Understand Macro Priority

Turkey Salad before Digestion

When a meal passes through your digestion system, prepared by chewing, mixing, and breaking down into the basics, then sent to your liver or directly into your blood, there is a specific macro priority sequence that your body uses to process it. 

Many people are confused by this sequence.  They have come to believe that a priority is given to food for which your body has a preference.  This has given rise to claims that your body prefers glucose over fat because it is metabolized first.  However it is the toxicity of the food that determines the processing sequence.  The most toxic common food substance is alcohol and this is prioritized over everything else. 

When alcohol is consumed, the liver will process it first, so everything else is put on hold.  First the alcohol is converted to acetaldehyde, which is very toxic and can make you feel bad, then it is quickly converted from acetaldehyde to acetate.  Finally the acetate is converted to Acetyl-CoA. This is the compound that is supplied to your cellular energy making system to be converted into ATP, the energy molecule.  This alcohol breakdown also uses up NAD+ which is required for fat burning so this can reduce your body’s ability to burn fat.

Returning to my comment about glucose.  Excess glucose is also toxic.  Like your temperature, your body manages glucose to tight standards, maintaining only about 1 teaspoonful in the blood at all times.  If the level creeps up then more of the hormone “insulin” is released to help reduce it and if the level goes too low then the hormone “glucagon” is released to stimulate the liver to manufacture glucose.

Because glucose is tightly controlled, almost any arriving glucose will be seen as a possible emergency.  If you have observed the jitters, brain fog or full blackout by a person with uncontrolled glucose, you will appreciate how critical this response is.

So there you have it.  Now you understand macro priority. When your meal has glucose and fat, the glucose is processed first, not because the body has a preference for this, but because it is a potential toxic substance.  Once you understand this sequence and the reason for it, you will appreciate how a large carbohydrate heavy meal such as a cereal breakfast with orange juice, or a large soda is such an emergency for your body.  This also explains why a low-carb diet without sugar and with minimal refined carbohydrates can be calming and is a very safe way to eat.  The emergency is gone and your body can take it easy. 

Do people need carbs at all?  No.  The organs that need some glucose, red blood cells and your brain, manage just fine, because the liver makes it if needed. Be aware: If you are a habitual heavy carb eater, then normalizing may take some weeks of adjustment.

Find links to my books, my on-line weight-loss clinic or subscribe for health info at www.takebackyrhealth.com.  Seek professional advice before dietary changes, particularly if on medication.  George Elder, Certified Health Coach, Author, Diploma in Nutrition. 

The best thing you can do for your health is eat better.