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whole blood (cells on serum) results in a falsely decreased
(uninterpretable) glucose. Plan includes testing for ACTH, Insulin, Leptin, Glucose and T4.
Management of the Insulin Resistant horse
The goal in managing the IR prone horse is to prevent the thrifty gene from being triggered. If these horses can be managed in a way that is suited to their genetic programming, then they can live long, symptom free lives. Obesity is the most important trigger so maintaining these horses at a suitable weight is the first line of defense. Research has shown that once a level of fat exceeds a critical level, the fat itself begins to produce damaging, inflammatory hormones.3 Exercise and a balanced, low sugar diet are the best way to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake by the cells. Exercise also builds muscle mass and muscle burns calories more ef ficiently than fat 4
Chronic stress, mineral imbalances/deficiencies, free radical damage, and iron toxicity can be additional triggers for the expression of the insulin resistant gene. Chronic stress contributes to IR because elevated levels of cortisol increases glucose levels in the blood. PPID can also contribute to IR because of high circulating levels of cortisol.
Mineral imbalances/deficiencies and free radical damage all interfere with nutrient metabolism.5 There is also a connection between IR and iron overload.6 Grass hay grown in acidic soils tends to be higher in iron. These hays should be tested before being fed to IR horses. Many feeds and supplements also contain added iron, and these should be avoided in IR horses. High iron levels in the diet will interfere with the assimilation of copper and zinc. The ideal ratio for iron/zinc/copper for the IR horse is 4/3/1. Formulated mineral supplements that include iron will not help with correcting the ratios, so copper and zinc need to be supplemented but not iron.
Increasing the metabolism of the IR horse is one way to help him burn calories more efficiently.
The mitochondria is the part of the cell that is responsible for energy production. If the mitochondria
is functioning well the energy produced will support a higher metabolic rate. If the mitochondria is
damaged, then ener gy will not be produced in an ef ficient way and the metabolism will slow down.
Supplements that support the mitochondria
Melatonin, AL carnitine, CoQ10, Alpha-linolenic fatty acid, N-acetylcysteine, Resveratrol, Magnesium, Vitamin E. Of course, we want to get as many of these as possible from whole foods.
Melatonin is found in aloe, complex carbohydrates from whole grains, foods rich in tryptophan (spirulina, chlorella, AFA algae), soy products, pumpkin seeds, brewer’s yeast, almonds, dairy, chicken and turkey.
AL carnitine (ALCAR) is mostly found in meat, fish and dairy products so not the normal diet for a horse. It is used in supplement form for neuropathic pain in IR horses.
ALCAR encourages mitochondrial production (the powerhouses of the cell) and directs glucose away from glycogen formation and toward energy generation. Carnitine plays a critical role in energy production. It transports long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria, so they can be oxidized (“burned”) to produce energy. It also transports the toxic compounds generated out of this cellular organelle to prevent their accumulation. Given these key functions, carnitine is concentrated in tissues like skeletal and cardiac muscle that utilize fatty acids as a dietary fuel. Dairy products contain carnitine primarily in the whey fraction. Most (54–86%) dietary carnitine is absorbed in the small intestine and enters the bloodstream. 7
CoQ10 is manufactured in the body in a complex process requiring the amino acid tyrosine, 8 different vitamins and several trace elements. CoQ10, as an antioxidant, inhibits oxidation of fats in cell membranes and protects mitochondrial DNA.
Alpha-linolenic acid is a fatty acid that is high in algae, flax, chia, hemp, pumpkin seed, soy, cereal grasses and leafy green vegetables. Omega-3 fatty acids improve circulation and support the brain and nervous system. Algae contains DHA and EPA, which are needed for organ healing. These omega-3 fatty acids are concentrated in fish oil because fish eat algae. Omega-3 fatty acids combat free radical damage to the mitochondria.
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) can neutralize toxins in the liver because of its ability to boost glutathione levels. It is especially important in the treatment of heavy metal toxicity. The cruciferous family of vegetables is one of the richest food sources of glutathione. The most potent vegetables are Brussels sprouts. Others include cauliflower, broccoli (particularly the flowers, not the stem), cabbage, kale, bok choy, cress, mustard, horseradish, turnips, rutabagas, and kohlrabi. Feeding sulfur-containing foods such as garlic can enhance glutathione.
Resveratrol is a phytochemical found in berries, pomegranate and grapes. It is important for liver detoxification.
Magnesium is high in algae, aloe, leafy green vegetables, legumes, whole grains and seeds. In TCM, magnesium is associated with smooth flow of Liver Qi. It is also needed for balance between the Liver and Gallbladder. It is needed for many processes in the body including supporting the adrenal gland when the body is stressed.
Vitamin E is important for clearing fat and cholesterol out
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