Your metabolic health forms the cornerstone of your overall well-being, driving your energy levels, blood sugar stability, insulin efficiency, lipid balance and body shape & weight. In the United States, however, metabolic disorders have reached alarming levels. With obesity affecting around 42.4% of adults and conditions like heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes on the rise, it's crucial to understand and optimize metabolic your health.
Your body's metabolism comprises a complex series of biochemical reactions that convert the food you consume into energy. It involves processes such as digestion, absorption, and the transportation and utilization of nutrients to support vital bodily functions. When your metabolism functions optimally, you experience improved energy levels, stable blood sugar, efficient insulin regulation, and optimal body weight & shape.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 34.2 million Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes, and approximately 88 million American adults have prediabetes, a precursor to type 2 diabetes. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is prevalent among adults in the U.S., affecting approximately 45% of the population. It is closely linked to metabolic health, as insulin resistance and excess weight contribute to increased blood pressure.
Understanding Metabolism: Fueling Your Body's Engine
To unlock the true potential of metabolic health, it is crucial to understand these key metabolic processes:
- Metabolism involves the intricate conversion of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into energy sources.
- Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which is used as the primary source of fuel for cells.
- Proteins are digested into amino acids, which are vital for tissue creation and repair.
- Fats are broken down into fatty acids and glycerol, serving as an energy source and supporting hormone production.
- Insulin, produced by the pancreas, regulates blood sugar levels. It enables glucose to enter cells for energy or be stored as glycogen. Insulin resistance, characterized by reduced responsiveness, disrupts this process, and contributes to elevated blood sugar levels, a precursor to type 2 diabetes.
Common Challenges in Metabolic Health: Tackling Insulin Resistance and Obesity
Several factors contribute to the development of metabolic problem:
- Sedentary lifestyles
- Poor dietary choices
- Excessive calorie consumption
- Chronic stress
- Inadequate sleep
…are all among the leading culprits. These factors can disrupt the delicate balance of metabolic your processes, leading to weight gain, insulin resistance, and dysregulation of blood sugar and lipid levels.
Insulin resistance occurs when your cells become less responsive to the effects of insulin, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance is a precursor to type 2 diabetes and is strongly associated with obesity. Insulin resistance not only impairs glucose utilization but also promotes fat storage, exacerbating weight gain.
Obesity, a multifactorial condition influenced by genetics, diet, physical activity, and environmental factors, significantly impacts metabolic health. Excess body weight increases the risk of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular diseases.
Metabolic problems can affect individuals of all genders, but certain conditions may have different prevalence rates or specific considerations based on gender. Let's explore some common metabolic problems and their potential gender-related aspects, supported by relevant statistics:
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Prevalence: In the United States, obesity affects both men and women. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), the prevalence of obesity among adults is 38.9% for men and 41.0% for women.
- Gender-specific considerations: While obesity affects both genders, there may be variations in fat distribution and associated health risks. Men often have a higher tendency to accumulate abdominal or visceral fat, which is linked to a higher risk of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Women may experience more subcutaneous fat accumulation, particularly in the hips and thighs. Additionally, hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy and menopause can impact weight management and metabolic health in women.
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Prevalence: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2020, approximately 13.6 million adult men (9.8% of the adult male population) and 12.3 million adult women (9.4% of the adult female population) had diagnosed diabetes in the United States.
- Gender-specific considerations: While the prevalence of diabetes is similar among men and women, there are gender-specific risk factors and implications. Women with gestational diabetes during pregnancy have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition more common in women, is associated with insulin resistance and an increased risk of developing diabetes.
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Prevalence: Cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke, are leading causes of death for both men and women. According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular diseases accounted for 1 in 3 female deaths and 1 in 4 male deaths in the United States.
- Gender-specific considerations: Men tend to experience a higher incidence of cardiovascular diseases at a younger age compared to women. However, after menopause, the risk of heart disease increases for women due to hormonal changes. Women may also have different symptoms of a heart attack compared to men, which can lead to underdiagnosis or delayed treatment.
Tips to Optimize Metabolic Health
Maintaining metabolic health requires a holistic approach that encompasses various lifestyle factors. Here are some valuable tips to optimize metabolic health:
- Adopt a balanced diet: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods rich in nutrients such as fruits, vegetables, clean proteins, gluten-free whole grains, and healthy fats. Limit the consumption of added sugars, refined carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats.
- Engage in regular physical activity: Incorporate both aerobic exercises (such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming) and strength training activities into your routine. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, along with muscle-strengthening exercises on two or more days.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Strive for a healthy body weight through a combination of a nutritious diet and regular exercise. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can improve insulin sensitivity, blood sugar control, and lipid levels.
- Prioritize sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Sufficient sleep supports hormonal balance, metabolism, and overall well-being.
- Manage stress: Chronic stress can negatively impact metabolic health. Incorporate stress-reducing activities into your routine, such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in hobbies you enjoy.
- Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can disrupt metabolic processes and contribute to weight gain and liver problems. Low to moderate alcohol consumption is recommended by most experts, if at all.
- Use high quality supplements: Pure TheraPro’s MicroActive® Oligonol® is derived from lychee fruit extract and green tea. Oligonol is the world’s first low-molecular-weight polyphenol and winner of the prestigious Nutracon “Top Evidence-Backed Product of the Year” Award.
Unlike other antioxidant or free-radical-fighting formulas and skin supplements, our patented complex uses clinically studied ingredients backed by 30 human clinical trials with multiple healthy-aging-support benefits.
Oligonol supports the three major causes of aging: poor blood circulation, cell oxidation and inflammation. Oligonol has been clinically shown to:
- Support healthy post-meal blood glucose and lipid levels
- Support healthy visceral tissue levels (especially around internal organs and the belly & waist)
- Lessen the appearance of skin wrinkles and brown spots
- Help support energy production and endurance
Additional human studies showed that Oligonol supports healthy circulation by supporting vascular elasticity thereby supporting cardiovascular health, acts as a potent free-radical fighter (6,900 ORAC), and supports a healthy biological response to systemic inflammation.
What makes the MicroActive® ingredients special?
They demonstrate superior uniform absorption, supported by many clinical studies. MicroActive ingredients are micronized and encapsulated by design using natural starches or polymers to fit the individual characteristic of each ingredient.
The micronization phase produces a period of rapid efficient-exposure, followed by the encapsulation phase that produces a lengthy extended-release.
Absorption is further enhanced with carriers that assist the active ingredient to move through the intestinal wall. MicroActive® Oligonol® (50% polyphenol) demonstrated sustained release in dissolution studies, with increased residence time and absorption.
Effective Uniform Absorption (an ingredient must be absorbed to be effective).
Comparing one person to another, there may be large differences in absorption. Minimizing individual differences improves the likelihood that an ingredient will be effective for each individual.
From person to person, there are often large differences in their ability to absorb active ingredients. Each person’s digestive system differs. MicroActive is designed to overcome these differences by optimizing the release system for the active ingredient – maximizing absorption.
What is the goal of MicroActive®?
- Delay absorption so that the active does not pass through the system before it can be absorbed.
- Increase exposure time of easily absorbed ingredients so that they are not metabolized too quickly.
- Create multiple release system so that the active can be absorbed at multiple sites, such as the stomach and small intestines separately.
- Incorporate natural carriers that transport actives that require dietary fats to be absorbed, through the aqueous environment, helping it to be absorbed thought the cell wall.
The first step then to creating uniform absorption is to guarantee absorption. The large difference between people who really absorb (super absorbers) and those with difficulty is decreased just by ensuring everyone will absorb the active ingredient. Another strategy protects the active ingredients through environments that can degrade them, ensuring the maximum dose is presented for absorption.
What is Visceral Tissue?
Visceral tissue, or abdominal fat, is a type of body tissue that exists in the abdomen and surrounds the internal organs. Everyone has some, especially those who are sedentary, chronically stressed, or maintain unhealthy diets.
A different type of fat — subcutaneous fat — which builds up under the skin, has less of a negative impact on health and is easier to lose than visceral fat.
In fact, excessive deposits of visceral fat are associated with many serious health problems. Though it is possible to lose, it requires a larger commitment than spot exercises, like sit ups or crunches; a combination of cardiovascular activity and a lean diet is typically required.
It Becomes Difficult to Lose Weight
If you concentrate only on weight loss rather than visceral fat, this fat may be an obstacle. Visceral tissue has influence on your hunger mechanism and you are more likely to eat more than required, eventually that will result in weight gain. In simple words, stored fat affects metabolism and increases insulin resistance, more calories are converted to fat when your insulin level is high.
The Difference Between Visceral and Subcutaneous Fat
Did you know that not all belly fat is bad? Much of the fat in the stomach area lies directly under the skin. This is called subcutaneous fat and is not necessarily hazardous to your health. The fat that is harmful is the unseen fat around your organs, otherwise known are visceral abdominal fat. You may have visceral fat but not be obese.
MicroActive® Oligonol® supports optimal visceral tissue levels and helps you achieve your ideal body shape, all while supporting skin, metabolic and cardiovascular health.
By incorporating these tips into your lifestyle, you can enhance your metabolic health, reduce the risk of metabolic disorders, and promote overall well-being.
Metabolic health is vital for overall wellness and plays a significant role in preventing various chronic conditions. By understanding the fundamental mechanisms of metabolism, being aware of the prevalent metabolic problems, and implementing lifestyle modifications, you can optimize your metabolic health and lead a healthier life. With a proactive approach to metabolic health, you can unlock vitality, prevent diseases, and embrace a future of well-being.
References
Yan, Z., & Li, Y. (2018). Gender Differences in Diabetes and Risk Factors: A Review. Journal of Diabetes Research, 2018, 1-12. doi: 10.1155/2018/7895264
Kanaya, A. M., Grady, D., Barrett-Connor, E., & Exploratory Study of Women Across the Nation (SWAN) Research Group. (2002). Explaining the sex difference in coronary heart disease mortality among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A meta-analysis. Archives of Internal Medicine, 162(15), 1737-1745. doi: 10.1001/archinte.162.15.1737
Eckel, R. H., Grundy, S. M., & Zimmet, P. Z. (2005). The metabolic syndrome. The Lancet, 365(9468), 1415-1428. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(05)66378-7
Kanis, J. A., Johnell, O., Oden, A., Johansson, H., De Laet, C., & Eisman, J. A. (2004). Risk of hip fracture according to the World Health Organization criteria for osteopenia and osteoporosis. Bone, 34(2), 201-205. doi: 10.1016/j.bone.2003.10.001
Kuk, J. L., Ardern, C. I., & Church, T. S. (2009). Measurement site and the association between visceral and abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue with metabolic risk in women. Obesity, 17(8), 1444-1450. doi: 10.1038/oby.2009.28