Podcasts > Pursuit of Wellness > Glucose Goddess: Hacks For Blood Sugar, Cravings, Acne & Aging

Glucose Goddess: Hacks For Blood Sugar, Cravings, Acne & Aging

By Mari Llewellyn

In this episode of the Pursuit of Wellness podcast, Jessie Inchauspé explores the importance of managing glucose levels and their impact on overall health. She discusses the detrimental effects of glucose spikes, ranging from short-term issues like energy crashes, cravings, and hormonal imbalances to long-term risks such as type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's, and heart disease.

Inchauspé provides practical tips for controlling glucose absorption through diet and exercise, including incorporating vinegar, protein, and fiber; engaging in light activity after meals; and thoughtfully reintroducing carbs. Host Mari Llewellyn shares her personal experiences navigating sugar sensitivity and the challenges of strict diets, expressing interest in applying Inchauspé's glucose management strategies.

Glucose Goddess: Hacks For Blood Sugar, Cravings, Acne & Aging

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Glucose Goddess: Hacks For Blood Sugar, Cravings, Acne & Aging

1-Page Summary

The Science of Glucose

Glucose is essential for bodily functions, but Jessie Inchauspé warns that excessive glucose can be detrimental, as the body cannot distinguish its sources and reacts negatively to rapid absorption or "spikes."

Glucose Spikes and Their Impacts

Short-Term Effects

Inchauspé notes that glucose spikes lead to unsteady energy, cravings, skin issues like acne, and hormonal imbalances that disrupt menstrual cycles, fertility, and conditions like PCOS. They also contribute to mental health challenges like brain fog, anxiety, and depression.

Long-Term Effects

Chronic glucose spikes heighten the risk of serious illnesses like type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's, cancer, and heart disease.

Practical Tips for Managing Glucose

Control Glucose Absorption

Inchauspé recommends incorporating vinegar, protein, fiber, and healthy fats before consuming sugary or starchy foods to slow glucose absorption. Vinegar can reduce spikes by up to 30%, while protein and fiber-rich foods like nuts, avocado, and Greek yogurt also help.

Exercise After Eating

Engaging muscles for at least 10 minutes after a high-glucose meal, even through simple exercises like calf raises, can help lower glucose spikes.

Reintroducing Foods Carefully

For those transitioning from restrictive diets like keto, Inchauspé suggests thoughtfully reincorporating carbs later in the day while employing glucose management techniques.

The Host's Personal Journey

Host Mari Llewellyn has experienced significant sugar sensitivity, leading to brain fog, fatigue, and skin issues from even small amounts. Her keto diet aided mood regulation but negatively impacted gut health and hormone balance. Eager to implement Inchauspé's tips, Llewellyn plans to mindfully reintroduce carbs using glucose management strategies.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting people with ovaries, leading to enlarged ovaries with small cysts on the outer edges. Symptoms include irregular periods, excess androgen levels, and polycystic ovaries. PCOS can cause fertility issues, weight gain, acne, and excessive hair growth. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms through lifestyle changes, medication, and sometimes assisted reproductive technology.
  • Chronic glucose spikes can contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease by promoting inflammation, oxidative stress, and the formation of harmful protein aggregates in the brain, which are characteristic features of the disease. High levels of glucose over time can impair brain function and increase the risk of cognitive decline and neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer's. Managing glucose levels through diet and lifestyle interventions may help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in the long term.
  • A keto diet, high in fats and low in carbs, can impact gut health by reducing fiber intake, potentially affecting gut bacteria diversity. Hormone balance may be influenced by the types of fats consumed on a keto diet, as certain fats play a role in hormone production and regulation. Balancing these aspects on a keto diet is crucial for overall health and well-being.
  • Glucose management techniques involve strategies to regulate blood sugar levels. Specific techniques include consuming vinegar, protein, fiber, and healthy fats before sugary or starchy foods to slow glucose absorption. Engaging in physical activity, like simple exercises, after high-glucose meals can help lower glucose spikes. Thoughtfully reintroducing carbohydrates later in the day while applying glucose management techniques can aid in balancing blood sugar levels.

Counterarguments

  • While glucose spikes can have negative effects, it's important to note that individual responses to glucose intake can vary significantly due to genetic differences, metabolic health, and lifestyle factors.
  • The assertion that the body cannot distinguish glucose sources may be oversimplified, as the body can process different types of carbohydrates (simple vs. complex) at different rates, which can affect the glucose response.
  • The role of glucose in contributing to mental health challenges is complex and may not be a direct causative factor; other underlying issues could also contribute to symptoms like brain fog, anxiety, and depression.
  • The long-term risk of serious illnesses like type 2 diabetes and heart disease is multifactorial, and while glucose spikes may contribute, other factors such as overall diet quality, exercise, genetics, and environmental factors also play significant roles.
  • The recommendation to incorporate vinegar, protein, fiber, and healthy fats is based on general principles, but individual dietary needs and responses can vary, and some people may not experience the same benefits.
  • The effectiveness of engaging muscles for at least 10 minutes after a high-glucose meal to lower glucose spikes may not be equally effective for everyone, and the type and intensity of exercise could also influence outcomes.
  • The suggestion to reintroduce carbs later in the day as part of transitioning from a keto diet may not be the best approach for everyone, as meal timing and macronutrient distribution can have individualized effects on metabolism and glucose management.
  • The personal journey of the host, Mari Llewellyn, is anecdotal and may not be generalizable to the wider population; individual experiences with diets like keto can vary widely.
  • The idea that a keto diet negatively impacts gut health and hormone balance is not universally accepted and may depend on how the diet is formulated and the individual's unique health profile.

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Glucose Goddess: Hacks For Blood Sugar, Cravings, Acne & Aging

The science of glucose and its effects on the body

Glucose, the body's favored energy source, is necessary for various functions, from holding a pen to pumping blood. However, as Inchauspé warns, too much glucose can have detrimental effects, similar to overwatering a plant.

Glucose is the body's primary source of energy, obtained from various foods

Cells use glucose derived from starchy foods like bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, and sugary treats such as desserts and fruit. The body absorbs glucose molecules at differing rates, depending on the food.

Glucose spikes occur when glucose enters the bloodstream too quickly, causing issues for the body

Inchauspé points out that the body doesn't differentiate glucose from a sweet potato or Coca-Cola; the speed of glucose absorption, or the "envelope" it comes in, is key. Glucose spikes are harmful, causing inflammation, aging, and damage to mitochondria—the powerhouses converting glucose into energy.

Glucose spikes can have significant short-term and long-term impacts on health

Short-term impacts include unsteady energy, cravings, skin problems, and hormonal imbalances

Glucose spikes result in unsteady energy, leading to tiredness and cravings, especially for sweets. Skin issues such as acne and psoriasis are also short-term impacts based on inflammation. Additionally, fertility hormones can be deregulated, affecting conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), infertility, PMS, and endometriosis. High glucose levels contribute to these issues by influencing the hormonal system. Mental health effects, including brain fog, anxiety, and depression, arise too, as the brain depends on glucose for energy. In women, elevated [restricted term] can increase [restricted term] pro ...

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The science of glucose and its effects on the body

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Glucose spikes occur when there is a rapid increase in blood sugar levels due to the quick absorption of glucose into the bloodstream. These spikes can lead to various short-term effects like unsteady energy, cravings, skin problems, and hormonal imbalances. Long-term impacts of chronic glucose spikes can include an increased risk of developing conditions such as type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's, cancer, and heart disease. Maintaining stable glucose levels is crucial for overall health and well-being.
  • Glucose levels can impact hormonal balance by affecting [restricted term] production. Elevated [restricted term] levels can lead to increased [restricted term] production in women, potentially causing hormonal disruptions like PCOS symptoms. Hormonal imbalances due to glucose spikes can influence conditions such as infertility, PMS, and endometriosis. Stabilizing glucose levels can help regulate hormones and alleviate associated health issues.
  • Chronic glucose spikes have been linked to various health conditions like type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and heart disease. These conditio ...

Counterarguments

  • While glucose is a primary energy source, it's not the only one; the body can also use fats and, to a lesser extent, proteins for energy.
  • The body does differentiate between glucose from different sources to some extent, as the fiber in whole foods can slow glucose absorption, unlike processed foods with added sugars.
  • Not all skin problems or hormonal imbalances are directly caused by glucose spikes; they can have a variety of causes including genetics, environmental factors, and other dietary components.
  • Mental health issues like anxiety and depression are complex conditions that cannot be solely attributed to glucose spikes; they involve a multitude of factors including genetics, environment, and personal history.
  • The relationship between glucose spikes and chronic diseases is complex and multifactorial; while there is an association, it does not necessarily imply direct causation.
  • Lifestyle interventions for conditions like PCOS, while bene ...

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Glucose Goddess: Hacks For Blood Sugar, Cravings, Acne & Aging

Practical tips and hacks to manage glucose levels and avoid spikes

Jessie Inchauspé provides insightful and straightforward tips for managing glucose levels and avoiding spikes by incorporating certain foods and habits in our diet and daily routine.

Incorporate vinegar, protein, and fiber before consuming sugary or starchy foods

A tablespoon of vinegar added to a big glass of water can reduce the glucose spike by up to 30%, slowing digestion and prompting muscles to soak up glucose. Eating protein, fat, or fiber-rich foods such as nuts, Greek yogurt, eggs, or avocado before indulging in something sweet like cake can slow down the absorption of glucose. Jessie emphasizes the importance of incorporating these elements in the right order, advising to first consume vinegar, and then to eat vegetables before starchy or sugary foods to minimize the glucose spike they could create.

If a meal consists mainly of protein and vegetables, like fish and greens without starchy sides, the consumption order becomes less critical. Furthermore, you can also reduce glucose spikes from smoothies by including ingredients such as protein powder without added sugar and healthy fats like hemp seeds or avocado.

Vinegar can reduce the glucose spike by slowing digestion and promoting glucose uptake by muscles

Inchauspé underscores the benefits of vinegar in managing glucose levels. For those who incorporate vinegar daily, such as Mari Llewellyn who dumps vinegar on her salads, they can still experience glucose-lowering effects.

However, Inchauspé cautions against syrupy balsamic vinegar, which can be high in sugar; instead, regular liquid balsamic vinegar is recommended for the same benefits.

Having protein, fat, or fiber-rich foods first can slow the absorption of glucose

By prioritizing the intake of protein and fat, especially prior to eating high-sugar foods or beverages, the glucose molecules are absorbed more slowly into the bloodstream, thereby creating a smaller glucose spike.

Use your muscles after eating to h ...

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Practical tips and hacks to manage glucose levels and avoid spikes

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • While vinegar may help reduce glucose spikes for some, individual responses can vary, and it may not be as effective for everyone.
  • The suggestion to consume protein and vegetables to reduce glucose spikes doesn't account for the potential need for balanced meals that include a variety of nutrients, including some carbohydrates.
  • Adding protein powder and healthy fats to smoothies may help manage glucose levels, but it's also important to consider the overall calorie content and nutritional balance of the smoothie.
  • The recommendation to use muscles after eating to help lower glucose spikes is sound, but it may not be practical or possible for everyone, such as those with mobility issues or certain health conditions.
  • Simple exercises like calf raises may not be sufficient for significant glucose management for everyone, and a more comprehensive exercise routine might be necessary.
  • Gradually reintroducing eliminated foods is a cautious approach, but it may not address underlying issues with food se ...

Actionables

  • You can create a "pre-meal snack pack" that includes almonds, a small apple, and a tablespoon of almond butter to eat before your main meals. This combination provides protein, fiber, and healthy fats, which can help manage glucose levels before you consume higher sugar or starchy foods. For example, if you're planning to have pasta for dinner, eat your snack pack 30 minutes before to help mitigate the glucose spike.
  • Try a "10-minute muscle wake-up" routine after each meal, consisting of bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, and arm circles. This can be done in your living room or office and doesn't require any special equipment. Engaging your muscles through these simple movements can help utilize the glucose from your meal, potentially reducing spikes.
  • Develop a "smoothie upgrade ritual ...

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Glucose Goddess: Hacks For Blood Sugar, Cravings, Acne & Aging

The host's personal journey with glucose and health

Mari Llewellyn provides a candid account of her experiences dealing with sugar sensitivity and dietary challenges that have had various impacts on her physical and mental health.

The host has experienced significant sensitivity to sugar, leading to negative physical and mental impacts

Mari Llewellyn expresses that she is incredibly sensitive to sugar. She notes that consuming just a small amount, such as a slice of cake, results in immediate brain fog, fatigue, and could even lead to skin issues like acne the following day. After losing 90 pounds through a significant fitness journey, Mari believes that she became more sensitive to sugar. Jessie Inchauspé acknowledges that this sensitivity is common, as decreasing sugar intake can increase the body’s reaction to it when consumed, leading to severe drowsiness or discomfort.

Even small amounts of sugar can cause brain fog, fatigue, and skin issues for the host

There's no additional relevant information available in the provided podcast transcript chunk for this topic, but Llewellyn's personal experiences reflect the issues at hand.

Mari's challenges with glucose led her to experiment with a ketogenic diet as a potential solution.

Keto helped with mood regulation but had negative impacts on gut health and hormone balance

She mentions that, while being on a keto diet for two or three years did facilitate mood regulation, which aided in managing her mood disorder, borderline personality disorder (BPD), she also encountered drawbacks. She started to notice, through various gut and hormone tests, negative effects on her gut health due to the absence of essential good bacteria normally supplied by fiber. Additionally, the keto diet presented challenges, like maintaining su ...

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The host's personal journey with glucose and health

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • Sugar sensitivity can vary greatly from person to person, and what Mari Llewellyn experiences may not be representative of the general population.
  • Some individuals may not experience increased sensitivity to sugar after reducing intake, as the body's response to sugar can be influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics and overall diet.
  • While the ketogenic diet can have negative impacts on gut health and hormone balance, these effects are not universal and can be mitigated with careful dietary planning to ensure adequate fiber and nutrient intake.
  • The challenges of maintaining energy levels on a keto diet during intense exercise might be addressed by adjusting the timing of carbohydrate intake or incorporating targeted carbohydrate consumption around workouts.
  • Reintroducing carbohydrates should be done with caution, and what works fo ...

Actionables

- You can track your body's response to sugar by keeping a food and symptom diary, noting any changes in energy, mood, or physical well-being after consuming sugary foods. This will help you identify patterns and specific sensitivities, allowing for more informed dietary choices.

  • Experiment with slow-release energy sources, like oatmeal or quinoa, before workouts to maintain energy levels without the need for a high-sugar diet. These complex carbohydrates provide a steadier stream of energy, which could be beneficial during intense physical activities such as weightlifting.
  • Explore natural su ...

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