Ep. 112: The Problems with Resistant Starch and Balancing the Calcium to Phosphorus Ratio (Q&A)
Apr 9, 2024
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Dig into the controversial role of resistant starch with insights on how it may affect blood sugar and gut health. Explore whether the benefits of resistant starch hold up against personal digestive experiences. Discover the delicate balance of calcium to phosphorus, its vital impact on bone health, and the pervasive myths surrounding calcium intake. Plus, find out why excess phosphorus from certain diets could be harmful. This lively discussion will challenge your dietary assumptions and empower you with practical tips!
Resistant starch can negatively impact gut health for some individuals, particularly those with existing gut issues, leading to discomfort and bloating.
Maintaining a balanced calcium to phosphorus ratio is essential for preventing bone loss and mitigating health risks associated with excessive phosphorus intake.
Deep dives
Concerns About Resistant Starches
Resistant starches are often promoted for their benefits on blood sugar regulation and gut health, but they come with potential drawbacks. When starch is resistant to digestion, it passes undigested to the gut microbiome, which could be harmful if the microbiome is not healthy, leading to the feeding of pathogenic bacteria. While some individuals may benefit from including resistant starch in their diet, particularly those with healthy gut function, others might experience bloating or digestive discomfort when consuming these starches, especially when they are raw or cooled. It is advised that individuals assess their own responses to these starches, as those with gut issues should be cautious and possibly limit resistant starch intake.
Optimal Calcium to Phosphorus Ratios
Maintaining an appropriate calcium to phosphorus ratio is crucial for overall health and metabolism. A 1:1 ratio is ideal, as excessive phosphorus intake can lead to elevated parathyroid hormone levels, promoting bone degradation and potential calcification in soft tissues like arteries. This relationship emphasizes the need for adequate calcium intake to prevent bone loss and mitigate health risks associated with high phosphorus levels. Both dietary sources and supplements should be monitored to maintain this ratio, particularly considering the effects of the types of phosphorus sources consumed.
Impact of Parathyroid Hormone Levels
Parathyroid hormone plays a significant role in regulating calcium and phosphorus levels in the body, and its effects can be detrimental when calcium intake is insufficient. Low levels of dietary calcium can cause the body to draw from bone reserves, increasing parathyroid hormone levels, which are linked to cardiovascular and kidney issues. Managing parathyroid hormone effectively requires a balanced approach, where both calcium and other nutrients like vitamin D and magnesium are optimized. A focus on nutrient-dense foods that reinforce bone and vascular health, alongside supplementation when necessary, can help mitigate the risks associated with parathyroid hormone imbalances.
Individual Factors in Starch Digestion
Digestive tolerance to starches varies significantly among individuals, influenced by genetic factors and gut health. For example, the number of amylase gene copies a person has can affect how well they digest starches, with those having fewer copies potentially struggling with metabolic issues. This underscores the importance of a personalized approach to carbohydrate consumption, particularly starches, where some may tolerate high-glycemic options better than resistant forms. Understanding individual responses to various starches can guide dietary choices, allowing for the incorporation of beneficial carbohydrate sources while minimizing discomfort and digestive issues.
Click here to check out the show notes: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/ep-112-the-problems-with-resistant-starch-and-balancing-the-calcium-to-phosphorus-ratio-qa
Timestamps:
0:00 – intro
1:00 – mainstream health claims about resistant starch and why we disagree
6:15 – whether there are any benefits to including resistant starch in your diet
11:07 – how to tell if resistant starch is negatively impacting your gut health and how to avoid it
16:05 – which starches are easiest to digest and the factors that affect our ability to digest starches optimally
21:38 – why we should pay attention to our calcium to phosphorus ratio and the risks of high parathyroid hormone levels
26:19 – the optimal calcium to phosphorus ratio and the calcium paradox in terms of regulating blood pressure
31:21 – which phosphorus-containing foods we should avoid to optimize bone density
34:36 – the calcium paradox and why consuming calcium doesn’t increase intracellular calcium
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