2.Glucagon

CATEGORY:

•Hormone

DEFINITION:

•Catabolic Fat Burning Hormone

•Opposite hormone to Insulin that is activated when Blood Sugar levels are too LOW...between meals and during exercise

FUNCTION:

•Raises Blood Sugar levels

ACTIONS:

•Stimulates Liver to release Glycogen (by converting to Glucose) and Fatty Acids for energy into the blood

-Aids in breaking down of Adipose Tissue

•Prevents Liver from storing Glucose

•Prevents synthesis of Glucose in Liver from ingested Protein (Amino Acids) and Fats

•Catabolises muscles to release Glucose in to bloodstream...Muscle burns calories (stored as Fat or Glucose/Glycogen) 24/7, so when in Starvation Mode muscle is a luxury inhibiting storage of Fat and conservation of calories

•Increases hepatic synthesis of glucose from Pyruvate, Lactate, Glycerol, and Amino Acids (Gluconeogenesis, which raises Blood Sugar level)

-Increases breakdown of Adipose Tissues Triglyceride, raising the plasma (blood) levels of fatty acids and glycerol

FACTS:

•Glucagon acts very quickly...common side-effects include headache and nausea

•More pronounced than Epinephrine on Liver Glycogen Stores (Metabolic rather than Cardiovascular)...Epinephrine more pronounced on Muscle & Fat Stores

MANIPULATION:

•Maintain even Blood Sugar levels

-Induce low Blood Sugar levels for Fat Oxidation

DIETING:

•Protein also stimulates the release of Glucagon

•Maintain even level of Glucagon & Insulin

RELATED TO:

•Insulin

•Amino Acids

•Blood Sugar

•Glucose & Glycogen

NOTES:

•Could be reason it is good to exercise moderately (due to catabolic Cortisol keep it LIT) on empty stomach...Fat burning without catabolising muscle due to low intensity demands placed on muscles

•Add protein to training snack