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WHAT IS DEXTROSE?
Dextrose is a type of sugar. When rating the speed at which carbohydrates
enter the bloodstream we give them a score against the Glycemic Index. The
higher the GI the faster the carbohydrate enters the system. Carbohydrates enter
the blood stream as glucose and have to be either burnt as fuel for energy,
stored in muscle cells as glycogen or stored in fat cells as triglycerides. As
the glucose is in the blood stream the body stimulates the release of a carrier
hormone insulin, which essentially, takes the glucose from the blood and
determines where it is to be deposited. Dextrose rates very high on the glycemic
index meaning that it enters our system extremely fast and so stimulates a high
insulin response very quickly. Insulin is a very anabolic hormone as it takes
not only glucose to muscle cells, but proteins, amino acids and other essential
nutrients such as creatine and glutamine etc.
DEXTROSE AFFECTS INSULIN
Insulin, when controlled optimally can be very beneficial, however when not
primed or excreted in abundance we find problems arising such as body fat
accumulation, hypoglycemia or even in extreme cases diabetes. At most times it
is wise to use slow releasing, low glycemic, high fibre foods in order to
control blood sugar and insulin output optimally. However there are certain
times of day when using a high amount of dextrose can be of possible benefit.
When testing for blood sugar disorders, dextrose is often used at a dose of
around 75g, and blood sugar levels checked every 15 minutes or so. Insulin will
remove the dextrose from the blood stream and a consequent drop in blood sugar
will follow leading to possible physiological changes as light headedness,
hunger, weakness, possibly leading to the consumption of further carbohydrates.
This being a vicious circle some find themselves in, spiralling into further and
further weight gain when using high glycemic carbs, like dextrose, at
innapropriate times. Since dextrose is a refined, man made carbohydrate its use
should probably be limited anyway as the body has no natural means of processing
it properly and consistent use, or misuse, is what eventually leads to these
degenerative diseases such as diabetes which are currently sweeping our
developed westernised countries.
WHO SHOULD USE DEXTROSE AND WHEN IS IT APPROPRIATE?
Dextrose, used effectively, should be in a dose of around 50 - 75g, for
optimal insulin output, often mixed with creatine and glutamine, taken
immediately post workout or first thing in the morning when blood sugar levels
are naturally quite low. Using dextrose in these amounts and at these times can
optimize the amount of protein, creatine and other nutrients entering the muscle
cell while also elevating insulin levels nicely. Often we see insulin
sensitizers or glucose disposal agents such as Alpha Lipoic Acid and D-Pinnotol
used for this purpose.
It is generally people who exercise regularly who may benefit from the use of
Dextrose at appropriate times. For the average person dexrose is typically
useless and should not be regarded as a direct energy booster or energy
supplement.
There are 4 calories for every 1g of dextrose. Dextrose can be a very sweet
tasting but not quite as sweet as regular sugar. For this reason it can often be
much more palatable to drink 75g of dextrose than regular table sugar.
It is possible for dextrose to be intolerated by some people, although this
is rare, however there is a chance side effects such as oily skin and spots can
be seen from those who do not process this substance very well. After all it is
a man made, processed food product and is not a natural food source our bodies
are designed to eat.
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