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Carbohydrate Intolerance

Burn more body fat and improve energy.

Poor carbohydrate metabolism is a common primary problem that impairs many aspects of health and fitness.

Importance

What is Carbohydrate Intolerance?

Carbohydrate intolerance (CI) is an impairment of the metabolism resulting from excessive consumption of refined carbohydrate foods, including sugar and other junk foods, causing the body to become unable to properly process carbohydrates. CI causes a higher percentage of carbs, even the natural ones, to convert to stored fat, leading to fatigue, weight gain and hormone imbalance. CI can also impair muscle function and reduce endurance.

Dangers

Signs & Symptoms

Early signs and symptoms of CI include low energy, increased body fat (especially in the belly), bloating and sleepiness after meals, and reduced exercise capacity.

CI may worsen progressively with continued consumption, and is associated with excess body fat, inflammation and insulin resistance. Over time, abnormal cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar raise the risk for cardiovascular disease, cancer, Type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s and other chronic illness.

Next step: take the survey below.

Take the survey

Take the following survey to determine your risk of carbohydrate intolerance. This survey will provide you with a personalized risk level (low, moderate, or high) that you can use to better understand your health status.

Disclaimer
A high level of risk doesn’t mean that you have a serious health condition. It means that due to your present situation (lifestyle, health and habits), you have a higher risk for this condition.

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Solutions

Personalize your food intake by determining your body’s needs.

The Two-Week Test

Applies to:

High Risk
Moderate Risk

The Two-Week Test (TWT) can help you determine the amount of carbohydrate foods that match your metabolic needs. It is a personalized evaluation that consists of a temporary change in food intake, allowing you to ascertain your level of carbohydrate intolerance. The TWT can also reduce negative signs and symptoms, while increasing energy, reducing body fat, and improving overall health and fitness.

The TWT eliminates refined carbohydrates and added sugars, processed foods, grains, starches and most root vegetables, and all fruits and fruit juices. During the test you can eat as much healthy food as desired, adding more vegetables, nuts and seeds, healthy fats, and eggs, fish and meat, while avoiding hunger.

During the post-test period, you add back healthy carbohydrates (fruits, unrefined cereals, root vegetables and honey) separately and in very small amounts in order to test whether they match your body’s needs. If signs and symptoms return after adding a particular food, avoid it.

Food Guidelines

Applies to:

High Risk
Moderate Risk
Low Risk

For those who are carbohydrate intolerant (and have done the Two-Week Test and post-test), food guidelines are a good way to know which foods might work for them. However, these individuals may find that signs and symptoms of CI return with many of these foods, even if they are perfectly healthy for others.

For those who are not carbohydrate intolerant (more insulin sensitive), it is still important to avoid refined carbohydrates to minimize the risk of developing CI.

Everyone responds differently to different foods. Unprocessed cereals and other grains may be too carb-heavy for some, but fine for others in small amounts. The best foods to eat are those that keep you healthy and free of negative signs and symptoms such as poor energy, sleepiness after meals, and stress issues. This usually means eating a diet rich in plant foods such as vegetables, nuts and seeds, high-quality meats, healthy fats and a smaller amount of low-glycemic carbohydrates.