integrativehealth ENERGY GAP
Lack of Energy Could Signal Glucose Metabolism Problem
by Dr. Michael Boss, DC T
he single most common complaint I get from new patients is lack of energy. The stories are similar: “I can’t get up in the morning; I’m a slow starter; after lunch I have fatigue and crash; I’m dead tired when I get home from work.” Meanwhile, overcoming fatigue has become big business. Americans spent more than $740 million on “energy” drinks last year, which doesn’t include products offering “instant energy.” What’s going on here?
Blood Sugar Metabolism Our bodies produce energy by metabolizing glucose (blood sugar) from the foods we eat. When glucose is not converted into energy properly, no energy is produced. The result: low energy and fatigue.
One common misconception I often hear is that a person must be diabetic to have a blood sugar issue. That’s not true, but it doesn’t change the fact that glucose metabolism dysfunction is rampant in this country, and it’s the root cause of a long list of symptoms of poor health. In order to properly metabolize glucose into energy, various reactions have to take place within our bloodstream and our cells, where energy is made and stored. Glucose comes from carbohydrates, and the best sources are vegetables and fruits; the worst involve processed sugars, grains and manipulated food products. To turn glucose into glycogen (our bodies preferred form of stored energy), we require a source of adequate glucose and other necessary nutrients (vitamins, minerals, co-factors, etc.), in addition to the hormone insulin and proper cellular communication and function. When we eat, glucose levels rise in our blood signaling the pancreas to release insulin. Insulin serves to transport glucose to muscle and liver cells, where receptors act like keyholes to unlock the door into the cell. The key that unlocks the door is insulin. Once inside the cell, glucose is escorted into the mitochondria where energy fuels cellular function and is stored for later use.
System Breakdown
It is a complex and delicate system. If the proper tools are not provided – if the “transportation” system doesn’t function or the “keys” into the cells don’t work properly, for example – the system can begin to break down. Eating the “Standard American Diet” is a very good way to destroy normal glucose metabolism. Simply drinking a soda, regular or diet, each day is a ticket to glucose metabolism dysfunction. Any dysfunction in the energy production system will result initially in low energy. The person will normally begin to have spikes in glucose levels followed by sharp drops and symptoms of irritability, headache, dizziness and generally not feeling well, especially if he or she skips meals or goes too long without eating (even just a few hours). This is called hypoglycemia. Cravings for certain foods normally begin at this point. The process is followed by a condition called insulin
resistance. This happens when high levels of insulin are released and the cell receptors to insulin become resistant, meaning they do not react to insulin and will not allow the “unlocking” of the cell for glucose to get inside. If glucose cannot get into the cell, energy can’t be made, and the result is further fatigue. These changes can be drastic or very subtle, depending on the degree of dysfunction. Another hallmark of this phase is the storage of fat, usually on the belly region, and/or an increase in blood lipids (cholesterol, LDLs and triglycerides).
28 Natural Awakenings San Antonio
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