In times past, when car engines were much simpler, it was relatively easy to tune the timing and air-fuel mixture. This was necessary to obtain optimum performance and fuel economy.
Likewise, the human body requires fine-tuning of innumerable factors for optimal performance.
This is described by the word homeostasis, defined as the state of balance among all the body systems needed for the body to survive and function correctly.
Blood sugar is necessary for energising almost all cells in the body. Too much for too long is called diabetes. Too little can result in confusion, unconsciousness and death.
Blood pressure is maintained within narrow tolerances. Too little results in dizziness and fainting; too much can result in a stroke or heart failure.
Too little thyroid hormone results in weight gain, fatigue, lethargy and feeling cold. Too much results in excessive weight loss, sweating, irregular heartbeat and irritability.
These are just a few examples of countless factors in our body that need to be carefully controlled for optimal health. Most are intricately designed to function automatically, but our behaviours influence others.
What about body mass (weight) maintenance? What control mechanisms ensure ideal weight?
Ghrelin (the hunger hormone) is increased when blood sugars are low. However, they can also be stimulated during times of stress and by ingesting sugary foods, drinks, and refined carbohydrates. These increase our appetite artificially.
Leptin is the satiety hormone produced by fat cells. The more fat in these cells, the higher the leptin blood levels. However, the majority of obese people have leptin insensitivity (similar to insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes).
Laboratory research shows this is caused by inflammation of the hypothalamus in the brain, commonly induced by excess dietary saturated fat. The main sources are animal fats and palm oil (found in almost all processed foods).
Dietary fibre encourages our intestinal micro-organisms to manufacture short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).
These stimulate the production of leptin and also the short-term appetite suppressants PYY and GLP-1 by cells that line our colon.
These are potent appetite suppressants. (Expensive GLP-1 agonists are now prescribed for diabetes and obesity control). A fibre-deficient diet reduces the production of these hormones.
Natural body mass homeostasis is best achieved by eating a diet rich in plant-derived fibre and low in saturated fats and highly processed carbohydrates.
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