NTA Functional Nutrition & Metabolic Health Flashcards

A client reports shakiness, irritability, and intense cravings 2-3 hours after a breakfast of juice and a bagel. What is the most appropriate first dietary recommendation?

Answer: Pair carbohydrates with quality protein and fat at every meal

Adding protein and fat slows gastric emptying and glucose absorption, flattening the blood sugar spike and crash.

Which pancreatic hormone and cell type raise blood glucose between meals by stimulating liver glycogenolysis?

Answer: Glucagon from alpha cells

Glucagon, secreted by pancreatic alpha cells, signals the liver to break down glycogen and release glucose.

Which lab pattern most often signals early insulin resistance before fasting glucose becomes elevated?

Answer: Normal fasting glucose with elevated fasting insulin

The pancreas compensates by overproducing insulin, keeping glucose normal while fasting insulin climbs.

Which trace mineral is classically associated with enhancing insulin receptor sensitivity and glucose uptake?

Answer: Chromium

Chromium potentiates insulin action and has historically been linked to glucose tolerance.

How does chronic psychological stress most directly contribute to elevated blood glucose?

Answer: Cortisol stimulates hepatic gluconeogenesis and reduces insulin sensitivity

Cortisol drives the liver to make new glucose and blunts insulin's effect on tissues.

A client without a gallbladder reports greasy stools and bloating after fatty meals. Which support best addresses the root issue?

Answer: Supporting bile flow or supplementing bile salts with meals

Without gallbladder storage, bile release is less concentrated, so bile support aids fat emulsification and absorption.

Which fatty acid is the direct precursor to series 2 (largely pro-inflammatory) prostaglandins?

Answer: Arachidonic acid

Arachidonic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, is converted into series 2 prostaglandins that promote inflammation.