Life is an incredible journey, and for some of us, that journey includes delving into the world of research papers, uncovering the intricacies of human function, and exploring how our bodies store nutrients and process fuel. Amidst the plethora of information, one stark reality surfaces: we've been living under misconceptions about our own functioning. Whether the misinformation is intentional, a result of confusion, or simply due to an information overload, the truth remains – we have been led astray.
Allow me to share with you some of this truth, a perspective that paints a clear picture of our biological functioning. You see, two fundamental factors shape our existence at the highest level: diet and environment. How we respond to our environment involves a genetic dance, a choreography of genes being turned on and off to adapt to external conditions. Similarly, our dietary choices trigger gene activity to process what we consume. Let's set the record straight: gene "mutations" aren't the issue. Genes aren't thrown into a blender – they can be regulated, adjusted, and optimized.
At the core of our functioning lies a fundamental switch between two modes: sugar-based operation and fat-based operation. Yet, upon closer examination, it's evident that our bodies have a natural preference for fat-based operation. Endocannabinoids essential for bodily regulation, as well as many potent anti-inflammatory agents, are derived from fats. Even our most basic storage mechanism, the triglyceride, consists of three parts fat to one part sugar.
Unraveling the Sugar and Carb Confusion:
The labyrinth of sugars and carbohydrates often leads to confusion. Carbohydrates are essentially sugars, with the sugar content in high fructose corn syrup being no different from that in regular sugar. To compound the issue, carbohydrates are abundant in our diets, hiding in processed foods and even fast-food menus. High fructose corn syrup has stealthily permeated our lives, lurking behind labels and influencing our dietary choices.
So, what happens when our diet becomes saturated with sugars? Our message to our genes and our environment is crystal clear: "You inhabit a realm abundant in fruit – a bountiful array of sugars. However, there's no fat to be found. Your dietary fat is vastly overshadowed by the plethora of fruits you consume." This nutritional landscape sends our bodies into a loop of sugar metabolism, where overconsumption of high fructose corn syrup wreaks havoc.
The Missing Link: Citrate and Metabolic Syndrome:
In nature, fruits come with citric acid that, when converted into citrate, signals our bodies to shift from sugar to fat metabolism. This delicate balance ensures that we traverse both metabolic pathways efficiently. However, high fructose corn syrup lacks citric acid, failing to provide that critical switch.
Consequently, we're caught in a loop of metabolic syndrome – a cycle of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and other interrelated factors. Inflammation, our body's natural defense mechanism, suffers. Most of our anti-inflammatory agents stem from fat metabolism, leaving us vulnerable to a myriad of chronic inflammatory diseases. Astonishingly, the rise of processed foods and high fructose corn syrup has paralleled the increase in these conditions.
The Road to Redemption: Shifting the Paradigm:
Imagine our bodies as finely-tuned vehicles, designed to predominantly run on fat-based metabolism. While sugars might initiate the engine, it's fats that ensure smooth functioning, like high-quality fuel. Think keto diets and omega-3 fatty acids. These are our keys to resetting the system, to restart the engine that has been clogged up by a sugar-laden diet.
To rekindle our metabolic flame, consider supplements like citrate and glutathione, the missing components in our sugar-fueled lives. These can serve as the catalysts to reignite our fat-burning engines, helping us escape the loop of metabolic syndrome.
Embrace the Journey: Seeking Balance:
In a world inundated with misinformation and misguided dietary choices, the truth emerges like a beacon of light. By understanding the relationship between sugars, fats, and gene regulation, we empower ourselves to make informed choices. Just as we strive to balance our diet, let's strive to balance our lives – embracing both our spiritual and biological dimensions.
References: Lipogenesis vs. Gluconeogenesis
