Resistant Starch Reduces Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance is a phenomenon which attracts as much attention from the scientific community as does it from the increasingly curious general public.

Commonly referred to as IR, insulin resistance describes the physiological state whereby a person’s bodily cells do not respond as well to insulin as a we might expect an otherwise healthy persons might.

Insulin resistance is a significant public health concern because insulin plays several important roles in the human body including being a fundamental player in the proper metabolism of carbohydrates and fat.

Several common conditions are associated with IR:

• Fatty Liver Disease
• PCOS
• Pre & Type 2 Diabetes

There is good news though.

We can fight back against insulin resistance through an optimal diet, ample movement and the strategic use of evidence-based supplements like resistant starch.

In today’s blog post, presented in collaboration with MSPrebiotic, I explore the role that resistant starch supplementation can play in reducing insulin resistance and improving outcomes related to it.

Let’s get to the good stuff!

Resistant Starch & Insulin Resistance

In 2019, the Nutrition & Diabetes journal conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis looking at a total of 13 studies which measured the effects of resistant starch supplementation on insulin resistance as well as fasting insulin and blood sugar levels and found good evidence to suggest it could meaningfully lower all three.

There are, however, several different types of resistant starch and an even more recent publication out of Frontiers In Nutrition identified that type 1 and 2 resistant starch may be most effective for this purpose.

MSPrebiotic contains type 2 resistant starch, which is only found naturally in raw potato and unripe (green) banana, not foods that are generally widely or enjoyably consumed.

But wait, there’s more!

In a 2018 clinical trial looking specifically at the effects of MSPrebiotic resistant starch, researchers noted that supplementation over a 12-week period significantly lowered both blood glucose and insulin resistance levels in a population of older adults.

The Microbiome Connection

I only recently wrote a piece exploring the microbiome boosting benefits of this product, and it is important to acknowledge that our gut bacteria play an important role in carbohydrate metabolism – which explains the dual benefits of resistant starch supplementation.

In fact, MSPrebiotic has demonstrated capability to reduce levels of bad bacteria known as Proteobacteria which tend to be found in higher levels in people living with type 2 diabetes.

The Inflammation Connection

As you are probably beginning to appreciate, resistant starch is a fascinating subject because it affects very important interconnected systems.

Inflammation, for example, is known to worsen insulin resistance because it interferes with our cells ability to interact properly with insulin.

A 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis out of the Nutrition Journal demonstrated that resistant starch supplementation has the potential to reduce inflammatory markers.

It is also true that a healthy gut microbiome combats inflammation by producing anti-inflammatory compounds.

Again, MSPrebiotic’s resistant starch supplement has been demonstrated to play a role in balancing the gut microbiome.

My Thoughts On MSPrebiotic

MSPrebiotic is an easy to use and FODMAP friendly prebiotic fibre supplement that has real potential to contribute to improvements in multiple areas of your health including bolstering your gut microbiome as well fighting back against insulin resistance and related concerns.

The product comes in the form of a flavourless powder which can be added to smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt and any other cool drinks or foods.

I’m working with MSPrebiotic because I view it as an evidence-based complimentary tool which can play a meaningful role in improving your health.

This is especially true for the simple reason that many people do not access much resistant starch in their diet and thus would enjoy significant benefits via its use.

Does today’s post resonate with you?

MSPrebiotic has been kind enough to offer my readers a discount code, which you can find below:

ANDYRD for 15% off until December 31^st and NEW2MSP for Free Shipping on your first order (use together!).

Until next time,

Andy De Santis RD MPH