Insulin resistance and risk of stroke: 2 supplements to take

Insulin resistance is associated with diabetes, but researchers discovered recently that it raises the risk of stroke in even those who do not suffer from this disease because it attacks the arteries. Chromium and magnesium are two supplements that can help you.

What do we mean by insulin resistance, or metabolic syndrome, or even syndrome X? It is not a disease in itself but a set of signs: being overweight in the abdominal area, elevated blood sugar and triglycerides, high blood pressure and low HDL cholesterol.

• Although there is some debate about the name given to this syndrome, there is no debate regarding the risks involved, including that of stroke.
• This risk rises to 78 per cent if you're a man and 100 per cent if you're a woman.
• By exercising more and increasing your consumption of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, foods that are found at the heart of stroke prevention, you are less likely to experience insulin resistance.

In a six-month study conducted at the University of Vermont in subjects with type 2 diabetes, one portion was given a hypoglycemic medication and a placebo, while the other portion took the hypoglycemic medication and a chromium supplement.

• The researchers found that the insulin sensitivity of the subjects who took chromium improved significantly, that their blood sugar was lower, that they gained less weight, and had accumulated less fat in the abdominal region.
• Health authorities have not established limits for chromium, but those with liver disease or kidney disease should avoid high doses.
• In order to promote the absorption by the body, take the supplement with foods rich in vitamin C, such as orange juice or red pepper.
• DOSE: the study subjects were taking 1,000 micrograms per day.

The supplement is only recommended for those whose blood analysis reveals that they are deficient. Magnesium citrate and the other chelated forms, that is to say in which the mineral is bound to another molecule, are better absorbed than the non-chelated forms, such as magnesium oxide.

• DOSE: studies indicate that at dosages from 300 to 400 milligrams, magnesium helps regulate blood glucose levels in diabetics.
• This corresponds approximately to the recommended doses, which are from 400 to 420 milligrams for men and from 310 to 320 milligrams for women.

To protect yourself against insulin resistance and the risk of stroke, take chromium and magnesium nutritional supplements.