Chronic inflammation is at the forefront of medical research, and researchers are trying to understand not only what causes the condition, but also how it can be prevented.
Inflammation is the response of vascular tissues to noxious stimuli. In the case of Insulin Resistance, Metabolic Syndrome (Syndrome X), Pre-Diabetes and PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), this harmful stimulus is insulin.
Prolonged elevated insulin levels contribute to inflammation. If left unchecked, this type of inflammation can lead to atherosclerosis and contribute to insulin resistance, the imbalance between glucose and insulin in the blood. PCOS has been characterized as a low-grade inflammatory state, which can be assessed by measuring CRP (C-reactive protein).
CRP is a blood test that helps determine the level of inflammation in the blood vessels. The higher the PCR reading, the greater the inflammation and the greater the risk of cardiovascular disease. Also, women with PCOS have higher CRP levels than women without PCOS, whether they are thin or overweight.
Elevated CRP levels are also closely linked to metabolic syndrome, a cluster of elevated risk factors for cardiovascular disease that can lead to heart attack or stroke.
The way to reduce inflammation and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease is to restrict insulin exposure through a diet high in lean protein, good fats, and good carbohydrates from vegetables, plus some fruits. In addition, there are numerous nutraceutical ingredients that moderate inflammation, such as omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and minerals. Do not forget that exercise produces a positive and lasting impact on the inflammatory processes of the body.
