Keto and Hormones

​     We're having lovely days, all in the mid-70s and sunny. Steve brought in more crab that we've picked, bagged, and frozen. He'll keep bringing crab in for the next several weeks.  We'll take it with us and use it up in Hawaii. We always transfer our fish and crab using a suitcase and eat it in Hawaii. It works out really well. On Saturday, we went to a lovely restaurant in Stanley Park called The Teahouse and had brunch with our Canadian friends and friends from Hawaii. Alexa, one of Jake's classmates from the University of Hawaii, is getting her PhD at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. We wanted Alexa and her mother to see how beautiful the Park is and to let them know we're nearby if she needs us. Coming from Hawaii to Vancouver is a huge change, and she might need some support. When we arrived home, Steve's brother showed up, and they went fishing early Sunday morning.  Even though they didn't catch anything but crab, It's great that they can go out and fish together. They can fish in Canadian Waters or American Waters, depending upon the catch limit.  Our location is perfect for both. Our neighbors had their annual "Eggs Benedict with Crab Feast" on Sunday, and I provided a pot of zucchini bisque. It was delicious! It's incredible what cream does for any food item, right? Best of all, it works for keto. Speaking of diet, I think I mentioned that I'm experiencing a plateau now and then. After researching, I discovered that I might need to increase the GIP and Glucagon Receptor functions.  Both play essential roles in regulating metabolism, appetite, and blood sugar levels in the body.  Of course, adopting lifestyle and dietary habits that support optimal metabolic health is essential. Apparently, it is possible to promote the function of these receptors naturally.  Since GIP is released in response to carbohydrate and fat intake, consuming balanced meals with only complex carbohydrates and healthy fats stimulates GIP production. Proteins also contribute to GIP release. Lean meats, fish, eggs and dairy enhances GIP activity, supporting insulin secretion and appetite regulation.  Physical activity, particularly after meals, can improve the sensitivity of GIP receptors.  I'm considering doing yoga after my main meal since exercise helps regulate glucose metabolism, making GIP's role in enhancing insulin secretion more effective.  Glucagon levels also impact metabolism. Periods of fasting can naturally enhance glucagon activity because glucagon levels rise when blood sugar drops during fasting.  Ultimately, it stimulates the liver to release stored glucose and increases fat breakdown for energy. The keto diet can improve glucagon function and help maintain stable blood sugar levels. High-intensity interval training workouts can boost glucagon release because of the rapid energy demand. These workouts help improve the overall metabolic flexibility of glucagon, promoting better blood sugar control and fat metabolism. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise supports receptor function, but losing weight requires that these hormones are working, and they are sensitive. Surprisingly, poor sleep and high stress can deregulate hormones involved in appetite and metabolism, including GIP and glucagon. I do everything suggested above, but I still face plateaus and must figure it out. I also discovered that fasting might help, and I'll discuss that more next week.