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Dietary Substrate Programming

Meaning

Dietary substrate programming is the clinical practice of intentionally manipulating the macronutrient composition, food type, and timing of meals to influence specific metabolic and hormonal pathways within the body. This strategy moves beyond simple caloric restriction to use food as a precise signaling agent that can dictate cellular fuel utilization, optimize insulin sensitivity, and modulate inflammatory responses. Effective programming aims to establish metabolic flexibility and support the long-term health of the endocrine system. It represents a highly personalized approach to nutritional intervention.