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Ok. I've decided to do a couple personal experiments and I was hoping I could get some input. My goal is to get a better understanding of how my body reacts to various foods. I have two ideas to achieve this. Measure body temp and glucose levels throughout the day and in relation to foods, activity, etc...

I need:

  • Glucose Meter

After poking through some threads on PaleoHacks, it seems the Accu Check Aviva is a favorite. It also seems like sourcing these online is the best route. I attempted to buy one a while back but got confused by all the options and accessories. So I ask, what do I absolutely NEED to take and track readings?

  • Thermometer

Not overly sure what types or brands are most accurate. Is orally the best? or inner ear? Any suggestions are appreciated.

As far as implementation, I want to make sure I am taking into account all the necessary variables. As far as blood sugar, I am planning on measuring first thing in the morning, before a meal, and every 30 min after for 2 hrs. Are there any other important times to be aware of? And I'm assuming measuring body temps at the same time will be sufficient? Or does anyone have any better suggestions?

Thanks for all the help

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2 Answers

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What do you expect to gain from measuring body temp? Your body temp is what it is.

The glucometer is much more important. You will need to test different foods separately rather than test after a meal to see what each type of food does to your blood glucose. Isolate each food. Pretty soon you will know how your body handles different kinds of carbs..such as one slice of "healthy whole grain" bread, a yam or sweet potato, etc.

Dr Davis has stated that he wants the post eating blood glucose to be no higher than 120 over the next two hours if you begin with a fasting BG of around 100. If much higher, your pancreas are not secreting enough insulin for effective control....the definition of diabetes.

I once thought I would buy a glucometer, but didn't because I am in ketosis or on the edge most of the time because of my VLC diet. Less than 5% carbs. Fasting BG at 75. Meat & fat eaters don't have the potential for diabetes as do carboholics.

Good luck with your n=1.

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@Dexter - Re the body temp: it stemmed from this post and Matt Stone's comments re starch and raising body temp paleohacks.com/questions/8557/… – Todd Apr 8 2011 at 23:13
If you think you are hypothyroid, the correct way to measure temp is under the armpit when first waking but do not get up for 10 min while taking the temp. – Dexter Apr 9 2011 at 0:22
Matt Stone is not well thought of in the paleosphere...this is just one by Dr. Harris archevore.com/panu-weblog/2010/2/5/… – Dexter Apr 9 2011 at 0:27
1 
 I'm aware, but this does not mean everything he says should be instantly scrap-heaped. Could you touch on the armpit temp / hypo a little more? Thanks (i.e. how to take, what to look for) – Todd May 2 2011 at 16:37
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Don't use a digital thermometer (oral or inner-ear). They are convenient BUT unreliable. Get one of these babies or something similar: Killer Thermometer

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Sweet, thanks for the link – Todd Apr 8 2011 at 21:16

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