You may have heard of insulin, but did you know that there are two other significant hormones that influence your metabolism? The three major hormones that affect your metabolism and appetite are insulin, ghrelin, and leptin. Insulin is made in the pancreas and allows cells to take sugar or glucose from the bloodstream to use as energy. Ghrelin is made primarily from stomach cells, and makes you feel hungry, increasing before a meal and decreasing after. Leptin, which is made in stored fat tissues, sends the message that you are full and prevents you from overeating. All three work together to create either a balanced or chaotic metabolism.
Insulin is a hormone that moves sugar (glucose) into cells, where it is needed for energy. When sugar levels rise after a meal, the pancreas secretes insulin in order to capture the sugar. Sometimes the normal amount of insulin is not sufficient to move the glucose into cells, causing the cells to be “resistant” to the insulin. The pancreas must then produce more insulin in order to stabilize sugar levels.
Ghrelin is the primary hunger hormone, signaling when you need food in order to meet your caloric requirements. However, when we see or smell food, we may eat even though we aren’t hungry. Biologically, this serves as a survival skill so that you may live until your next meal. It also prefers fast energy, mainly in the form of carbohydrates. So when you start snacking on carbohydrates, your body will ask for more, as it sees this as easy energy. That’s where insulin steps in. The insulin works to regulate and balance the amount of glucose in the body, resulting in a spike in insulin, followed by a drop. Without enough leptin, you may over eat, leading to eventual weight gain. High glucose levels and excess weight are two major factors for developing metabolic syndrome.
Metabolic Syndrome is characterized by increased waist circumference, hypertension, elevated fasting glucose levels and insulin resistance. With an increase in obesity, and health problems related to insulin, understanding how much sugar and carbohydrates we consume is vital to maintain a healthy metabolism. A good way to avoiding insulin spikes is to have protein at all meals. Protein lowers ghrelin levels, and makes you feel full longer. Eat some fat or protein with carbohydrates, such as cheese with fruit. Remember also to eat fiber, as food choices high in fiber will most likely replace processed, high sugar foods, and will also help you to feel full.
If you are concerned about metabolic syndrome, Integrative Metabolic Formula promotes healthy glucose levels, supports healthy insulin levels, promotes reduction of fat absorption, and helps to combat sugar cravings. Using this effective formula with a healthy diet and exercise plan is a strong start towards a healthy weight and lifestyle.*
Integrative Metabolic Formula promotes a healthy metabolic function with important components such as chromium, researched botanicals, Alpha-lipoic Acid, and L-Taurine. Chromium enhances the actions of insulin and is necessary for maintaining healthy metabolism as well as storage of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Studies of the effects of Gymnema leaf have demonstrated its ability to support healthy insulin levels. Other medicinal botanicals, such as cinnamon, astragalus root, Chinese yam, and fenugreek, may also support healthy metabolic function. Cinnamon polyphenols and chromium have demonstrated in in-vitro, animal, and human studies to promote insulin sensitivity. Alpha-lipoic Acid and L-Taurine are included to encourage sensitivity to insulin. Our unique modified alginate complex from kelp supports healthy sugar absorption and maintains healthy insulin levels.*
Integrative Metabolic Formula™ is a true integration of the best of both Eastern and Western modalities—merging the finest researched ingredients in all disciplines to offer the most powerful natural metabolic protection possible.