Biotypology: Ectomorphy, Mesomorphy, and Endomorphy
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Our bodies are complex systems, and understanding how they function can be a daunting task. However, by breaking down the information into digestible pieces, we can gain a better understanding of how our bodies work. In this blog post, we will delve into the fascinating world of insulin sensitivity and the role of leptin in training.
Insulin sensitivity is a measure of how responsive our body's tissues are to insulin, a hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating our body's glucose levels. It enables glucose to enter cells, primarily in muscles and adipose tissue, which have a high concentration of glucose transporters known as GLUT-4 proteins. Other tissues, such as the brain, pancreas, and liver, do not need insulin to uptake glucose as they have transporters that respond directly to blood glucose levels.
Insulin resistance, or decreased insulin sensitivity, is not always pathological. For instance, a diet low in carbohydrates and high in free fatty acids can lead to reduced insulin sensitivity. This results in the pancreas releasing more insulin to compensate for the low concentration of GLUT-4 transporters, leading to higher insulin levels for the same glycemic level compared to individuals with greater insulin sensitivity.
Interestingly, insulin resistance can have several positive effects, including increased fat oxidation for energy, maintenance of glycemic stability, preservation of muscle glycogen, and better preservation of muscle mass. This is particularly beneficial during periods of caloric deficit and refeeding.
The refeed phase is a crucial part of any training regimen. During this phase, glucose metabolism takes center stage. Rapidly absorbed foods, such as maltodextrins, white rice, pasta, and bread, are ideal for this phase. The duration of the refeed phase should be limited to 24-36 hours, depending on the severity of the preceding caloric deficit.
Leptin, a hormone primarily produced by fat cells, plays a significant role in regulating our body's energy balance. It communicates with the hypothalamus, a region of the brain that regulates hunger and satiety, among other things.
Leptin influences the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis, a hormonal pathway that regulates the body's metabolism. Leptin stimulates the hypothalamus to release thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), which in turn prompts the pituitary gland to release thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH then stimulates the thyroid gland to secrete thyroid hormones.
When leptin levels drop during a period of caloric restriction, there is a decrease in TRH and thyroid hormones, leading to a drop in basal metabolism. However, thanks to the action of TSH, we will never reach a "zero level" of leptin during phases of extreme dieting.
Leptin also influences the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis, which regulates the production of sexual hormones. Leptin stimulates the hypothalamus to release gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), leading to an increase in luteinizing hormone (LH) and subsequently, testosterone production.
Interestingly, high testosterone levels lead to an accumulation of visceral fat and reduction of subcutaneous fat, resulting in lower body mass index (BMI) and decreased leptin levels. However, this also leads to increased sensitivity of leptin receptors, thereby improving communication between leptin and its receptors.
In summary, understanding the interplay between insulin sensitivity, leptin, and training can provide valuable insights into optimizing our training regimens and overall health. It underscores the importance of a balanced diet and the role of hormones in regulating our body's energy balance and metabolism. As we continue to unravel the intricacies of our bodies, we can better tailor our training regimens to our unique physiological needs.