6g of This Stops Insulin Resistance in its Tracks (try it in the morning)

Summary

This video explains how sugar in the bloodstream can react with protein or fat to form advanced glycation end products (AGEs), leading to inflammation, joint pain, cognitive decline, and insulin resistance. The key to mitigating this damage is carnosine, a supplement that can neutralize harmful reactive species like methylglyoxal, preventing the glycation process. The video discusses how carnosine can improve cognitive function, reduce inflammation, and help manage glycation when taken at specific doses, particularly in combination with a balanced diet. It also highlights how supplements like beta-alanine, a precursor to carnosine, can offer similar benefits.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sugar flows through your bloodstream and, when combined with protein or fat, can cause inflammation and potential problems due to a process called glycation.
• 😀 Glycation occurs when sugar reacts with proteins, lipids, or other molecules, leading to advanced glycation end products (AGEs) that damage tissues and DNA.
• 😀 Carnosine, an inexpensive supplement, can stop the glycation process by neutralizing reactive species like methylglyoxal, preventing AGE formation.
• 😀 Consuming sugar with protein or fat is not inherently harmful, but the presence of catalysts like methylglyoxal can start the glycation process.
• 😀 Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) can build up in various tissues, including joints, skin, and brain, accelerating aging, causing inflammation, and leading to insulin resistance.
• 😀 AGE accumulation can damage DNA and affect cognitive function, leading to brain aging and reduced cognitive performance.
• 😀 Carnosine supplementation has been shown to improve cognitive function, especially when used to reduce AGE buildup in the brain.
• 😀 For maximum benefit, carnosine should be taken in higher doses (3-6 grams/day) to significantly raise tissue levels and mitigate glycation effects.
• 😀 Carnosine can be taken before meals with high sugar content (like desserts) to reduce the glycation process, ideally 30-60 minutes prior to consumption.
• 😀 Carnosine supplementation can also be useful for individuals experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or brain fog after consuming sugar, as it may address glycation-related inflammation.
• 😀 A balanced approach, including carnosine supplementation and a healthy lifestyle, can help reverse the damage caused by long-term glycation and inflammation.

Q & A

What is glycation, and why is it harmful?

Glycation occurs when sugar in the bloodstream reacts with proteins, lipids, or other molecules, forming advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These AGEs can cause inflammation, damage DNA, lead to oxidative stress, and contribute to health problems like insulin resistance and cognitive decline.

What role does sugar play in the process of glycation?

Sugar in the bloodstream reacts with proteins or fats in the body, initiating the glycation process. This reaction can cause inflammation and oxidative stress, which damages tissues and accelerates aging.

How does carnosine help combat glycation?

Carnosine neutralizes carbonyl reactive species, such as methylglyoxal, which are key catalysts that trigger the glycation process. By neutralizing these reactive species, carnosine stops glycation before it can cause damage.

Is combining sugar and protein always problematic for the body?

Not necessarily. Combining sugar and protein doesn’t always cause glycation. However, the presence of certain catalysts, like methylglyoxal, is needed for the glycation process to begin.

What is the analogy used to describe glycation in the body?

Glycation is compared to caramelizing an onion. Just as sugar caramelizes when heated, causing irreversible changes, glycation in the body similarly leads to irreversible damage to cells and tissues.

How does glycation affect insulin resistance?

Glycation contributes to inflammation, which is a primary cause of insulin resistance. As inflammation increases, it impairs the body’s ability to respond to insulin properly, leading to higher blood sugar levels and metabolic issues.

How does carnosine impact cognitive function?

Carnosine has been shown to improve cognitive function by reducing the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in the brain. This prevents DNA damage and oxidative stress, which are linked to age-related cognitive decline.

What is the recommended dosage of carnosine for effective results?

A typical dosage for carnosine is 3 to 6 grams per day. This helps elevate tissue levels of carnosine to combat glycation and its effects on inflammation and aging.

What is the connection between beta-alanine and carnosine?

Beta-alanine is a precursor to carnosine. When combined with histidine, beta-alanine forms carnosine in the body. Taking beta-alanine can provide some of the same benefits as taking pure carnosine, though the latter may be more effective for increasing tissue levels.

When is the best time to take carnosine for its effects?

Carnosine can be taken before meals that may cause high blood sugar or glycation, such as sugary foods. Taking it 30 to 60 minutes prior to such meals can help reduce the risk of glycation and its inflammatory effects.