As I discussed in an article about metabolic syndrome, our metabolism's flexibility and inflexibility determine our health and fitness quality. Scientific studies indicate that significant diseases such as diabetes, heart attack, stroke, and even cancer relate to disruption of metabolism. We learned that metabolic issues were the causes of several diseases shortening our lives.

Metabolism is a cellular process. This process includes chemical reactions converting food to energy. Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins from food turn into energy using enzymes, minerals, and vitamins. We measure metabolic energy in the form of calories. Excessive and unused calories turn into body fat.

One of the significant causes of fat gain is a condition known as insulin resistance. Like many thought leaders and practitioners, I characterize insulin resistance as the elephant in the room as I explained the reasons in this article.

Our bloodstream can handle small amounts of glucose at a time. When the glucose volume passes the threshold, as the body perceives the glucose as toxic, it eliminates it quickly using insulin. Insulin hormone distributes the blood glucose to various cells. Insulin resistance happens when cells stop responding to signals of insulin. To cope with the excessive glucose in the bloodstream and the glycogen, the pancreas creates more insulin. Then we may experience hyperinsulinemia.

The adverse effects of insulin resistance are significant. It is a direct or indirect cause and symptom of many metabolic conditions as metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and even connection with some types of cancers. Health is all about homeostasis of our metabolic factors.