Why Americans are SO FAT

[liveonearth]

Mercola finally put it all together in simple layman's terms for us at: http://v.mercola.com/blogs/public_blog/Finally-Science-Confirms-the-Secret-Key-to-Weight-Loss-19046.aspx.

The gist of it: The way Americans eat (constant junk consumption) causes us to release a lot of insulin from the pancreas into the blood. Physical inactivity causes our insulin receptors to shut down, because they are not being used. These receptors are how sugar gets from the blood stream into the cells. So the insulin and sugar are stuck in the blood, and we have high blood sugar and low energy. The high insulin levels that result inhibit the pruduction of lipase, a fat-burning enzyme. Without lipase our bodies have to break down carbs and proteins for energy. If we try to diet we lose muscle mass instead of fat because we don't have lipase, because we've been eating junk so long. Burning up our muscles makes us weak and low energy, and we can't exercise, and the whole situation gets worse until we die of heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes and other systemic issues that were caused at the very beginning by our crappy diets and inactivity.

Comments

[neptunia67.livejournal.com]

Nice summary. I've been pondering this information, which I already knew but hadn't read in this context, and have a theory that I'd like your opinion on. I wonder if my bouts of muscle cramping happen after I have had a week or two of particularly bad eating. Bad eating for me - indulging in breads and desserts, sugary sweets, might cause my workouts to burn muscle instead of fat, and might lead to the night cramps.

I have been having a few cramps again, and noticed yesterday afternoon and this morning that I don't have my normal level of energy when riding my bike or working out. The large muscles are just tired. And yes... I've been eating poorly for a couple of weeks.

[liveonearth.livejournal.com]

Oh no! I don't know if you are consuming your muscle....a couple weeks might be long enough to throw off your insulin and lipase ... but I wouldn't be able to know for sure without getting a series of blood tests. Have you been getting your fasting insulin checked when you do have blood drawn?

[neptunia67.livejournal.com]

Yes, it gets measured every time - one of the reasons the doctor is concerned. I think it has been hanging out around 11. I'd have to dig out my results to be certain. But it is consistently a bit high, and so are my triglycerides.

[liveonearth.livejournal.com]

OK, that's a diet fix. If you come over for potluck today you will find a feast of organic, low glycemic, whole foods. YUM. No sugar on the table.