Food: More Than Just Fuel
- S A
- Nov 17, 2024
- 16 min read
Updated: Apr 5
For decades, we’ve been conditioned to see food primarily as fuel, counting calories and macronutrients to manage energy intake. But the truth is, food plays a far richer role in our bodies than simply providing fuel. Each nutrient serves specific purposes, from building tissues to regulating hormones, influencing our immune responses, and even impacting our mental health. Let’s break down the essential components of our diet and understand how each goes beyond mere fuel to shape our health and vitality.
Carbohydrates: Quick Energy and More
Carbohydrates are often thought of as the body’s primary energy source, providing quick and easily accessible fuel for our cells, especially for the brain and muscles. However, their role extends beyond that.
Types and Functions: Carbohydrates are divided into simple and complex forms, affecting how quickly they release energy. Simple carbs (like sugar) offer quick bursts of energy, while complex carbs (found in foods like whole grains and vegetables) provide sustained energy. Fiber, a complex carbohydrate, is essential for gut health, feeding beneficial gut bacteria that help regulate digestion, mood, and immunity.
Impact on Brain Health: Glucose, derived from carbs, is a critical energy source for the brain. Insufficient glucose can lead to poor concentration, irritability, and fatigue. However, the quality of carbs matters—whole grains and fiber-rich options promote stable blood sugar levels, supporting mental clarity and reducing mood swings.
Hormonal Influence: Carbs, especially those with fiber, help regulate insulin—a hormone that plays a key role in energy storage and blood sugar balance. Balanced blood sugar can reduce the risk of metabolic disorders like Type 2 diabetes.
The Role of Short-Chain Fatty Acids: Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are produced when beneficial gut bacteria ferment dietary fiber, primarily non-digestible carbohydrates. This process occurs in the colon, where the fiber is broken down by bacteria into SCFAs like acetate, propionate, and butyrate. These SCFAs provide energy for colon cells and contribute to gut health by supporting the intestinal barrier, regulating immune function, and influencing metabolic processes. High-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains are key to promoting this beneficial fermentation. These fatty acids play a crucial role in various physiological processes, including:
Gut Health:
Microbial Balance: SCFAs, primarily produced by fermenting dietary fiber, feed beneficial gut bacteria and suppress the growth of harmful microbes, promoting a balanced microbiome.
Mucosal Integrity: Butyrate strengthens the intestinal barrier by enhancing tight junction proteins and stimulating mucin production, reducing the risk of leaky gut and systemic inflammation.
Immune Function:
Regulation of T-cell Activity: SCFAs, particularly butyrate, enhance the differentiation of regulatory T-cells (Tregs), which are crucial for maintaining immune tolerance and preventing excessive immune reactions. This reduces chronic inflammation and supports autoimmune disease prevention.
Inhibition of Inflammatory Cytokines: SCFAs inhibit nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), a protein complex that drives the production of inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6.
Energy Metabolism:
Caloric Contribution: SCFAs provide approximately 10% of the daily energy needs by directly supplying energy to colon cells and entering systemic circulation as a fuel source.
Lipid Metabolism: SCFAs influence lipid storage and breakdown by regulating enzymes and transcription factors like AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK).
Hormone Regulation:
Insulin Sensitivity: SCFAs activate G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), such as GPR41 and GPR43, which are expressed on pancreatic β-cells. Activation of these receptors promotes insulin secretion and improves glucose metabolism.
Leptin Secretion: SCFAs influence adipose tissue, stimulating the release of leptin. By interacting with hypothalamic receptors, leptin regulates appetite and energy expenditure.
Gut-Brain Axis: SCFAs also affect gut hormones like GLP-1 and PYY, which communicate with the brain to regulate satiety and insulin levels, forming a connection between gut microbiota, metabolism, and brain function.
How Carbohydrates Actually Work in Your Body
When you eat carbohydrates — whether from fruit, bread, rice, or vegetables — they’re all broken down into the same basic molecule: glucose.
As soon as blood glucose starts to rise, your gut releases special signaling molecules called GIP and GLP-1. These messengers travel to your pancreas and tell it to release insulin.
Insulin then acts like a delivery coordinator: it opens the doors on muscle cells, brain cells, and fat cells so they’re ready to take up the incoming glucose and use it for energy or store it.
At the same time, your pancreas releases two other signals — somatostatin and amylin — that travel to your brain to say, “Food has arrived.” The stronger and longer these signals stay elevated, the clearer the message your brain receives: “You’ve had enough.”
This elegant system is how your body turns a simple carb into a full metabolic conversation — not just fuel, but a set of instructions that affect hunger, energy, and fat storage.
At Svavida, we focus on the quality and timing of these signals — choosing the right carbs, eaten in the right context — so they deliver steady energy and genuine fullness instead of cravings and crashes.
Proteins: Building Blocks for Life
Proteins are the primary structural and functional molecules in our bodies, involved in building tissues, regulating processes, and enabling communication between cells. They consist of long chains of amino acids, each with unique roles, and many of these amino acids are essential, meaning our bodies can’t produce them, so we must get them from food. Let’s explore some of the crucial categories of proteins:
Structural Role: Proteins play a critical structural role in the body by providing the building blocks needed for the growth, maintenance, and repair of tissues. They help build muscles, skin, bones, and organs, making them crucial for everyone, not just athletes. Regular protein intake supports the preservation of lean muscle mass, which is vital for overall strength and mobility. Additionally, protein helps maintain bone density, contributing to bone strength and preventing conditions like osteoporosis. Cell regeneration, crucial for healing and recovery, also relies heavily on protein.
Enzymes: Enzymes are specialised proteins that speed up chemical reactions necessary for life. These reactions involve digestion, energy production, and even DNA replication. Without enzymes, essential processes would occur too slowly to sustain life.
Certain amino acids, including serine, histidine, arginine, and asparagine, are fundamental for building and maintaining enzymes. These amino acids provide stability and flexibility to enzyme structures, allowing them to perform their specific functions effectively. Here are some examples of key Enzymes and their functions
Amylase: Found in saliva and pancreatic secretions, amylase breaks down carbohydrates into simpler sugars. The amino acids histidine, asparagine, and glutamine are critical in forming the active sites of amylase.
Lipase: Responsible for breaking down fats, lipase is crucial for fat digestion and absorption. It requires amino acids like serine and aspartic acid for its catalytic action.
Pepsin: An enzyme found in the stomach, pepsin breaks down proteins into smaller peptides, facilitating their digestion. The amino acids tyrosine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan are essential for its structure and activity.
DNA Polymerase: Vital for DNA replication and repair, DNA polymerase is essential for cell division and maintaining genetic integrity. Amino acids like lysine, arginine, and glutamic acid play key roles in its function.
Hormones: Hormones are another class of proteins (or derivatives of proteins) that act as chemical messengers, coordinating various physiological activities throughout the body. They regulate growth, metabolism, mood, and many other vital functions. Hormones can be classified based on their structure as protein-based, steroid-based, or amine-based. Protein-based hormones rely on amino acids to form and function.
Specific amino acids like tyrosine, tryptophan, phenylalanine, valine, and leucine are foundational for creating many protein-based hormones. For example, tyrosine is essential for synthesizing thyroid hormones and adrenaline, while tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that influences mood and sleep. Here are some examples of key hormones and their functions
Insulin: A peptide hormone produced by the pancreas, insulin regulates blood sugar levels by facilitating glucose uptake in cells. Leucine, isoleucine, and tyrosine are important for insulin synthesis.
Growth Hormone (GH): Secreted by the pituitary gland, GH promotes cell growth and regeneration. Amino acids like valine, arginine, and glutamine are necessary for its production.
Thyroxine (T4): Produced by the thyroid gland, thyroxine is essential for regulating metabolism. Tyrosine is a key amino acid in its synthesis, while iodine is required for its activation.
Adrenaline (Epinephrine): This hormone, derived from the amino acid tyrosine, is produced by the adrenal glands and plays a significant role in the body’s “fight-or-flight” response, affecting heart rate, blood flow, and energy availability.
Immune Support: Antibodies, the body’s defense agents against pathogens, are proteins. A diet rich in quality proteins helps maintain a strong immune response, aiding in quicker recovery from illnesses and supporting overall resilience.
The Neurotransmitter Connection: Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals between nerve cells. The production of neurotransmitters is influenced by various factors, including diet. Certain nutrients, such as tryptophan, tyrosine, and choline, are essential for the synthesis of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and acetylcholine.
Tryptophan: This amino acid is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood regulation, sleep, and appetite.
Tyrosine: This amino acid is a precursor to dopamine and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters involved in reward, motivation, and attention.
Choline: This nutrient is essential for the synthesis of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory.
Proteins, with their diverse roles as enzymes and hormones, showcase the dynamic functions they serve in the body. From digesting nutrients to coordinating complex bodily processes, they are essential for maintaining health and balance. By ensuring a diet rich in high-quality protein sources, we can support the synthesis of these vital proteins, enzymes, and hormones, ultimately contributing to our overall wellbeing.
Image Credit: Freepik - brgfx
Fats: Energy, Hormones, and Cell Structure
Fats have been misunderstood for years as something to be minimised, yet they are essential for numerous bodily functions and far more than just stored energy.
Energy Reserve and Absorption of Vitamins: Fats provide a dense source of energy and are particularly important when carbohydrate intake is low. They also facilitate the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), which are critical for vision, bone health, cellular repair, and antioxidant functions.
Cell Structure and Brain Health: Fats, especially omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, are vital components of cell membranes, maintaining their flexibility and integrity. The brain is approximately 60% fat, and omega-3s, in particular, are linked to improved cognitive function and reduced risk of depression and neurodegenerative diseases.
Hormonal Balance: Hormones are critical for coordinating various physiological processes, from metabolism and growth to stress response and reproductive health. Many of these hormones are lipid-based, meaning that they require fats to be synthesized and function effectively. Cholesterol, in particular, is a type of fat that serves as a precursor for several major hormones, including:
Estrogen and Progesterone: These are primary sex hormones in females, and they are derived from cholesterol. They regulate menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and other reproductive functions. A healthy balance of dietary fats, especially monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, is essential for producing and maintaining these hormones at optimal levels.
Testosterone: This is a key hormone in both males and females, crucial for muscle growth, bone density, and libido. Testosterone is also synthesized from cholesterol, with saturated fats playing a supportive role in its production. Studies have shown that diets low in healthy fats can reduce testosterone levels, potentially impacting energy, mood, and overall health.
Cortisol: Known as the “stress hormone,” cortisol is produced in response to physical or psychological stress. It regulates blood pressure, blood sugar, and immune function. Cortisol is also derived from cholesterol, demonstrating how essential fats are in supporting our body’s ability to manage and respond to stress.
Vitamin D: Though often classified as a vitamin, vitamin D functions as a hormone in the body, impacting calcium absorption, immune function, and mood regulation. It’s synthesized from cholesterol when our skin is exposed to sunlight, highlighting the importance of both fats and lifestyle factors in hormone health.
Types of Fats and Hormone Balance
Saturated Fats: Found in animal products like meat, eggs, and dairy, as well as certain plant oils (such as coconut oil), saturated fats support the production of testosterone and other steroid hormones. While moderate consumption can be beneficial for hormone health, an excessive intake should be balanced with other types of fats for overall cardiovascular health.
Monounsaturated Fats: Sources like olive oil, avocados, and nuts provide monounsaturated fats, which have been shown to support reproductive hormones and reduce inflammation, promoting overall hormone balance.
Polyunsaturated Fats (Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids): These essential fatty acids, found in sources like fish, flaxseed, and walnuts, are vital for brain health and inflammation regulation. Omega-3s, in particular, help balance cortisol levels, aiding in stress management and overall hormonal equilibrium.
A diet with balanced sources of fats contributes to optimal hormone production and regulation, supporting physical, mental, and reproductive health. By including a variety of healthy fats in our diets, we can help support the body's complex hormonal systems, ensuring they function at their best.
How Fats (and Proteins) Actually Work in Your Body
Proteins and fats are also potent signalling nutrients.
When they’re broken down in the gut, their “messages” trigger the release of two powerful hormones: cholecystokinin (CCK) and peptide YY (PYY).
CCK acts fast — it tells the pancreas to release digestive enzymes (lipases and proteases) to break down the fats and proteins now sitting in your small intestine. At the same time, it signals the gallbladder to release bile, which emulsifies fats so they can be properly absorbed.
Both CCK and PYY are talkative messengers. They slow gastric emptying so food stays in your stomach longer, and they travel to the brain to clearly say, “You’ve had enough.” PYY is especially potent at reducing appetite, while CCK works alongside the endocannabinoid system — influencing not only satiety but also mood and pain perception.
Together, these signals turn a simple meal of chicken wings or salmon into a full metabolic conversation that supports digestion and genuine satiety.
At Svavida, we focus on the quality and timing of these signals — choosing the right fats and proteins, eaten in the right context — so they deliver steady fullness, efficient digestion, and lasting energy instead of cravings or sluggishness.
Micronutrients: The Body’s Subtle Powerhouses
Micronutrients, which include vitamins and minerals, may be required in small amounts, but their impact on our health is vast. They don’t provide energy directly but enable the body to utilise macronutrients effectively and maintain cellular functions.
Antioxidant Support and Immunity: Vitamins like C and E act as antioxidants, protecting cells from oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are linked to chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. Micronutrients such as zinc and selenium support immune function, aiding in the production and activity of immune cells.
Bone and Muscle Health: Calcium and vitamin D are essential for bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Magnesium plays a role in muscle function and relaxation, and potassium helps maintain heart health and muscle function.
Nervous System and Mental Health: B vitamins are involved in nerve function and brain health, supporting neurotransmitter production and energy metabolism. Deficiencies in B vitamins can lead to issues like fatigue, mood disorders, and cognitive decline.
Metabolic Regulation: Micronutrients like chromium, manganese, and iodine play roles in metabolic pathways, influencing insulin sensitivity, thyroid function, and energy production. This is crucial in maintaining stable blood sugar and supporting weight management.
Image Credit: Freepik
Vitamins: Essential for Vital Functions
Vitamins are organic compounds that our bodies require in small amounts to function optimally. Each vitamin has unique roles, influencing everything from cellular repair to brain health.
Water-Soluble Vitamins (B-Complex and Vitamin C): These vitamins dissolve in water and are easily absorbed by the body, but they aren’t stored for long, requiring regular intake.
B-Complex Vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12): These vitamins collectively support energy production, brain function, and the synthesis of red blood cells. They also play critical roles in mood regulation and mental health. For instance, B6 and B12 are essential for producing neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.
Vitamin C: Known for its immune-boosting properties, vitamin C is also a potent antioxidant that supports skin health, aids in collagen synthesis, and enhances iron absorption.
Fat-Soluble Vitamins (A, D, E, K): These vitamins are stored in the body’s fatty tissues and the liver, making them available for longer periods.
Vitamin A: Vital for vision, immune function, and skin health, vitamin A is also an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage.
Vitamin D: This “sunshine vitamin” is essential for calcium absorption, bone health, and immune function. It also plays a role in mood regulation and can impact mental health.
Vitamin E: Another powerful antioxidant, vitamin E supports skin health, helps maintain cell integrity, and strengthens immune response.
Vitamin K: Primarily involved in blood clotting, vitamin K also contributes to bone health by assisting in calcium regulation.
Minerals: Building Blocks and Regulators
Minerals are inorganic elements critical for a range of physiological processes. They’re generally categorised into macrominerals (needed in larger amounts) and trace minerals (needed in smaller amounts).
Macrominerals (Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium):
Calcium: Essential for bone health and muscle function, calcium also supports nerve transmission and blood clotting.
Magnesium: Known as the “relaxation mineral,” magnesium plays a role in muscle function, nerve health, and energy production. It’s also critical for heart health and reducing inflammation.
Potassium and Sodium: These minerals work together to regulate fluid balance, blood pressure, and nerve function.
Trace Minerals (Iron, Zinc, Iodine, Selenium):
Iron: Essential for red blood cell formation and oxygen transport, iron deficiency can lead to anemia, fatigue, and decreased cognitive function.
Zinc: Vital for immune health, wound healing, and DNA synthesis, zinc also influences taste and smell perception.
Iodine: Necessary for thyroid hormone production, which regulates metabolism, iodine deficiency can lead to thyroid disorders.
Selenium: A powerful antioxidant, selenium supports thyroid health, immune function, and protects cells from damage.
None of these nutrients provide “fuel.” Which means that the “food as fuel” story totally ignores them.
Phytochemicals: The Hidden Superpowers in Every Bite
While we often focus on macros and vitamins, plants contain thousands of bioactive compounds called phytochemicals (also known as phytonutrients). These are the pigments, flavors, and protective chemicals that give fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices their vibrant colors and unique tastes.
Far more than just “antioxidants,” phytochemicals act as powerful signaling molecules in the body. They:
Modulate inflammation and support immune balance
Feed beneficial gut bacteria and strengthen the intestinal barrier
Influence gene expression and help regulate metabolism
Support detoxification pathways in the liver
Common examples include polyphenols in berries and dark chocolate, carotenoids in carrots and tomatoes, and glucosinolates in broccoli and kale. Research shows these compounds work synergistically — which is why eating a wide variety of colorful plants delivers far greater benefits than any single isolated nutrient.
Image Credit: UCDAVIS
At Svavida, we call this “eating the rainbow” for a reason: those phytochemicals are the secret sauce that turns food from simple fuel into true metabolic medicine.
Here are some other phytochemicals and their benefits.
Food | Phytochemical | Possible benefit |
Soy (beans, milk, tofu, natto) | Isoflavones (genistein and daidzein) | Reduces blood pressure and increases vessel dilation |
Red/purple foods (such as colorful berries, red/purple grapes, purple cabbage) | Anthocyanins | Improves vision, inhibits nitric oxide production, induces apoptosis, decreases platelet aggregation, and has neuroprotective effects |
Grapes & grape products (red wine, grape juice & extracts); cocoa | Proanthocyanidins and flavan-3-ols | Inhibits LDL oxidation, cellular oxygenases, and proinflammatory responses in the arterial wall |
Garlic, onions, leeks, olives, scallions | Sulfides, thiols | Decreases LDL cholesterol |
Colorful fruits and vegetables (such as yellow squash, tomatoes & tomato products, leafy greens, watermelon) | Carotenoids such as lycopene, beta-carotenes | Neutralizes free radicals that cause cell damage |
Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables (such as kale, cabbage and cauliflower) | Isothiocyanates (sulforaphane) | Neutralizes free radicals that cause cell damage; protects against some cancers; helps balance some hormones |
Just like the micronutrients, phytochemicals don’t provide “fuel”. Which means that the “food as fuel” story totally ignores them too.
Zoochemicals: The Powerful Compounds Hiding in Animal Foods
Just as plants contain thousands of phytochemicals, animal foods contain their own unique family of bioactive compounds called zoochemicals. These are the signaling molecules naturally present in meat, fish, eggs, organ meats, bone broth, and dairy.
Far more than just “protein and fat,” zoochemicals play critical roles in human metabolism. They:
Support mitochondrial energy production and muscle function
Help regulate inflammation and oxidative stress
Provide building blocks for brain health, hormones, and detoxification
Enhance nutrient absorption and gut barrier integrity
Key examples include creatine and carnosine (in red meat), taurine (in seafood and organ meats), conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in grass-fed dairy, and the long-chain omega-3s EPA and DHA in fatty fish. These compounds work synergistically with the animal proteins and fats they come with — which is why whole animal foods deliver benefits that isolated supplements often can’t match.
At Svavida, we balance both worlds: the vibrant phytochemicals from plants and the targeted zoochemicals from quality animal foods. Together they create true metabolic medicine.
Food | Zoochemical | Possible benefit |
Cold water fatty fish & fish oil (salmon, tuna, herring, mackerel, trout) | EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) | Reduces inflammation & blood clotting; protects against heart disease; may reduce the risk of irregular heartbeat, type 2 diabetes, cancer, & Alzheimer’s disease |
Cold water fatty fish, fortified milk and eggs, grass-fed animals, fish oil | DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) | Reduces disorders such as schizophrenia, depression and attention deficit; vital for brain and eye development; may ease discomfort from rheumatoid arthritis |
Meat and dairy products (especially grass-fed versions) | CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) | Suppresses cancer cell development; may help reduce risk of heart disease; boosts immune system; builds lean muscles; reduces body fat |
Egg yolks | Lutein & zeaxanthin | Protects against macular degeneration and cataracts; shields the eyes from harmful blue light; improves eye health |
Beef, pork, herring, salmon, tuna | Creatine | Replenishes ATP to provide cellular energy and support; benefits muscle, brain, bone and liver health |
Beef, poultry, pork, milk, eggs | Carnosine | Antioxidant that scavenges alpha-beta unsaturated aldehydes formed from peroxidation of cell membranes; opposes glycation; inhibits diabetic nephropathy |
Food as Medicine: The Synergistic Role of Nutrients in Health
When we look at food only as a source of calories, we miss the intricate ways in which nutrients interact to support bodily functions. Carbs, proteins, fats, and micronutrients each have unique functions, but they also work synergistically. For example, certain fats help absorb vitamins, proteins rely on B vitamins for synthesis, and carbs impact insulin, which in turn influences protein and fat storage. This synergy is why whole, unprocessed foods are often more beneficial than isolated supplements—real foods provide the complex nutrient interactions our bodies need.
Moreover, the timing and combination of macronutrients affect how our body uses food. Eating protein-rich foods requires more energy to digest, contributing to a higher calorie burn. Carbohydrates paired with fiber release glucose gradually, promoting steady energy. Such nuances highlight the need to view food holistically.
Conclusion: Food Is More Than Fuel — It’s a Story
At Svavida, we’ve spent years studying the precise signals your body sends when you eat — the glucose messages, the GIP and GLP-1 waves, the CCK and PYY conversations that shape hunger, energy, and metabolism.
We love the science. We measure it, map it through the 4 Gates, and turn it into practical protocols that actually work.
But we also know food is never just science.
Sharing a meal is one of the oldest human rituals we have. It’s how we build connection, pass down culture, and tell each other who we are. Every plate carries two stories at once: the biochemical story your body hears, and the personal story you choose to live.
The way you eat, what you choose, where you sit, and who you share it with — all of it sends powerful messages about your values, your past, your hopes, and your future.
That’s why at Svavida we don’t see ourselves as just nutritionists or metabolic coaches. We’re Metabolic Architects. We start with the science of how food talks to your body, and we end with the deeper question of how you want food to feel in your life. We help you rewrite your food story — from one of restriction, confusion, or guilt into one of clarity, joy, energy, and freedom.
So take a quiet moment and ask yourself:
What is food for you right now? Fuel? Information? Comfort? Shame? Self-esteem?
And then the more important question:
What do you want food to be?
Your answer is the starting point of your Metabolic Flow journey. Sarat Adari | Metabolic Health Architect™
📢 A Note on "Living Science"
Science is not a static destination; it is a moving target. While the principles discussed here are grounded in decades of metabolic research, new peer-reviewed data emerges every day, and I am committed to accuracy.
If you are a researcher, clinician, or dedicated student of physiology and you find a piece of data here that does not align with the latest high-quality evidence, please reach out. I welcome civil, evidence-based corrections. My goal is to keep this resource as the most accurate "No-Nonsense" guide to Metabolic Health on the internet. Let’s get better together.
*Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, the content is not intended to replace professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding your health, medical conditions, or treatment options.
The author is not responsible for any health consequences that may result from following the information provided. Any lifestyle, dietary, or medical decisions should be made in consultation with a licensed medical professional.
If you have a medical emergency, please contact a healthcare provider or call emergency services immediately.
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