The term carbohydrate intolerance loosely describes the condition that eventually leads to the serious lifestyle diseases we see in the so-called developed world: Diabetes 2, heart failure, digestive problems and other conditions. It stems from an inability to fully digest certain types of carbohydrates (sugars and starches) such as lactose (milk sugar – the most common intolerance) and table sugar.
Phil Maffetone developed a simple test where you remove all common sources of carbohydrate intolerance for two weeks, note down your results and then reintroduce them one by one to allow you to identify which carbohydrates cause you problems.
In our experience, bread and other wheat products can be linked to some of the symptoms of carbohydrate intolerance such as stomach cramps during, before or after exercise. Removing refined sugar such as sucrose (table sugar) is a common strategy for CE athletes and most report less fluctuations in their energy levels, overall better sense of well-being and less inflammation after exercise.
For more on carbohydrate intolerance read here or learn about in in Phil Maffetone’s excellent book “”The Big Book of Health and Fitness”.
René
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