The Law of Realities: Understanding Glucose and Muscle Fueling
Glucose is the primary fuel for muscles, playing a crucial role in energy metabolism. Studies have shown that skeletal muscle utilizes glucose for contraction and performance, particularly during high-intensity exercise (Knuiman et al., 2015). This fundamental truth underscores the importance of considering activity levels before consuming glucose. The more physically active you are, the more glucose enters your muscles without requiring the assistance of insulin—a phenomenon known as insulin-independent glucose uptake (Sylow et al., 2017). This is a core principle of how the body functions—what can be called the Law of Life.
Understanding the Rule
Many dietary recommendations suggest eating specific foods, primarily plant-based materials that digest into glucose. However, before blindly following such advice, return to the main rule:
RULE: Am I in a position to move my muscles?
If the answer is yes, and you are physically active, then consuming glucose makes sense as your body will efficiently utilize it. If the answer is no, consider the conditions—such as nighttime—when mitochondria are not as active, and your muscles are at rest. Research indicates that circadian rhythms affect glucose metabolism, with glucose tolerance being higher during daylight hours and lower at night (Scheer et al., 2009). Excessive glucose intake at night may lead to inefficient energy use and fat storage.
The Role of Fatty Acids
While glucose fuels muscles, fatty acids are another crucial energy source. However, fatty acids primarily serve the organs, including one vital organ that operates 24/7—the brain. Unlike muscles, the brain thrives on fatty acids and ketones, making them an essential part of balanced energy consumption (Owen et al., 2005). Research highlights that during fasting or low carbohydrate intake, the brain efficiently uses ketones derived from fatty acids to maintain function.
The Takeaway
Rather than adhering to rigid dietary guidelines, listen to your body’s natural laws. Align your glucose intake with your activity levels and recognize the role of fatty acids in sustaining essential functions. Do your own research, experiment, and observe how your body responds. Scientific evidence supports these principles, reinforcing that energy metabolism is dynamic and influenced by activity, time of day, and dietary composition.
The Trio Protocol Approach
The Trio Protocol outlines a practical approach: consume plant-based foods rich in glucose during the day when you are active, and shift to nutrient-dense foods such as eggs, meats, or other animal products in the evening. This ensures that amino acids and fatty acids are available overnight when the body is in a state of repair and recovery.
Do you own a copy of the Trio Protocol? If not, consider exploring its principles to optimize your body’s natural energy cycles.
References:
Owen, O. E., Felig, P., Morgan, A. P., Wahren, J., & Cahill, G. F. (2005). Liver and kidney metabolism during prolonged starvation. Journal of Clinical Investigation, 46(10), 1589-1595.
Knuiman, P., Hopman, M. T., & Mensink, M. (2015). Glycogen availability and skeletal muscle adaptations with endurance training: A critical review. Sports Medicine, 45(1), 43-56.
Sylow, L., Kleinert, M., Richter, E. A., & Jensen, T. E. (2017). Exercise-stimulated glucose uptake—regulation and implications for glycaemic control. Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 13(3), 133-148.
Scheer, F. A., Hilton, M. F., Mantzoros, C. S., & Shea, S. A. (2009). Adverse metabolic and cardiovascular consequences of circadian misalignment. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 106(11), 4453-4458.