Introduction:
Modern nutrition is frequently characterized by an excessive amount of various carbohydrates, from digestible polysaccharides to refined sugars, which collectively mediate harmful effects on human health. This phenomenon is known as "carbotoxicity." The detrimental effects of excessive carbohydrate intake and the positive effects of carbohydrate restriction in the diet are highlighted by epidemiological, experimental, and clinical intervention trials.
What Is the Epidemiology of Carbotoxicity?
Large-scale dietary pattern analyses have shown that total fat and specific types of fat (saturated, monounsaturated, or polyunsaturated) were related to decreased overall mortality, but excessive carbohydrate intake is associated with a higher risk of total mortality. Thus, digestible carbohydrates are more hazardous than lipids, contrary to what has been hypothesized for decades. Contrarily, the general consumption of fiber, primarily made up of indigestible carbs, is linked to improved cardiovascular health and lower overall mortality risk.
What Is the Pathophysiology of Carbotoxicity?
The body's reaction to excessive consumption of carbs, especially refined and processed carbohydrates, and the complex interaction of metabolic processes make up the pathophysiology of carbotoxicity. The primary mechanisms at play are summarized as follows:
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Blood Sugar Regulation: Carbohydrates are digested and converted to glucose, which is then taken into the bloodstream. In reaction, the pancreas secretes the hormone insulin, assisting cells in absorbing glucose for use as an energy source. However, a body's sensitivity to insulin might be overwhelmed by a persistently high carbohydrate diet, which can result in insulin resistance.
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Insulin Resistance: When cells lose their responsiveness to the effects of insulin, they need greater doses of the hormone to achieve the same glucose uptake. This condition is known as insulin resistance. Genetic factors, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and an abundance of carbohydrate consumption all impact this resistance.
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Hyperinsulinemia: The pancreas generates more insulin to counteract insulin resistance, which leads to hyperinsulinemia, or increased levels of insulin in the bloodstream. Hyperinsulinemia encourages the storage of extra glucose as fat and prevents the breakdown of lipids that have been accumulated, which causes weight gain and an increase in the buildup of body fat.
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Dysregulation of Lipid Metabolism: When lipid metabolism is disrupted by a high carbohydrate diet, blood triglyceride and cholesterol levels might become abnormal. In those with carbotoxicity, elevated triglycerides and decreased levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol are frequently seen. The risk of cardiovascular disease is raised by this lipid profile.
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Chronic Inflammation: A state of persistent low-grade inflammation can develop in the body as a result of an excessive intake of carbohydrates, particularly refined carbs and added sugars. Pro-inflammatory cytokines are released, and inflammatory pathways are activated, mediating this inflammation. Insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic illnesses can all develop over time as a result of chronic inflammation.
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Oxidative Stress: Increased oxidative stress, which happens when there is an imbalance between the creation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body's capacity to neutralize them with antioxidants, is also linked to carbotoxicity. Overconsumption of carbohydrates can encourage the production of ROS, which can cause cellular damage and aid in the emergence of chronic diseases.
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Development of Metabolic Syndrome: The metabolic syndrome, a collection of illnesses that includes insulin resistance, obesity, dyslipidemia (abnormal lipid profile), and hypertension, is significantly influenced by carbotoxicity. The risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic illnesses is raised by the combination of these factors.
What Are the Health Effects of Carbotoxicity?
The health risks of consuming too much carbs, particularly refined and processed carbohydrates, are numerous. Blood sugar imbalances and the general quality of the diet are the main causes of these symptoms. The following are a few possible negative health implications of consuming too many carbohydrates:
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Obesity and Weight Gain: Diets rich in refined carbs, like those made up of sugary drinks, white bread, and pastries, are frequently high in calories and poor in fiber. Overeating these foods can result in weight gain and a higher chance of becoming obese.
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Elevated Blood Sugar Levels: Refined carbs break down and absorb fast, resulting in a sharp rise in blood sugar levels. A subsequent drop in blood sugar levels may result, bringing in hunger and a desire for additional carbohydrates. Long-term high blood sugar levels have been associated with the onset of insulin resistance, which is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
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Increasing the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: A diet packed with refined carbs and added sugars is associated with a higher risk of getting the disease. Consuming too many carbohydrates may affect the body's capacity to make and use insulin, which can result in insulin resistance and poor blood sugar control.
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Cardiovascular Issues: Eating a lot of added sugars and refined carbs can increase the probability of developing cardiovascular issues. These include higher triglyceride levels, lower HDL (good) cholesterol levels, higher LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, and a higher risk of developing heart disease.
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Deficiencies in Nutrients: A diet high in refined carbs may leave out vital elements such as vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. This may result in nutritional deficits and have a detrimental effect on general health.
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Increased Inflammation: According to some studies, diets heavy in added sugars and processed carbs may make the body more prone to inflammation. Chronic inflammation has been associated with several diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and several cancers.
How to Combat Carbotoxicity?
1. Diet Modification: The so-called low-carb diet, which often accounts for 20 percent or less of caloric consumption (that is, significantly below official recommendations), and the no-carb diet, which mostly consists of meals derived from animal sources, are two examples of diets that limit carbohydrates. The avoidance of foods with a high "glycemic index," which gauges how quickly blood sugar levels rise after consumption and distinguishes between foods that digest more slowly, like whole grains, and foods that digest more quickly, like simple carbohydrates, results in one specific variation of diets intended to reduce carbotoxicity.
2. Pharmacological Strategy: Instead of just avoiding consuming too many carbohydrates, numerous methods to prevent carbotoxicity rely on injecting pharmaceutical drugs.
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Acarbose: Consuming acarbose inhibits the release of ɑ-glucosidase, an enzyme responsible for releasing glucose from complex carbs, which lowers intestinal absorption of glucose.
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Gliflozins, which are sodium or glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, cause urine glucose excretion by preventing the recovery of glucose from the glomerular filtrate. When compared to the use of other glucose-lowering medications, SGLT2 inhibitors, such as Dapagliflozin, have antihypertensive benefits and lower cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in type 2 diabetes patients.
Conclusion:
Carbotoxicity arises from the chronic overconsumption of carbohydrates, particularly refined and processed varieties. The pathophysiology involves disruptions in blood sugar regulation, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and the development of metabolic syndrome. Understanding these mechanisms can help individuals make informed dietary choices and adopt strategies to mitigate the risks associated with excessive carbohydrate intake.
