Insulin resistance and Hashimoto's – two terms that have been appearing for some time now on medical and sports portals, and even on public television. What are they? What connects them? Why is it worth knowing anything about them? See for yourselves.
Insulin resistance and overweight
Insulin resistance is a problem related to the low sensitivity of our cells and tissues to insulin. This, in turn, is produced mainly by the pancreas and acts as a transporter of glucose and, at the same time, a regulator of blood sugar levels. Let us explain this with a simple example.
By consuming simple sugars, we cause a sharp rise in glucose levels. In response, our body strives to maintain balance and thus to use the excess of this nutrient, which is then converted into energy. This is where insulin comes into play, whose task is to normalize blood sugar levels.
It is worth bearing in mind that excessive amounts of carbohydrates (especially simple ones) in the diet and the frequent triggering of alternating glucose spikes and, consequently, insulin surges are among the factors contributing to insulin resistance.
Remember that insulin receptors are found on the surface of most of our cells. This obviously also applies to adipocytes, the fat cells – there, the number of receptors is particularly high. It is therefore no surprise that insulin is called a fattening hormone, capable of promoting the storage of adipose tissue. The fact is that adipocytes react very strongly to this hormone.
Now imagine that insulin is in the process of fulfilling one of its duties – transporting glucose to the muscles, where it would be used (converted into energy). Before reaching its destination, it runs into a wall…
The cells there are not sufficiently sensitive to the hormone, which means the path to them is blocked. Something has to be done with these energy components, and our body can be lazy… The direction of transport quickly changes and, by the path of least resistance, the delivery ends up in fat cells, promoting the growth of adipose tissue.
Looking at the above scenario and adding low physical activity to it (an appropriate level of activity supports insulin sensitivity), the road to overweight is already short.
Insulin resistance is also a condition in which it is very difficult to burn stored adipose tissue. Especially since it is accompanied by suppression of glucagon. As a result, we often end up in a vicious circle – we eat less, exercise more, and the results are still nowhere to be seen.
Of course, there is also primary insulin resistance, genetically determined. At this stage, however, it seems more appropriate to focus on the condition that we have brought upon ourselves (usually unknowingly).
Poor eating habits, the dominance of carbohydrates (especially simple ones) and highly processed food nowadays are only one of the factors contributing to insulin resistance.
What else contributes to insulin resistance?
- high exposure to stress,
- excessive, often recurring inflammatory states,
- low physical activity,
- lack of attention to an adequate amount and quality of sleep,
- an excessive amount of toxins,
- regular, ill-considered, energy-dense meals (large amounts of fats and carbohydrates),
- pro-inflammatory elements, e.g. lectins and gluten,
- disturbances of the intestinal bacterial flora,
- oxidative stress,
- obesity,
- pregnancy.
Hashimoto's and insulin resistance. Do they have the same underlying cause?
Let us start by noting that Hashimoto's is still, in many cases, not taken as seriously as it should be. This also applies to the approach of practitioners of conventional medicine, and not only to ordinary people who have no contact with the medical field.
Hashimoto's is essentially a disease of the immune system, in which antibodies are produced that attack thyroid cells. Importantly, inflammation is both the basis for the development of the disease and accompanies its course.
Downplaying the problem leads to acute thyroid inflammation, gradually destroying it. This in turn has a negative effect on hormonal balance.
Of course, it does not mean that Hashimoto's disease automatically entails overweight or obesity. Nevertheless, in most cases it is an accompanying factor. It should be kept in mind that the thyroid is one of the pillars of body weight regulation. Therefore, a properly functioning thyroid gland can help burn excessively stored adipose tissue.
The thyroid gland affects the activation and activity of certain neurotransmitters, the secretion of enzymes, processes that affect the rate of metabolism, as well as the action of other hormones, such as leptin. The latter can help reduce stored fat as well as promote obesity.
Also in Hashimoto's, there may be a situation in which inflammation and the other factors mentioned earlier overlap, resulting in insulin resistance. All these elements lead to a number of changes and disturbances in the metabolic and hormonal spheres.
Contrary to appearances, the coexistence of both conditions is not a rare phenomenon. Both insulin resistance and Hashimoto's have their basis in inflammation, which also accompanies their course. Cells become less sensitive to insulin, and the receptors do not respond properly to the action of leptin, called the satiety hormone.
As a result, adipose tissue accumulates more intensely and there are huge problems with burning it. Overweight is a given. There is only a short step to obesity, from which it is a short road to a number of other diseases.
Interestingly, according to studies, high TSH levels promote obesity, and relatively high concentrations of this hormone have been found in people struggling with this problem. On the other hand, people with Hashimoto's often make the same mistakes that contribute to insulin resistance.
Since both conditions can coexist and have an inflammatory basis, and other elements contribute to their development, similar measures can be implemented. Given the immune nature of Hashimoto's disease, anti-inflammatory diets and, at the same time, diets that eliminate food allergens may prove to be a good idea. Nutrition should be balanced and individually tailored to the needs and condition of the body.
Of course, supplements with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, blood sugar-stabilizing and insulin-sensitivity-supporting effects can be helpful.
