Your body is made for survival, which means it can store nutrients for later use. While this may have been helpful when meals were few and far between, in a society where overindulgence rules, it is not as useful. When you eat, the response to extra nutrients triggers your body to store glucose and reserve fat for later use. You can help increase weight loss by understanding this mechanism. Be cautious though, as this kind of diet may not be for everyone. Before starting any new eating plan, always consult with your doctor first.
Pancreatic Hormones
Your body uses hormones to keep all systems in order; your metabolic system is no different. When food is digested, the small intestine transfers the nutrients into your bloodstream for use. Glucose is easily taken up by the blood and used. In response to glucose, your pancreas secretes the hormone insulin into your blood stream. During periods of low blood glucose, such as between meals or if you skip a meal, your body releases the hormone glucagon.
Functions of Insulin and Glucagon
Insulin and glucagon trigger your body to do opposing functions. Insulin is a storage hormone. It signals your cells to take in glucose from the blood and store it for later use. It also inhibits your body from breaking down and using fat. Glucagon, on the other hand, stimulates your body to break down fat and use it for energy. Since glucagon is excreted during times of low blood glucose, your body uses this hormone to increase the availability of nutrients for your cells that need it.
Glucose, Insulin and Fat
Foods that result in a high increase in blood glucose also cause an elevated release of insulin, which can keep you from using stored fat. This mechanism may make it more difficult for you to lose weight. This mechanism is the primary means by which a low carb diet tends to work.
Low Carb For Weight Loss
A low carb diet that works to reduce your body's release of insulin may be an effective way to lose weight. A review published in the "Archives of Internal Medicine" in February 2006 compared the effectiveness of low carb diets against low fat diets. This analysis compared five different studies and found that a low carb diet can help individuals lose more weight in the first six months of dieting. In addition, better results were seen for low carb dieters in triglyceride and HDL cholesterol levels.
References
- "Anatomy and Physiology"; Kenneth S. Saladin; 2004
- Colo State.edu; Glucagon; R. Bowen; June 15, 1999
- MayoClinic.com; Low-Carb Diet: Could It Help You Lose Weight?; May 1, 2010
- "Archives of Internal Medicine"; Effects of Low-Carbohydrate vs Low-Fat Diets on Weight Loss and Cardiovascular Risk Factors; Alain J. Nordmann, MD, MSc, et al.; Feb. 2006
