How your body uses carbs, fat and protein
In this week's edition of Restoring the Soul of Health Care this morning on KAUS radio, Dr. Dave Strobel explained how your body uses the three major categories of food - the so-called macronutrients of carbohydrates, fat and protein - to fuel its activities.
Dr. Dave used the analogy of different types of wood to describe the optimal use of each macronutrient group:
- Carbohydrates are like kindling. They get the fire started and burn quickly.
- Fat is analogous to logs, which provide concentrated, sustaining energy.
- Protein is like a 2" x 4" - it is a building material, not a fuel.
As he explained, if you have too much kindling, your body will continually burn that. And likewise, excessive 2" x 4" scraps (beyond what your body needs for building) also can be turned into blood sugar energy.
Either way, your body never gets to burn the logs (the fat) because the more easily combustible sources (carbs and protein) are preferred.
The standard American diet (SAD) is characterized by a continual flow of excessive carbohydrates, which has contributed to the epidemic of metabolic syndrome and related diseases and conditions.
HELPcare Clinic uses a membership model and doesn't take insurance, which keeps cost lower so we can pass those savings on to the members. Membership includes unhurried primary care services with no per-visit fee as well as 45 of the most commonly needed diagnostic blood tests at no extra charge.
It also includes metabolic health coaching for those interested in lifestyle changes to improve their health. That's offered separately for $49 per month or $499 per year, but it's included in HELPcare Clinic membership.
Corporate discounts also are available for employers to provide an affordable health benefit to their employees.
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