Lecture on Insulin Resistance by Dr. Annette Bosworth

Key Speaker:

• Dr. Annette Bosworth, bestselling author and internal medicine doctor.

Main Topics Covered:

1. Insulin Resistance Basics

   • Insulin is a hormone that regulates glucose in the body.
   • Excessive insulin production can lead to insulin resistance, causing various chronic diseases.
   • Insulin resistance is linked to heart disease, brain disorders, and other chronic conditions.
   • Elevated insulin levels affect fat-based hormones like vitamin D and testosterone.

2. Identifying Insulin Resistance

   • Visible signs include increased body mass index, skin tags, velvety skin (Acanthosis nigricans), shin indentation, swollen ankles, and absence of hair on toes.
   • Cognitive signs include sluggish speech and fatigue, particularly after eating carbs.

3. Impact on Health

   • Insulin resistance leads to heart disease by causing atherosclerosis through oxidation of cholesterol particles.
   • It affects brain health, causing sluggishness and cognitive decline.
   • Hormonal imbalances, such as erectile dysfunction and low sex hormones, are common.

4. Dr. Bosworth's Personal Story

   • Used a ketogenic diet to improve her mother's cancer condition by reducing insulin levels and inflammation.

5. Ketogenic Diet

   • Ketosis achieved by consuming high fat, low carb, and moderate protein diet.
   • Recommended to track ketones to ensure being in ketosis.
   • Ketogenic diet helps in reducing insulin resistance and managing autoimmune diseases.

6. Testing and Monitoring

   • Dr. Bosworth recommends monitoring blood glucose and ketones to assess insulin resistance (Dr. BOS Ratio).
   • Vitamin D levels can indicate insulin resistance.

7. Fasting and Ketosis

   • Fasting alongside ketosis helps to further reduce insulin resistance.
   • It is important to maintain ketosis rather than focusing solely on fasting.

8. Support and Community

   • Emphasizes the importance of support groups for sustainable dietary changes.
   • Dr. Bosworth conducts classes to educate on ketogenic diets and support group formation.

9. Supplements

   • Magnesium and vitamin D are crucial for overall health, particularly brain function.
   • It's advised to maintain vitamin D levels above 50 for optimal brain health.

Conclusion:

• Addressing insulin resistance through diet, particularly a ketogenic diet, can improve numerous chronic health conditions.
• Dr. Bosworth advocates for lifestyle changes over medication for treating chronic diseases.
• Her work emphasizes the relationship between diet, brain health, and insulin regulation.