The body’s energy system can be confusing, especially when transitioning to a low-carb, animal-based diet like No Plant GAPS. Many people wonder: Where does my body get glucose if I’m not eating carbs? What happens to glycogen? What are all these complicated processes like gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis? Let’s break it all down step by step.
What is Glucose?
Glucose is a simple sugar (monosaccharide) that serves as the body’s primary energy source, particularly for the brain and muscles. On a standard diet, glucose mainly comes from carbohydrate-containing foods like bread, fruit, and sugar. But on a No Plant GAPS diet, where carb intake is nearly zero, the body has to produce glucose in other ways.
The Different Types of Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates include different types of sugars and starches, which can be classified as:
| Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Monosaccharides | Single sugar molecules | Glucose, Fructose, Galactose |
| Disaccharides | Two sugar molecules linked together | Sucrose (table sugar), Lactose (milk sugar), Maltose |
| Polysaccharides | Long chains of sugar molecules | Starch (from plants), Glycogen (stored glucose in the body) |
Since the No Plant GAPS diet eliminates plant-based carbohydrates, the body must find other ways to maintain blood sugar levels and energy production.
What is Glycogen?
Glycogen is the storage form of glucose, found in the liver and muscles. When the body needs energy and isn’t getting glucose from food, it breaks down glycogen into glucose through glycogenolysis.
Key Differences Between Glucose and Glycogen
| Feature | Glucose | Glycogen |
| What it is | A simple sugar (monosaccharide) | A stored form of glucose (polysaccharide) |
| Function | Provides instant energy | Stores excess glucose for later use |
| Where it’s found | Circulates in the bloodstream | Stored in the liver and muscles |
| How the body uses it | Directly used for energy via glycolysis | Broken down into glucose via glycogenolysis when needed |
| How it’s made | Absorbed from food or produced via gluconeogenesis | Formed when extra glucose is converted into glycogen via glycogenesis |
The Two Ways the Body Gets Glucose Without Carbs
When carbs aren’t available, the body relies on two main processes to maintain blood sugar levels:
1. Glycogenolysis (Breaking Down Stored Glycogen)
- What happens? The liver and muscles break down stored glycogen into glucose.
- When does it happen? When the body needs quick energy, like during fasting, exercise, or in the early stages of No Plant GAPS.
- What happens when glycogen runs out? The body shifts to gluconeogenesis.
2. Gluconeogenesis (Making New Glucose from Protein & Fat)
- What happens? The body creates glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, such as:
- Protein (amino acids from meat)
- Fat (glycerol from triglycerides)
- Lactate (from muscle metabolism)
- When does it happen? When glycogen stores are depleted, especially on a long-term No Plant GAPS diet.
Key Differences Between Glycogenolysis & Gluconeogenesis
| Process | What It Does | Where the Glucose Comes From | When It Happens |
| Glycogenolysis | Breaks down stored glycogen into glucose | Stored glycogen in the liver and muscles | When the body needs quick energy (fasting, exercise) |
| Gluconeogenesis | Makes new glucose from non-carbohydrate sources | Protein (amino acids), Fat (glycerol), Lactate | When glycogen stores are low or empty (like on a No Plant GAPS diet) |
What About Ketosis?
On a long-term No Plant GAPS diet, the body shifts to using fat as its primary fuel source instead of glucose. This process, called ketosis, reduces the need for glucose and gluconeogenesis over time.
How the Body’s Fuel Use Changes Over Time on Carnivore
- Early stages (first few days) → The body uses glycogenolysis to break down stored glycogen.
- After glycogen runs out → The body switches to gluconeogenesis to create glucose from protein and fat.
- Long-term adaptation → The body burns more fat (ketones) for fuel, reducing the need for glucose.
If you’re on a No Plant GAPS diet and worried about where your glucose is coming from, rest assured that your body has built-in mechanisms to handle it. Initially, glycogenolysis helps provide glucose, but once glycogen stores run out, gluconeogenesis kicks in to make new glucose as needed. Over time, your body adapts to running primarily on fat, making glucose less essential for daily energy needs.
Simple Analogy:
- Glycogenolysis = Using money from your savings account (stored glycogen).
- Gluconeogenesis = Earning money from a side hustle (making new glucose from protein/fat).
- Ketosis = Switching to a whole new economy (burning fat instead of glucose).
Understanding these processes makes it easier to navigate the No Plant GAPS diet without fear of glucose deficiencies. Your body is incredibly adaptable—it knows exactly what to do!
The protocol for the No Plant GAPS diet is outlined comprehensively in the book “Gut and Physiology Syndrome” by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride, the creator of this approach. Further information on the protocol can also be found here.