s.

So, what is metabolic dysfunction? Metabolic dysfunction refers to the body's inability to efficiently utilize and switch between fuel sources, primarily involving the inability to burn fat for energy. The metabolism is responsible for a complex system of biochemical processes responsible for converting food into energy to support bodily functions. When metabolic function becomes impaired or "broken," it can lead to various health issues.

Metabolic dysfunction often stems from insulin resistance, which is when your body's cells don't respond well to insulin. Here's how it works: Normally, when you eat, your body releases insulin to help your cells absorb glucose (sugar) from your bloodstream for energy. But in insulin resistance, your cells don't respond properly to insulin's signals. As a result, glucose stays in your bloodstream instead of entering your cells to be used for energy. This can lead to high blood sugar levels and a range of metabolic problems.

When insulin resistance occurs, your pancreas tries to compensate by producing more insulin. However, over time, this can strain your pancreas and lead to even higher blood sugar levels, eventually contributing to metabolic dysfunction.

It's crucial to recognize the signs of metabolic rigidity and dysfunction. From chronic fatigue to unexplained weight gain, the body often provides subtle clues indicating metabolic imbalances. These signs can manifest in various ways, affecting energy levels, mood, and overall health. For those of you who would like to screen or test for metabolic dysfunction, here are some key markers to consider.

To gauge metabolic health, it can be helpful to monitor specific markers:

1. Blood sugar levels should ideally fall below 100 mg/dL and above 70 mg/dL.
2. Waist circumference should be less than 40 inches for men and less than 34.6 inches for women.
3. Blood pressure readings should be at or below 120/80.
4. Cholesterol levels should aim for low LDL and HDL cholesterol greater than or equal to 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women.
5. Triglyceride levels should ideally be below 150 mg/dL.

If you're someone who prefers to rely on numbers and data rather than symptoms, there are two critical blood markers—fasting glucose and insulin—that will give you a good idea of how metabolically healthy you are. You can order these tests by clicking the link below, printing the requisition form, and finding a lab near you. It's super easy for those interested.  I check mine at least once a year.

PS- For those testing, I like to keep my fasting glucose under 90 and insulin around 10 (for optimal health).

Recognizing the signs of metabolic dysfunction is important for early intervention and prevention. Here are some of the most common symptoms associated with poor metabolic health:

1. Chronic fatigue:

Persistent fatigue, irrespective of adequate rest, may signify metabolic dysfunction. When the body struggles to efficiently utilize energy sources, it can lead to ongoing fatigue and diminished vitality.

2. Unexplained weight gain and resistance:

Unexplained weight gain, particularly in the abdominal region, coupled with resistance to weight loss efforts, could point towards metabolic dysfunction. Insulin resistance, a hallmark of metabolic issues, often impedes weight management and body composition goals.

3. High blood sugar levels:

Elevated blood sugar levels, or hyperglycemia, serve as a cardinal sign of metabolic dysfunction. Consistently elevated blood sugar levels heighten the risk of insulin resistance and predispose individuals to type 2 diabetes.

4. Elevated blood pressure:

Metabolic dysfunction is frequently associated with elevated blood pressure, or hypertension. Insulin resistance and excess abdominal adiposity are commonly implicated in the development of hypertension, amplifying the risk of cardiovascular complications.

5. Abnormal cholesterol levels:

Metabolic imbalances can precipitate aberrations in cholesterol levels, characterized by elevated LDL cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol) and diminished HDL cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol). These lipid abnormalities heighten the susceptibility to heart disease and related ailments.

4. Digestive disruptions:

Gastrointestinal disturbances, encompassing bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea, may signify underlying metabolic dysfunction. Poor metabolic health can disrupt gut function, exacerbating digestive discomforts.

5. Hormonal Fluctuations:

Metabolic dysregulation often precipitates hormonal imbalances, manifesting as irregular menstrual cycles in women, diminished libido, or symptoms indicative of thyroid dysfunction. Hormonal disruptions can exert profound effects on overall health and vitality.

6. Poor sleep quality:

Impaired sleep quality, characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep, may be indicative of metabolic dysfunction. Sleep disturbances disrupt hormonal balance and metabolic processes, exacerbating existing metabolic issues.

7. Brain fog:

Cognitive impairments such as brain fog, characterized by difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, and mental sluggishness, may be linked to metabolic dysfunction. Dysregulated metabolic pathways can impair brain function and cognitive performance.

In the next newsletter, we're going to take a deep dive into the causes of metabolic dysfunction. And if you're thinking, "This doesn't apply to me," consider this: there isn't a soul on this planet who wouldn't benefit from enhanced metabolic health. Who doesn’t want more energy, effortless weight loss, less fatigue, fewer cravings, and better mood?

Even small adjustments to your diet and lifestyle can lead to significant improvements. Get ready to dive into the nitty-gritty details and uncover what contributes to poor metabolic health, and then, in our workshop, I’ll share all the necessary steps to improve it!

I am so passionate about this topic because it's truly one of the most impactful ways to prevent disease and enhance overall well-being! 😊

WHAT I'M LISTENING TO

I recently revisited this video and found it really helpful to be able to visualize what's happening on a cellular level with poor metabolic health.

So, here's a little science from one of the world's leading metabolic health experts, Dr. Jason Fung. You'll learn that understanding metabolic syndrome is a critical step in preventing or reversing it. Dr. Fung also suggests that fasting can be extremely helpful in reversing metabolic syndrome. However, if done incorrectly, fasting can actually contribute to poor metabolic health. In our workshop, we'll dive into the differences and explore how to use fasting correctly for optimal metabolic health.

WHAT I'M READING

It is really important to be able to identify the signs of poor metabolic health and work to alleviate them before the disease process begins. Many don't know the signs and wait until they get a diagnosis to do much about it! Prevention is the cure, and being able to treat symptoms early is critical! This article very clearly lays out all the most common signs and symptoms to look for.

WHAT'S COOKIN'

The second is adding inositol to my morning smoothies. Inositol helps to make the cells more sensitive to insulin and it helps to balance female hormones as well. These two hacks are powerful ways to keep blood sugar more balanced throughout the day. 

Here's the inositol that I love:

* Always remember to do your own research and consult with a healthcare practitioner before taking any supplements. This is not medical advice.

WHAT I'M DRINKING

CLEAN HOME & BEAUTY FAVS

Many studies suggest that exposure to certain types of EMFs, such as those emitted by electronic devices like cell phones and Wi-Fi routers, have a negative affect on metabolic processes in the body, including insulin signaling.

One theory is that EMF exposure leads to oxidative stress and inflammation, which in turn interferes with insulin signaling pathways. Additionally, some research suggests that EMF exposure can also disrupt the balance of hormones involved in metabolism, including insulin and cortisol,  which contributes to insulin resistance.

EMF exposure has been linked to a higher risk of cancer, underscoring the importance of mitigating EMF exposure, particularly in the home where we spend a significant portion of our time. Given that we spend about one-third of our lives in the bedroom and it's during sleep that the body undergoes most of its repair processes, optimizing this environment is crucial. Therefore, reducing EMF exposure in the bedroom is paramount for supporting overall health and well-being.

I use  Clint Ober's (leading EMF researcher/expert) grounding mat and love it! 

Here's the link to check it out:

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Poor metabolic health is one of the leading contributors to today's most common diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer's. However, these diseases can largely be prevented with good metabolic health. I encourage each one of you to take the time to learn about what poor metabolic health entails, perhaps even getting some blood work done as mentioned above. Taking this matter seriously is crucial because improving metabolic health is one of the most effective ways to lower your risk of disease. 

Don't wait, my friends; prevention is always the best cure! :)

UPCOMING EVENTS

Our next workshop is scheduled for Thursday, April 25th, at 11 am PST.

I'm looking forward to diving into exactly what you can do to rehabilitate your metabolism and significantly decrease your risk of disease.

MEMBER'S CORNER

Thank you so much for sharing so vulnerably in the Facebook group and for taking the time to read others' stories and questions, and responding with so much care. Your support and love are what make this community so powerful. Healing together is far more powerful than healing alone, and I cannot tell you how much I appreciate seeing you all support one another! Truly, thank you! :)

REMINDERS

Next month will be our first Q&A session, so start thinking about any questions you may want me to answer! I'm looking forward to gaining a better understanding of what answers you're seeking.

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Life with Kate
123 Clean Road
Bozeman, MT 59715
United States

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