Why We Get Sick - Book Summary (2024)

Insulin resistance is a prevalent chronic disorder that can lead to a multitude of diseases. It is a condition where the body's cells stop responding to insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. This results in higher than normal blood insulin levels, and the insulin often doesn't work as effectively. Insulin resistance is not just a precursor to type 2 diabetes, but it is also directly linked to various other health conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, arterial plaques, and more.

Research has shown that insulin resistance is present in almost every chronic disease. For instance, a study found that half of all US adults and roughly one in three Americans are known to have insulin resistance. This number could be as high as 88% of adults. The International Diabetes Federation also reported that the number of cases of insulin resistance worldwide has doubled in the past three decades and is likely to double again in less than two more.

Despite the alarming statistics, there is hope. Scientific evidence suggests that insulin resistance can be prevented and even reversed. This can be achieved through lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, which can effectively reduce the risk of developing insulin resistance and even remove it after it has developed. The key is to arm oneself with the knowledge of how to prevent and reverse insulin resistance, which is based on sound and published evidence.

"Why We Get Sick" by Benjamin Bikman explores the root cause of modern diseases, identifying elevated insulin levels as the primary driver of these conditions. The book provides a comprehensive understanding of insulin resistance, its far-reaching effects on our bodies, and its role in various common diseases. It also offers a roadmap to regain or maintain health, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle changes, particularly in diet and physical activity.

10 Actions to Implement:

1. Change Your Diet: Avoid sugars and refined starches, and include fats and proteins from real foods in your meals.
2. Measure Your Insulin Levels: Regularly check your insulin levels. If your fasting insulin is above 6 μU/mL, make a change.
3. Educate Others: Share your knowledge about insulin resistance and its effects with your doctor, family, and friends.
4. Increase Physical Activity: Incorporate regular exercise into your routine to improve insulin sensitivity.
5. Quit Smoking: If you're regularly exposed to cigarette smoke, make an effort to quit or remove yourself from the environment where others are smoking.
6. Improve Sleep Habits: Good sleep habits can improve your body's response to insulin. Try to get off screens well before bedtime.
7. Monitor Air Quality: If you live in a city with poor air quality, consider purchasing a breathing mask that can filter PM2.5.
8. Practice Intermittent Fasting: This can help regulate insulin levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
9. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help maintain a healthy metabolism and regulate insulin levels.
10. Reduce Stress: Chronic stress can lead to insulin resistance. Practice stress management techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.

10 Main Facts:

1. Elevated insulin levels are the primary driver of modern diseases.
2. Insulin resistance is a widespread condition with serious ramifications.
3. Insulin resistance underpins nearly every single chronic disease.
4. Changing lifestyle, particularly diet and physical activity, can prevent and even reverse insulin resistance.
5. Insulin resistance can be improved by avoiding sugars and refined starches and including fats and proteins from real foods.
6. Regular physical activity is crucial in improving insulin sensitivity.
7. Fasting insulin levels above 6 μU/mL indicate a need for change.
8. Good sleep habits and stress management can improve the body's response to insulin.
9. Chronic metabolic diseases are the top causes of death today.
10. Insulin resistance affects virtually every system in the body.