Category Archives: Insulin

Gut Health And Metabolic Syndrome

Posted on March 12, 2015 by Robert Barrington

The metabolic syndrome is a cluster of disorders that includes aberrations to blood sugar control, lipid imbalances, abdominal obesity, inflammation, insulin resistance and reduced force output from skeletal muscle. The cause of the metabolic syndrome is thought to result from … Continue reading →

Posted in Bacteria, Cholesterol, Fibre, Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), Galacto-oligosaccharides, HDL, Insulin, Metabolic Syndrome | Comments Off on Gut Health And Metabolic Syndrome

Obesity As A Disease Of Starvation

Posted on January 15, 2015 by Robert Barrington

Like many biological phenomenon, feeding behaviour is reliant on a negative feedback loop. This loop involves the detection of food in the gut and nutrients in the blood and a subsequent neuronal and hormonal response that corrects behaviour. A loop … Continue reading →

Posted in Insulin, Insulin Resistance, Leptin, Leptin Resistance, Micronutrients, Obesity, Protein, Trace Minerals, Traditional Diets, Western Diet | Comments Off on Obesity As A Disease Of Starvation

Avocado: Suppresses Insulin Release?

Posted on January 14, 2015 by Robert Barrington

The avocado is a fruit from a the Persea americana tree. Its knobbly, green tough outer skin has earnt it the alternative name of the alligator pear. Avocados are native to Central American regions where they have been cultivated for … Continue reading →

Posted in Avocado, D-mannoheptulose, Insulin, Monounsaturated Fatty Acids, Potassium, Vitamin B, Vitamin E | Comments Off on Avocado: Suppresses Insulin Release?

Insulin Sensitivity: The Chromium Link

Posted on January 1, 2015 by Robert Barrington

Rats fed low chromium diets develop problems with their blood sugar including hyperglycaemia. Feeding such rats high chromium yeast reverses the metabolic dysfunction and returns blood sugar control to normal. Since the first discovery of chromium as an essential component … Continue reading →

Posted in Chromium, Glucose Tolerance Factor, Insulin, Insulin Resistance | Comments Off on Insulin Sensitivity: The Chromium Link

Inositol: The Forgotten B Vitamin

Posted on December 17, 2014 by Robert Barrington

Choline and inositol are members of the B vitamin group. Both get neglected in nutrition, inositol perhaps more than choline. Both choline and inositol function closely together in human metabolism because both form structural components of cell membranes. In this … Continue reading →

Posted in Brain, Diabetes, Inositol, Insulin, Insulin Resistance, Liver, Vitamin B | Comments Off on Inositol: The Forgotten B Vitamin

Cinnamon Improves Insulin Sensitivity

Posted on September 25, 2014 by Robert Barrington
Posted in Cinnamon, Insulin, Insulin Resistance | Comments Off on Cinnamon Improves Insulin Sensitivity

Are High Glycaemic Index Foods Addictive?

Posted on September 2, 2014 by Robert Barrington

It is known that certain foods are addictive. Most people are aware of the addictive nature of drinks containing alcohol and caffeine, but it is often surprising to learn that low quality processed foods containing high amounts of fat and … Continue reading →

Posted in Brain, Carbohydrate, Glycaemia, Glycaemic Index, Insulin | Comments Off on Are High Glycaemic Index Foods Addictive?

Seasonal Variations in Hormones

Posted on August 21, 2014 by Robert Barrington

Humans are animals and their connection to nature is sometimes forgotten. Animal physiology is influenced by the moon (as so eloquently explained by Michael Colgan), the sun and the seasonal variations in temperature, light and humidity. These environmental factors can … Continue reading →

Posted in Glucagon, Glucose, Insulin, Vitamin D | Comments Off on Seasonal Variations in Hormones

The Beneficial Glycaemic Effects of Green Tea

Posted on August 6, 2014 by Robert Barrington

Animal and human studies suggest that green tea has particular fat loss effects beyond its caffeine content. These effects have been attributed largely to its content of flavan-3-ols (catechins) and L-theanine. The former belongs to a group of phytochemicals called … Continue reading →

Posted in Antioxidant, Catechin, Glucose, Glycaemia, Green Tea, Insulin, Insulin Resistance | Comments Off on The Beneficial Glycaemic Effects of Green Tea

Protein and Lipids: Effects on Gut Function

Posted on August 3, 2014 by Robert Barrington

The dietary macronutrients are protein, carbohydrate and lipids. As well as providing substances required for metabolic regulation, these macronutrients have differing and interesting effects on gut function. In fact the basis of many weight loss diets is through manipulation of … Continue reading →

Posted in Cholecystokinin, Digestion and Absorption, Fatty Acids, Glucagon, Glucagon-like Peptide 1, Insulin, Protein, Triglycerides / Triacylglycerols, Weight Loss | Comments Off on Protein and Lipids: Effects on Gut Function