Episode 459: Why Insulin Matters

Episode 459: Why Insulin Matters

Author: Ali Miller RD August 25, 2025 Duration: 54:07

In this episode, we shine a spotlight on insulin—an often overlooked but crucial hormone that plays a central role in metabolism and overall health. While blood sugar gets a lot of attention, insulin is the key regulator behind it, influencing energy storage, fat metabolism, and cellular function. We explore how insulin resistance develops, the early signs to watch for, and why it’s so important to address this root issue to prevent chronic disease.

We also discuss how ketogenic and low-carb diets can help regulate insulin levels, improve metabolic flexibility, and support weight management. This episode provides clear, functional insights into insulin’s role and practical strategies for balancing it through nutrition and lifestyle, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in metabolic health and disease prevention.

Also in this episode: 

  • Fasting insulin <8
  • C-peptide – Reflects insulin production
  • Glucose-insulin index / HOMA-IR – Measures insulin resistance directly (calculated using fasting glucose & fasting insulin) 
  • Triglyceride:HDL ratio – Optimal <1.5 (higher = higher risk)
  • A1c – Goal <5.5% (but early IR won’t always show up here)
  • hs-CRP – Inflammation worsens insulin signaling
  • Leptin
  • Continuous Glucose Monitor
  • Conventional treatment of insulin resistance

Sponsors for this episode: 

This episode is sponsored by our Naturally Nourished Keto Reset Program. Ready to take the guesswork out of keto and finally see real results? Whether you're struggling with weight loss resistance, hormonal imbalances, gut issues, or just want more energy and less bloat—our Keto Reset program is your roadmap. You’ll get a structured, functional medicine approach that goes beyond macros and meal plans. We teach you why your body is stuck and how to heal it from the root—through nutrient-dense food, therapeutic tools, and behavior change strategies that last.

You’ll be supported every step of the way with weekly classes and Q&As, downloads, real food meal plans, and direct access to us This isn’t about restriction or gimmicks. It’s about learning to work with your body, building metabolic flexibility, and unlocking your best health. Doors are open now—so join us, reset your metabolism, and transform your relationship with food, your body, and your health. Grab your spot here.


Tune in to Naturally Nourished for conversations that go far beyond basic diet tips. Hosted by Ali Miller RD alongside cohost Becki Yoo RD, this podcast digs into the practical science of using food as genuine medicine. You’ll hear detailed discussions on identifying nutrient deficiencies, repairing gut health, and finding balance in your hormones. A significant focus is placed on metabolic optimization, often explored through the lens of a structured keto reset. The dialogue is grounded in functional medicine principles, meaning every recommendation is aimed at addressing root causes rather than just symptoms. Each episode is built on a foundation of current research, translating complex studies into actionable strategies for your daily life. The goal is to provide you with clear, evidence-based tools that empower informed decisions about your own well-being. If you’re looking for a resource that combines nutritional expertise with a holistic view of health, this podcast offers a thoughtful and substantive guide on that journey.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 301

Naturally Nourished
Podcast Episodes
Episode 438: The Vagus Nerve [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:41
Feeling overwhelmed, bloated, or stuck in fight-or-flight mode? Your vagus nerve might be the missing link! This powerhouse nerve plays a key role in regulating stress, digestion, and even heart health. Tune in to learn…
Episode 437: Is Mold Impacting Your Health? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:17
Could mold be the hidden culprit behind your lingering health issues? In this episode, we’re diving into the often-overlooked impact of mold toxicity and how it can disrupt multiple systems in the body. From brain fog an…
Episode 435: Measles and Empowerment in Medical Choice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:21:39
Measles is making headlines, and with it comes a wave of fear, confusion, and controversy. In this episode, we’re hitting pause on our planned content to dive into the facts about measles infection—what it is, how it pro…
Episode 434: Habit Stacking and Making it Happen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:32
Knowing what to do for your health is one thing—actually making it happen is another. In this episode, we’re shifting the focus from deep-dive functional medicine to real-life implementation. From habit stacking to effic…
Episode 433: Markers that Matter for Heart Health [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:33
Heart disease has been the leading cause of death in the U.S. for over a century—despite massive healthcare spending and widespread use of cholesterol-lowering drugs. So why aren’t we seeing better outcomes? In this epis…
Episode 432: Reigniting Your Libido [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:11
How does libido reflect overall health, and what can you do to reignite it naturally? In this episode, we’re diving into the science of sexual wellness—breaking down the role of hormones, stress, and key nutrients in fue…
Episode 430: Keto and PCOS [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:49
How can keto improve outcomes in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)? What are the mechanisms on insulin resistance, hormonal regulation and inflammation that make the ketogenic diet so effective? How can you accelerate r…
Episode 429: Why You Want to Make Ketones [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:47
You’ve heard us talk about the many benefits of ketosis, but do ketones themselves have benefits? How can ketone production help with muscle sparing, body fat burn and taming cravings? Can ketones really reduce inflammat…