Tag: Carbohydrate depletion

The human body typically stores about 400 grams of glycogen, the stored form of carbohydrates, in the muscles and liver. When these glycogen reserves are exhausted, a cascade of metabolic changes is triggered, impacting everything from energy levels to brain function.

According to a 2017 study, the initial 'depletion' phase was once considered a necessary step in a classic carb-loading strategy. Carbohydrate depletion is the process of intentionally lowering the body's stored glycogen levels, often through a combination of diet and intense exercise, to achieve a specific physiological response.

According to research published in *The Journal of Physiology*, the ability of muscle to exercise is seriously compromised when the glycogen store is reduced to low levels, even with other fuel sources available. This sudden drop in energy is a key indicator for those wondering **how to tell if you're carb depleted**.