My take on the implications is that there is probably no damage to the cells when carbohydrate levels are below a certain level; and that the critical level is whatever level we were accustomed to consuming as we evolved – i.e. lower than the modern diet. It may simply be that in order to train for extended periods every day it is necessary for humans to consume more carbohydrate than is good for the appetite regulating cells. The theory goes that our ancestors did not need to exercise that regularly because their food acquisition activity generally went in short intense bursts separated by periods of rest. Perhaps when training, athletes do not notice the damage to their appetite regulating cells because the effects are disguised by their very active lifestyle.

So my thinking is that this could be another factor contributing to retired athletes putting on a lot of weight….

If Andrews does find a connection between degenerative conditions like Parkinson’s disease and high carb diets then it could trigger the kind of seismic change in dietary behaviour that arguably will take eons to occur when the stakes are not as high….

I find the carb-brain connection fascinating. Or rather, the excess carb-brain connection.

For example, Dr. Eades says:

“One of the ways to provide fuel for the brain is to consume sugar–it provides a quick boost in short-term energy but at a long-term cost. People whose diet contains a large amount of sugar or foods that are rapidly turned into sugar frequently have blood sugar problems and also much, much higher rates of memory loss and other degenerative brain disorders, including Alzheimer’s…”

I’ve also read that neurons, like other cells, can become insulin resistant. Supposedly, neurons involved in memory, complex thinking and *drum roll* appetite control contain insulin receptors.