On this episode of the Holistic Health Bites podcast, Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson explains the Glucose-Ketone Index.
The Glucose-Ketone Index (GKI) presents a valuable tool for monitoring metabolic health by measuring the ratio of blood sugar to blood ketones, offering insights into one's energy production mechanisms. This index underscores the misconception that the body needs dietary carbohydrates to maintain adequate blood sugar levels, pointing out the body's innate ability to produce glucose from non-carbohydrate sources. It highlights the processes of gluconeogenesis, which allows the body to create new glucose, thus negating the necessity to consume carbohydrates for energy.
Insulin's role is highlighted as a regulatory hormone that manages blood sugar and signals the storage of excess energy, thus influencing the body's ability to burn fat or lose weight. To optimize insulin levels, the post recommends limiting intake of foods that cause the highest spikes in blood sugar and insulin, alongside adopting dietary practices that encourage lower insulin levels, such as intermittent fasting and reduced carbohydrate consumption. This approach advocates for a deeper understanding of the body's metabolic processes to achieve ideal body weight and enhanced energy levels.
Exploring the advantages of ketones as an alternative energy source, the post reveals how ketones take metabolic priority over glucose due to their ability to be used by nearly every cell in the body, their water solubility, and their capability to cross the blood-brain barrier to fuel the brain. The method for testing and interpreting one's Glucose-Ketone Index is detailed, offering a practical guide for individuals seeking to improve their metabolic health, achieve weight loss, and enhance energy levels naturally. Recommendations are provided for those struggling to achieve desired GKI levels, emphasizing patience and adjustments in diet, lifestyle, and eating patterns.
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On this episode of the Holistic Health Bites podcast, I welcome special guest Katrina Foe to discuss the importance of self-advocacy in health matters, the need for testing to identify underlying health issues, and the impact of environmental factors on health. She also emphasized the role of genetics and lifestyle choices in cancer prevention and treatment. The conversation focused on the importance of nutrition, particularly in relation to cancer treatment. She also touched upon the challenges and misconceptions related to transitioning to a ketogenic lifestyle. Towards the end, she discussed the importance of understanding cancer causes and effective treatments, and the potential benefits of alternative treatments for cancer.
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This marks the 100th episode of the Holistic Health Bites podcast, and we're diving deep into metabolic health, particularly the often-overlooked topic of insulin resistance. Studies suggest that nearly half of adults worldwide have insulin resistance, yet many remain unaware of its implications.
In this episode, I'll be rapidly covering a comprehensive list of conditions related to insulin resistance. These conditions range from those directly caused by insulin resistance to those exacerbated by it, forming a complex web of health challenges. This is NOT an exhaustive list...essentially every chronic disease or persistent condition is caused by or exacerbated by insulin resistance and poor metabolic health.
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In this episode of Holistic Health Bites, functional nutritionist Andrea Nicholson explores the top five non-food contributors to insulin resistance. She highlights the impact of a sedentary lifestyle, chronic stress, sleep deprivation, environmental toxins, and genetics on insulin sensitivity. Nicholson provides practical tips for incorporating movement into daily life, managing stress effectively, enhancing sleep hygiene, minimizing exposure to environmental toxins, and understanding the role of genetics in predisposing individuals to insulin resistance. While nutrition plays a significant role, addressing these non-food factors is crucial for overall health.
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On this episode of the Holistic Health Bites podcast, Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson and Dr Susan Fox discussed the topic of fertility, with Susan sharing her story and expertise. They explored lifestyle factors affecting fertility, the dangers of environmental toxins, and the importance of physical activity and sleep. They emphasized the role of self-reflection, mindfulness, and supportive relationships in maintaining healthy habits. Susan advised seeking a specialist for fertility issues and stressed the importance of identifying physiological imbalances. They concluded by discussing prenatal care and the need for targeted use of supplements.
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