143: Individualized Nutrition For All + Glycogen Storage Disease

In this episode, I sit down with recurring guest and lead nutrition success coach at Rise Up Nutrition Jenna Stranzl. This is a continuation of Episode 140: My Newborn’s Medical Condition + Life Updates, where I shared about my baby son, Levi, and his life threatening medical condition, Glycogen Storage Disease (GSD). Jenna and I discuss the condition more, the different types of GSD, genetic causes and prevalence. Fortunately, this is an incredibly rare genetic disorder, and while it is currently incurable, research into gene therapy holds promise. We dive into the science of glucose metabolism and blood sugar, explaining Levi’s inability to use his body’s fuel stores. I share about GSD’s life-threatening consequences and how we manage Levi’s condition daily with tube feeding, special formulas, and constant blood sugar control. 

GSD can be managed with medical nutrition therapy, highlighting the importance of individualized nutrition tailored to a person’s unique needs, regardless of their health status. I speak to the challenges and fears of raising kids with medical conditions and allergies, reminding listeners that life is always full of different risks and responsibilities. Jenna and I emphasize our gratitude for healthy functioning bodies and the ability to eat a diverse and unrestricted diet. We talk about food eliminations and diet culture, health anxiety, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs),  the consequences of misinterpreting health data, and more. If you are caught in a pattern of restriction or struggling with food fears, reach out because Rise Up Nutrition is here to help! 

Listen to my earlier episode on Levi and GSD here: 140: My Newborn’s Medical Condition + Life Updates

I mention the wonderful support I’ve received from the Glycogen Storage Disease Facebook community; please share this group with anyone who might need help too! https://www.facebook.com/groups/36159145432/ 

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Follow Jenna on Instagram @_jennalee @glycojennalysis and me, your host Lindsey Cortes, on Instagram @female.athlete.nutrition 

Need help with your fueling? Want to get in touch with Lindsey? Interested in the Female Athlete System of Transformation? 

Head to www.RiseUpNutritionRUN.com to learn more & book a call!

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In this episode we talk about:

5:00 Glycogen Storage Disease (GSD) first impressions 

7:30 What is GSD, different types and its prevalence; Diagnosis delays and medical system frustrations

14:10 Warning signs and the science of GSD: glycogen, metabolism, and blood sugar

17:00 Levi’s fueling dilemma and sugar intolerance 

24:50 Enzyme and gene therapy for GSD: the search for a cure

27:30 Feeding Levi and managing his condition day-to-day

36:40 The importance of individualized nutrition; Raising kids with medical conditions or allergies 

44:45 Gratitude for health, and the ability to have food freedom and diet diversity

51:40 Health anxiety and diet culture myths/ fears

56:00 Blood sugar and continuous glucose monitors (CGM) for different populations; The dangers of data misinterpretation 

59:15 Your path as a healthy female athlete