Macronutrients & Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates

We need all the food groups, including carbohydrates, in our diet. The question is how much and what kind of carbohydrate works best for us?

All carbohydrates are not processed the same way by the body. Carbohydrates from grains seem to be harder to digest than those from root vegetables and other starchy vegetables. Food sensitivity tests are recommended to see which carbohydrates your body can tolerate and cannot tolerate.

My experience and the experience of other practitioners indicate that some people are intolerant to grains but are able to tolerate carbohydrates from other sources. Some people are especially sensitive to gluten-containing grains as opposed to grains that are gluten-free. There are plant proteins that affect different people differently. Some people tolerate some grains better than others. For example, I have a client who does not tolerate oats but tolerates wheat very well. Someone else can tolerate rice but not corn. Food sensitivity tests are important, so you know which carbohydrates your body can tolerate.

It is best to test one’s sensitivity to determine which form of carbohydrate is tolerated by an individual. For those that tolerate grains well, it is healthier to eat whole grains rather than processed grains that have been stripped of fiber and vitamins.

We also need to be aware of the fact that all carbohydrates are digested and broken down into sugars. Whole grains are converted slower to sugar and do not cause the level of insulin spike that occurs after a highly processed carbohydrate meal. The problem with having a large amount of sugar dumped into the body’s circulation at once is that it elicits the release of high amounts of insulin that is needed to metabolize the sugar.

Excess insulin will decrease sugar levels quickly and may cause low blood sugar soon after a carbohydrate meal. The person becomes hungry again and craves more carbohydrates and the cycle continues. Insulin increases transport of glucose to muscle cells and fat cells. It also inhibits the breakdown of fat and increases production of triglycerides. Even though insulin is necessary for the metabolism of various macronutrients, excess sugar and insulin produce a metabolic profile that may precipitate obesity and high triglycerides.

We need carbohydrates for energy production. However, too many carbohydrates may negatively affect our overall health and wellness. Food sensitivity tests are important to help each person know which carbohydrate, especially grains, that they may not tolerate well.

To learn more about carbohydrates and food sensitivity tests in Palm Harbor, contact Wize Nutrition therapy today at 727 216 3972.