He frowned as he looked at the blood test report. After being diagnosed with diabetes, there is something else that is troubling him this time. Fatty Liver Watch Out! … as though what the report is crying out loud. But there is a solution.
"I don't always eat fatty & fried food. Why is my liver fatty?" He asked the nurse.
He could no longer accept the news of additional illness.
***
Fatty liver. Fatty liver is a sign of toxicity. There is an "excessive" eating pattern that forces the liver to work hard to store as fat.
This post will share about three things.
1. Insulin hormones Subjected to Excessive Demand.
2. The Impact of Simple Carbohydrates on Hunger: How Insulin Plays a Role
3. The Adverse Impact of White Sugar on Liver Function
1. Insulin Hormones Subjected to Excessive Demand.
Insulin is a hormone found within the human body that plays a crucial role in various metabolic reactions. Insulin is specifically responsible for the storage and increase of fat through glucose storage. On the other hand, some metabolic processes, like the metabolism that burns fat, are impeded when insulin levels are high.
Consequently, if their insulin levels are excessive, people who want to reduce weight may run into problems. The body cannot successfully lose extra weight because the metabolic processes that burn fat are stopped. To effectively stimulate a metabolism that burns fat, it is crucial for those trying to lose weight to keep their insulin levels steady.
Since the advent of industrialization, the accessibility of food has become ubiquitous, with restaurants and processed foods available 24/7. Even during late hours, it is easy to find something to consume.
However, this frequent and readily available access to food has resulted in irregular eating patterns, with individuals consuming up to 6-7 times a day until night time. Such patterns may cause consistently elevated insulin levels in the body, acting as a traffic officer to regulate glucose levels in the blood. As a priority, insulin prioritizes the protection of the transport system (blood) from becoming overwhelmed with glucose, ultimately leading to the cessation of other metabolic processes.
Continuation of such eating patterns can lead to detrimental effects. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain stable insulin levels by following a healthy eating routine to ensure efficient metabolic processes.
"Tired" Overworked Insulin
Insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating glucose levels in the blood, is prone to exhaustion when consistently overworked. As insulin works to manage glucose levels, other hormones that regulate other metabolic processes may be inhibited.
When glucose levels in the blood become high, insulin must continue to work, delaying its "off" period. Such irregularity can lead to insulin resistance, where insulin remains present but loses its ability to effectively store glucose due to overworking and decreased sensitivity. Prolonged insulin resistance can harm the metabolic system.
It is crucial to ensure proper insulin function by maintaining stable glucose levels and avoiding overworking the hormone. This can be achieved by adopting healthy eating habits and a balanced lifestyle.
What is the solution?
What is the solution to address the overworked insulin that inhibits other metabolic processes? The answer lies in the practice of fasting.
By fasting, the resting period of insulin is increased, allowing other hormones to take on metabolic functions. The process of fasting can be achieved by refraining from eating for a certain period, such as 12 hours. For instance, one can stop eating by 6 PM and resume the next morning. This allows the body to undergo cell regeneration and healing while giving insulin a chance to rest.
During fasting, fat burning metabolism typically initiates at the 12th hour, promoting efficient weight loss. Thus, fasting can serve as an effective solution to regulate insulin levels and facilitate proper metabolic functions.
2. The Impact of Simple Carbohydrates on Hunger: How Insulin Plays a Role
Insulin plays a crucial role in regulating glucose levels in the blood by rapidly storing glucose molecules into cells. Simple carbohydrates, which are sources of processed starches with fiber removed, are easily digested and cause glucose levels to rise quickly.
Consumption of such carbohydrates can lead to a rapid spike in insulin levels, which in turn can stimulate hunger pangs and increase the likelihood of overeating. Therefore, individuals seeking to maintain healthy eating habits should consider limiting their intake of simple carbohydrates and opting for complex carbohydrates, which are digested more slowly, to help regulate their insulin levels and reduce the risk of excessive hunger.
Implications of Insulin Overload on Hunger and Possible Solutions
When the body demands more food, individuals may feel hungry even shortly after consuming a meal. This is due to insulin being overworked, as it is forced to manage glucose molecules multiple times within a short period.
If left unmanaged, this cycle of insulin overload and increased hunger can persist. A possible solution to mitigate this effect is to choose sources of complex carbohydrates, such as vegetables and fruits, which are digested more slowly and cause a gradual rise in glucose levels.
By adopting healthier dietary habits and making informed food choices, individuals can better manage insulin levels and promote optimal metabolic functioning.
3. The Adverse Impact of White Sugar on Liver Function
While many individuals may associate white sugar with high caloric content and the risk of obesity, there is another concerning effect that often goes overlooked.
White sugar consists of approximately equal parts glucose and fructose, with the latter posing a unique threat to liver health. Unlike glucose, which can be utilized by various organs, fructose can only be processed by the liver.
This metabolic demand can overwork the liver, leading to the accumulation of fructose as fat within the organ. The role of fructose in promoting liver fat accumulation underscores the need for dietary interventions to minimize the consumption of sugar-rich foods and promote liver health.
Fatty Liver Watch Out!
Hence, regular ingestion of sweet beverages or meals may lead to fatty liver disease, which has sugar consumption as one of its causes. It's critical to keep in mind that fructose, which comprises 50% of white sugar, can only be metabolised by the liver and that eating too much of it results in fatty liver. Fructose is also present in fruit, but fibre and other components help limit consumption. Sugary drinks can harm the liver, though, because they are commonly consumed in excess and have a high fructose content. Hence, restricting the consumption of sugary foods and drinks is essential for preventing fatty liver disease.
Intermittent Fasting Batch 14 class reflection notes with Dr Malinda Ali (Malinda Academy)
Ayat Ibrahim
Registered Counsellor cum Dietitian
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