THE HORMONAL CONNECTION: INSULIN RESISTANCE -FACTORS APPEAR TO PRECIPITATE INSULIN RESISTANCE

Several factors appear to precipitate insulin resistance. For most people, just gaining ten or fifteen pounds above what's normal throws the system off. This may explain why it's so difficult to lose those last few extra pounds. The condition also is related to a lack of trace minerals, such as chromium and zinc; too many refined carbohydrates; genetics, where there is a family history of diabetes; and a sedentary lifestyle.

Carbohydrates, especially simple sugars from refined foods and alcohol, raise blood glucose quickly. The body responds by producing greater amounts of insulin. When this happens, people are said to be carbohydrate intolerant. The relationship between carbohydrate intolerance and weight gain has led to a resurgence of the high-protein diet. Such a diet, which allows an unrestricted amount of meat, cheese, and eggs but eliminates bread, pasta, fruit, and sugary, starchy vegetables, is based on the premise that while carbohydrates destabilize blood sugar and should be avoided, protein stimulates ketosis, a process by which the body burns its own fat. Since fats slow down sugar's entry into the bloodstream, they are also permitted.

Lately Dr. Robert Atkins, the doctor who originally introduced this style of eating in his 1972 book, Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution, has been promoting the benefits of his plan in the updated 1992 version of this best-seller. Atkins calls his protocol safe and claims to have helped over 60,000 patients. Critics of the method, however, say that such a diet is unnatural and therefore impossible to maintain for any length of time. It also" has been called unhealthful, resulting in constipation or diarrhea; fatigue; toxins, such as uric acid and ammonia (a damaging product of the breakdown of protein); bad breath; and body odor. In addition, too much meat is associated with higher incidences of cancer and heart disease. Furthermore, opponents of the plan point out that high-protein diets only give the illusion of working. Initial weight loss is rapid, as protein-induced toxins are flushed from the system. But this is not fat loss. Rather, tissues are dehydrating to get rid of ammonia.

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