Fuel Source (05:58)

FREE PREVIEW

Food is the fuel that powers the human body. Glucose is a sugar that allows cells to create energy. The digestive system extracts glucose from food.

Cooking (03:04)

In the gut, starches break down into glucose, which is necessary for strenuous activities like running. Cooking releases about 80% more energy than raw food.

Digestion (04:38)

There are six steps in digestion. The gut extracts glucose and it enters the bloodstream. Insulin carries the glucose and then it is burned in a chemical process.

Glucose Reserves (02:12)

For many marathon runners, the body’s natural reserves run out at mile 20. Getting sugar into the bloodstream quickly can revive overworked cells.

Fasting (07:05)

The human body evolved to handle periods of food scarcity, which most people do not face anymore. Fasting is a part of many religious practices. Fasting gives the digestive system a break and some research says it has health benefits.

Brain and Digestion (03:27)

The smell of food triggers an enzyme to start producing saliva. The stomach sends a signal to the brain when it is full or empty. The chemicals for hunger are the same as those for anger and rage.

Gut Bacteria (07:16)

The microbiome is the bacteria living in the gut that breaks down food and absorbs nutrients. About 80% of the body's immune cells are in the mucus membrane around the gut. Allergic reactions occur when the immune system sees food as toxic.

Gut Health (05:00)

The microbiome contains microbes that contribute to good gut health. The rise in allergies could be tied to increased exposure to different substances.

Gut Microbiome Changes (08:49)

Environmental factors, like pollution, impact gut health. The microbiome can be restored through diet.

Healthy Gut Bacteria (04:28)

Plant fiber is essential for a healthy microbiome because it feeds gut bacteria. It helps prevent diseases and dispel waste.

Credits: Fuel - Human: The World Within (00:30)

Credits: Fuel - Human: The World Within