Choosing the wrong foods, especially carbohydrates, can effect and actually stimulate or sedate these nervous system functions. Too little of an amount can be a problem; too much can be a problem; and poor quality can create disease. Carbohydrates do not build healthy tissues, enzyme systems, hormones, nor do they strengthen the immune system. Around 15 grams of carbohydrates in the form of glucose are in our blood stream all the time. They are usually in transit in our blood stream and are required for our body's energy systems.

Carbohydrates are the basis of our cellular fuel. They are digested and broken down into glucose (blood sugar) and burned up (oxidized) by our cells for life functions. These can also furnish other valuable nutrients such as cellulose (vegetable fiber), vitamins, amino acids, and minerals. Let's examine two classes of carbohydrates - complex carbohydrates and natural simple sugars vs. refined carbohydrates.

Complex carbohydrates are starches in their natural state such as potatoes, whole grains, starchy vegetables (best choice), and legumes. These starchy molecules are more complex with more nutrition than simple sugars in raw
fruit. They require a longer and slower digestive process before they're ready to be used as fuel (glucose) for our cells. They are a more controllable fuel source.

Simple carbohydrates such as sugars in raw fruit, refined carbs like candies, sodas, jellies, ice cream, alcohol, pastries, processed breakfast cereals, pastas, you know the rest, dramatically alter your metabolism and can be addictive. They not only alter metabolic activities but cause behavioral and mood changes, just like a drug can. Nothing against drugs (medicinal), of course; everything has its time and place.

When carbohydrates are refined (fibers, vitamins, and minerals removed), they are explosive in the body, providing fuel too rapidly. The body cannot control them. Enzymes get used rapidly, blood sugar rises, and the excess sugar is stored as fat. And we're on our way to pancreatic problems and obesity. That's the difference between a controllable complex carbohydrate and an uncontrollable simple sugar.

Fruits are a little different. They're only about 15% simple sugars while refined pasta can be 75% simple sugars. I'm a 100% Italian--boy, this one hurt. But, of course, we can enjoy these luxuries once in a while. We want to eat foods the body can control, not fuel injections of sugar. Some of us choose not to use grains at all and get their carbohydrates from fruit, vegetables, and small amounts of fruit. I'm one of those people. If I feel as though I need a grain, I use spelt. It's an ancient grain superior to other grains and less allergenic. It dates back 10,000 years and is mentioned several times in the Old Testament. (Exodus 9: 31, 32.)

To make this concept about whether you're a slow or fast oxidizer of carbohydrates easy to understand, I will list symptoms to give you an idea. It's obvious you're a slow burner if you're tired, have low blood sugar, chronic fatigue, put on weight easily, and have loose bowels possibly. A fast burner metabolizes and digests almost everything very easily. They seem to have a lot of energy.  If the lifestyle is improper, their symptoms can include: high blood pressure, insomnia, irritability, indigestion. But they are highly motivated people.

This can be a little confusing because we see a mixture of these conditions and energies in most people. When we use the proper carbohydrates, we can balance both sides of the coin, a yin-yang concept. Learn the monitoring system in ProMetabolics which will answer your questions about what foods are best for you.

Dr. Smokey Santillo
SmokeySantillo.com

 

Dr. Smokey Santillo's latest book, ProMetabolics, and his classics Food Enzymes and Natural Healing with Herbs are all available through his publisher Designs for Wellness Press with Dr. Roy Vartabedian.

Click HERE to order your copy of these highly informative and practical publications today.