Sugar free nutrition for runnings (Read 229 times)

Well, I saw it on Dr Oz - my plan is to research it myself and write a follow up blog linking to medical information of how sugar interacts with the body's hormonal functions and gut functions  (which is pretty settled, as far as I understand it as a layperson) .

I have been side tracked with a hazardous substances piece and the sugar one has been demoted until that one is finished.  But I'll get up it there soon, promise!

 

What evidence do you have to support these assertions?

I know to take with a pinch of salt but the biological facts of how the gut/hormone feedback loop works is unlikely to be "out there".  Agreed by my Pharmacist friend as being non contentious in terms of biological reality.

I agree with respect to sources - not going to be primary sources - more likely from medical textbooks, medical dictionaries and other secondary sources - it will be difficult to find settled anatomical data in published research as there is no discovery to be made.

I am interested in understanding this in detail and posting the process as a follow up. Too busy being annoyed by poison signage all over some favourite places and so have been distracted

If the source is Dr. Oz, going the opposite direction may be a good start.

And: Dr. Oz is not evidence. Dr. Oz is opinion, much of which has been debunked.

 

Please share primary sources and research. That is evidence.

Agreed

I believe if you eat the whole fruit, it would be pretty difficult to have too much sugar from fruit.

Now, fruit juice on the other hand... is like a sugar IV.  But, there are times after a run/workout, where my body needs that quick influx of sugar.

 

We have cut out sugar proper - as kind of an experiment.  What we do wouldn't suit people who cut back for specific health reasons, such as diabetics, because of the fruit sugar.  Basically, we are all active and not worried about calories - we're worried about processed, empty calories.  So, our rules are:

• no sugar itself (white, raw or brown) - sugar has a specific effect on the gut stimulating the release of cortisol and causing inflammation and stress, which releases more cortisol.  It's the specific way the sugar is processed by the gut that makes it so bad for you.  (as opposed to sugars)
• nothing with sugar (or its pseudonyms - glucose, maltodextrin, sucrose, etc) in the ingredients list
• no chemical additives
• minimal honey...

It's great that you cut down on sugar although I think your reasoning is off.  Cortisol is a hormone released during stress.  What would be released by gut bacteria in response to a comfort food like sugar would be dopamine.  Why else would people continue to eat it?

One of the only times we really do need sugar is during exertion like running.  The muscles use glucose (sugar) for energy.  Maltodextrin is perfect for this because it's quick release.  That's why it's in energy gels.

Honey, like agave, molasses, maple syrup, or cane extract, is still sugar.  Very little difference to the body between these and table sugar or HFCS.  Not that a little is going to matter but don't fool yourself, either.

Non-sweet alternatives while running might include crackers or chips of various kinds, small cooked potatoes, bread or bagels, peanut butter, tuna salad (hold the mayo), and beans or peas, like garbanzo or edamame.  Still, sugary gels or fruit are the best, IMO.

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