METABOLIC FLEXIBILITY: HOW TO FIX YOUR ENERGY

Metabolic Flexibility: Remember this phrase, it’s going to be a subject many of us will start referring to, soon!

Just as the muscles in our bodies require flexibility to enable us to function at an optimal level, without stiffness and a lack of ability for basic tasks, our metabolism also requires the same. A flexible metabolism will allow us the ability to use the right macronutrients for energy at the correct times and also know when to store and when not to store energy.

Once you’ve learnt the basic mechanisms of metabolic flexibility you’ll be able to harness the power of becoming a fat-burning machine!

What is Metabolic Flexibility?

Metabolic flexibility is the ability of our body to efficiently adapt its metabolism to different physiological and environmental conditions. It’s allowing us to use the right fuels as and when required and switch between these fuels, as necessary.

Humans are biologically wired to have this ability to switch over to stored fuel for energy when food is scarce. This is why ancient civilisations could go days without food but with very little physiological effect on their bodies regarding energy slumps.

In an ideal world, we don’t want to rely on only utilising glucose 24/7 to provide us with energy before our next meal. If we do this, our cravings can increase and energy crashes worsen.

We want to teach and train the body to tap into its fat stores for energy, naturally and with comfort, with switch-like capabilities.

A metabolic issue can cause us to store excess fat, which can become a huge problem, especially when it’s visceral fat surrounding our organs.

This fat is particularly dangerous.

There is plenty of stored fuel to use but many of us never manage to tap into it with ease. This can be an early sign of a metabolic issue.

What can cause metabolic issues?

Poor diet, sleep, stress and lack of exercise are among the most common problems that can cause our bodies to stop functioning at their optimal level. These will all drive us towards metabolic dysfunction.

If you are finding yourself to be chronically tired during the day even after a good night’s sleep, then this could very well be a metabolic issue that might need some attention.

By maintaining a steady glucose curve throughout the day without any major spikes and crashes, we’ll be well on our way to becoming a metabolically flexible superhuman!

It’s important for the body to recognise that its energy isn’t always coming from the same source and therefore needs to be able to adapt to these changes.

Ideally, we should be able to eat a moderately sized meal and become satiated for hours afterwards, with a steady flow of energy throughout the remainder of the day, until the next meal arrives. No super highs and definitely no super lows, or as many of us would call, ‘energy crashes’.

INSULIN RESISTANCE

Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas in response to rising blood glucose levels. The more your blood glucose levels rise, the more insulin your pancreas has to secrete in order to draw the glucose out of the blood and into the cells, organs and muscles to utilise.

Insulin also promotes glucose uptake by cells and stimulates glucose storage as glycogen in the liver and muscle tissue. 

The problem when we consume glucose-spiking diets is that eventually, the pancreas becomes ‘lazy’. It has been so overworked that it loses efficiency at producing enough insulin to meet the glucose demands in the bloodstream.

This leads to what is known as ‘insulin resistance’ which can head us down the road towards type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance can essentially be regarded at this point as pre-diabetes.

EXERCISE

Exercise is probably the most underutilised but profoundly beneficial practises we can use when it comes to optimising our health. It will be spoken about in almost every article about the human body and for good reason.

We’re designed to move.

Regular exercise helps to increase insulin sensitivity and improve the ability of the body to utilise different fuel sources, such as fat and carbohydrates. 

Postprandial exercise: To further improve our insulin sensitivity we should partake in some kind of light activity within 30-90 minutes of consuming a meal. This will draw any excess glucose out of the bloodstream into muscles and organs. It’s important to utilise the energy you’ve consumed.

This leads to greater metabolic flexibility, which can enhance athletic performance and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

THE IMPORTANCE OF DIET

The types and amounts of macronutrients that we consume can significantly affect the metabolic pathways used by the body. 

For example, a diet high in carbohydrates can lead to increased glucose uptake and glycogen storage, while a high-fat diet can promote the use of fat as an energy source. 

A balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods can help to maintain metabolic flexibility and support overall health.

In addition to insulin sensitivity, exercise, and diet, other factors influencing metabolic flexibility include sleep, stress, and environmental toxins. 

Lack of sleep and chronic stress can impair metabolic function, while exposure to environmental toxins such as heavy metals and pesticides can disrupt metabolic pathways and lead to metabolic dysfunction.

CONCLUSION

Maintaining metabolic flexibility is essential for overall health and wellness. 

By focusing on factors such as insulin sensitivity, physical activity, and diet, we can support optimal metabolic function and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. 

Additionally, reducing exposure to environmental toxins and promoting healthy sleep habits can enhance metabolic flexibility and support overall health.

Try making these changes today and witness your mood improve and your waistline decrease almost effortlessly!

References

Glucose Revolution by Jessie Inchauspé

7 Best Glucose Monitors from Healthline

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