135. The Foundation of Wellbeing Starts with Your Plate with Dr. Allison Hull

Gluconeogenesis

Allison Hull explains gluconeogenesis, a process where the liver converts amino acids into glucose. This mechanism is crucial for maintaining glucose levels, especially during fasting or intense exercise. She notes that while gluconeogenesis is beneficial, it can also lead to higher glucose levels if insulin is too low for too long 1. Hull highlights the importance of understanding this process for those on ketogenic diets, as it allows for glucose production without carbohydrate intake 2.

The liver making glucose through gluconeogenesis from amino acids, from muscle mass, and then glycogenolysis, which is the breakdown of glycogen within the muscles.

--- Allison Hull

This understanding helps in managing diets and exercise routines effectively.

   

Using CGMs

Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) offer valuable insights into how different foods and activities affect blood sugar levels. Kelly LeVeque shares personal experiences with CGMs, noting how they reveal the impact of stress and sleep on glucose levels 3. Hull emphasizes that CGMs encourage people to experiment with their diets, leading to better self-awareness and behavior change 4.

It's amazing the specific pairing of foods and what tolerances you might have that you kind of labeled.

--- Kelly LeVeque

This technology helps users make informed decisions about their health.

   

Metabolic Flexibility

Metabolic flexibility is essential for overall health, allowing the body to efficiently switch between burning carbohydrates and fats for energy. Hull's 12-week program focuses on metabolic health and behavior change, starting with gut healing and goal setting 5. She explains that metabolic flexibility can prevent conditions like fatty liver disease, which is increasingly common due to excess glucose being converted into fat in the liver 6.

The most common cause of end stage liver disease and cirrhotic liver disease is fatty liver. Today, it is not alcohol.

--- Allison Hull

Understanding and improving metabolic flexibility can lead to significant health benefits.