| The Five Keys to Weight Loss |
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According to the Centers for Disease Control an estimated 65 percent of U.S. adults are either overweight or obese and
17 percent of children and adolescents ages 2-19 years are overweight. Obesity is no longer a silent epidemic. Each year
over 300,000 people in the U.S die of obesity related issues. At the rate we are going 30% of all children today will
eventually develop diabetes. People with diabetes are more than twice as likely to die prematurely as those without the
disease. Unfortunately, diabetes is not the only disease attributed to obesity. According to the New England Journal of
Medicine 40% of cancers are related to poor diet and lack of exercise. Being overweight or obese increases your risk of
hypertension, dyslipidemia (for example, high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides), type 2 diabetes, coronary heart
disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, respiratory problems, and some cancers such as endometrial,
breast, and colon.
These are frightening statistics, but unfortunately they are true. Most weight loss programs focus on cutting calories or
deprivation. When the body feels deprived cravings will occur. In order to lose weight and keep it off its not about will power,
its more a matter of making a few lifestyle changes. Getting the proper nutrients, regulating blood sugar levels, balancing
hormone levels and reducing stress and toxins is the key to losing weight and keeping it off.
Key #1:
Proper Nutrition - Because of our fast paced lives many Americans resort to convenience foods, which are high in fats, flavor,
and appeal but low in health benefits and nutrients. Unfortunately, when we eat foods, which are high in calories but void of
nutrients our bodies begin to crave more food. Its not that our bodies need more food, they just need the nutrients which are
required for them to perform their physiological functions.
Solution: Eat a well balanced diet consisting of whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Avoid sugar, white flour, and any
processed or refined foods. Drink at least 8/8oz glasses of water each day. Eat organic when possible to avoid chemical
pesticides. If you are unable to incorporate all of your nutrition into your diet consider supplementing with vitamins/minerals,
which derive from a natural source.
Key #2:
Regulating Blood Sugar – When you eat a diet, which is high in sugar and simple carbohydrates they enter the blood stream
quickly and create a rapid rise in blood sugar or glucose. The body responds to the increase in blood sugar by secreting
insulin, which helps direct the sugar into the cells where they can be converted to energy or to fat. When insulin is secreted
quickly it removes too much sugar from the bloodstream and the low blood sugar creates a condition call hypoglycemia. To
counter balance the symptoms associated with hypoglycemia people often eat more sugar, which initiates the process once
again. This behavior causes a roller coaster affect and eventually the insulin is unable to get glucose into the cell. This
condition is referred to as insulin resistance. When this condition occurs large amounts of glucose and insulin remain in the
blood stream, which may eventually lead to chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Also, people who have
become insulin resistant find it much more difficult to lose weight.
Solution: Consider a natural supplement combination, which includes Chromium. Chromium is a natural element, which is
essential for metabolizing protein, carbohydrates, and fat. A deficiency of chromium in our diet can make it much more difficult
to lose weight. Herbal sources of chromium include catnip, horsetail, licorice, nettle, oat straw, red clover, sarsaparilla, wild yam,
and yarrow. The herb Gymnema sylvestre helps to regulate blood sugar levels, which are elevated and/or fluctuating.
However, it is contraindicated for persons with hyperinsulinema.
Key #3
Balancing Hormones – Whether you are male or female, too much estrogen can have severe consequences on your health.
Estrogen and Progesterone are naturally occurring hormones in our bodies and under normal conditions they seek to
balance out with each other. Xenoestrogens are manmade steroids, which mimic natural estrogen and are much stronger than
natural estrogen. Because we are constantly exposed to xenoestrogens from our environment, the amount of estrogen we
have often exceeds the amount of progesterone. When this occurs the condition is called “Estrogen Dominance”. If this
problem is not corrected it can lead to numerous health concerns such as breast cancer (in both men and women), prostate
issues, endometriosis, obesity, and other forms of cancer.
Solution: A natural progesterone cream may be indicated.
Key #4
Thyroid imbalance – The thyroid controls many functions in the body to include our metabolism. If the thyroid is not
functioning properly you may find it extremely difficult if not impossible to lose weight. Each individual’s thyroid levels vary.
Quite a number of people experience symptoms, which coincide with thyroid deficiency despite normal lab results. A
deficiency of iodine was the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the past. However, we now have access to many
sources of iodine from our diets, which normally include iodized salt. Research is now indicating that thyroid deficiencies are
more often related to an excess of estrogen.
Solution: An herbal combination of Kelp, Black walnut, and Irish moss can supply a rich source of iodine. Also, because
the thyroid is often affected by high levels of estrogen a natural progesterone cream may help balance out the thyroid by
helping to balance related hormones.
Key #5
Stress - All of us are exposed to a number of different stressors each day. Each time we are exposed to a stressful situation
our bodies engage by sending chemical messages activating our fight or flight responses. This causes the adrenal glands to
release adrenaline and noradrenaline into the blood stream along with the hormone Cortisol. Cortisol aids in the conversion
of glucose and fat into energy. Because we rarely respond physically to these stressful situations the blood sugar remains in
the blood stream and insulin is released converting this glucose into fat. So each time we are exposed to stress our body
goes through this cycle. If you are having a difficult time losing weight, just consider how much stress you may be encountering
each day.
Solution: An amino acid hydroxytryptophan or HTP assists your body in the production of serotonin. Serotonin
affects many different functions such as sleep, blood pressure, body temperature, and pain. Therefore, HTP may help
increase serotonin levels. Consider herbs, which are adaptagens such as Valerian, Passion Flower, Kava Kava, and
Eleuthero.
Additional Thoughts
Each person is unique and there are no generic formulas, which will suit everyone. However, if you are overweight and finding
it extremely difficult to lose weight consider some of these keys, which were mentioned above. Also consider emotional issues,
which may be affecting your eating habits. Some people use food as an emotional buffer instead of addressing certain
painful issues. Exercise is also highly recommended. Moderate exercise is not only crucial in weight loss but it is essential to
good health. And finally, become inspired to find things in your life that make you happy. As the saying goes, “Laughter is
the best medicine”.
Reference:
Haas, Elson. MD (1992). Staying Healthy with Nutrition. California: Celestial Arts
James, K. (2005) Transform Your Health. Transform Your Shape
Lee, John R. MD (2002) What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Breast Cancer. New York: Warner Books, Inc.
Tierra, M. (1998) The Way of Herbs. New York: Pocket Books.
Ritchason, Jack. N.D. (1995) The Little Herb Encyclopedia. Utah: Woodland Health Books
© Natalie Vickery, CFH (2006)
17 percent of children and adolescents ages 2-19 years are overweight. Obesity is no longer a silent epidemic. Each year
over 300,000 people in the U.S die of obesity related issues. At the rate we are going 30% of all children today will
eventually develop diabetes. People with diabetes are more than twice as likely to die prematurely as those without the
disease. Unfortunately, diabetes is not the only disease attributed to obesity. According to the New England Journal of
Medicine 40% of cancers are related to poor diet and lack of exercise. Being overweight or obese increases your risk of
hypertension, dyslipidemia (for example, high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides), type 2 diabetes, coronary heart
disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, respiratory problems, and some cancers such as endometrial,
breast, and colon.
These are frightening statistics, but unfortunately they are true. Most weight loss programs focus on cutting calories or
deprivation. When the body feels deprived cravings will occur. In order to lose weight and keep it off its not about will power,
its more a matter of making a few lifestyle changes. Getting the proper nutrients, regulating blood sugar levels, balancing
hormone levels and reducing stress and toxins is the key to losing weight and keeping it off.
Key #1:
Proper Nutrition - Because of our fast paced lives many Americans resort to convenience foods, which are high in fats, flavor,
and appeal but low in health benefits and nutrients. Unfortunately, when we eat foods, which are high in calories but void of
nutrients our bodies begin to crave more food. Its not that our bodies need more food, they just need the nutrients which are
required for them to perform their physiological functions.
Solution: Eat a well balanced diet consisting of whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Avoid sugar, white flour, and any
processed or refined foods. Drink at least 8/8oz glasses of water each day. Eat organic when possible to avoid chemical
pesticides. If you are unable to incorporate all of your nutrition into your diet consider supplementing with vitamins/minerals,
which derive from a natural source.
Key #2:
Regulating Blood Sugar – When you eat a diet, which is high in sugar and simple carbohydrates they enter the blood stream
quickly and create a rapid rise in blood sugar or glucose. The body responds to the increase in blood sugar by secreting
insulin, which helps direct the sugar into the cells where they can be converted to energy or to fat. When insulin is secreted
quickly it removes too much sugar from the bloodstream and the low blood sugar creates a condition call hypoglycemia. To
counter balance the symptoms associated with hypoglycemia people often eat more sugar, which initiates the process once
again. This behavior causes a roller coaster affect and eventually the insulin is unable to get glucose into the cell. This
condition is referred to as insulin resistance. When this condition occurs large amounts of glucose and insulin remain in the
blood stream, which may eventually lead to chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Also, people who have
become insulin resistant find it much more difficult to lose weight.
Solution: Consider a natural supplement combination, which includes Chromium. Chromium is a natural element, which is
essential for metabolizing protein, carbohydrates, and fat. A deficiency of chromium in our diet can make it much more difficult
to lose weight. Herbal sources of chromium include catnip, horsetail, licorice, nettle, oat straw, red clover, sarsaparilla, wild yam,
and yarrow. The herb Gymnema sylvestre helps to regulate blood sugar levels, which are elevated and/or fluctuating.
However, it is contraindicated for persons with hyperinsulinema.
Key #3
Balancing Hormones – Whether you are male or female, too much estrogen can have severe consequences on your health.
Estrogen and Progesterone are naturally occurring hormones in our bodies and under normal conditions they seek to
balance out with each other. Xenoestrogens are manmade steroids, which mimic natural estrogen and are much stronger than
natural estrogen. Because we are constantly exposed to xenoestrogens from our environment, the amount of estrogen we
have often exceeds the amount of progesterone. When this occurs the condition is called “Estrogen Dominance”. If this
problem is not corrected it can lead to numerous health concerns such as breast cancer (in both men and women), prostate
issues, endometriosis, obesity, and other forms of cancer.
Solution: A natural progesterone cream may be indicated.
Key #4
Thyroid imbalance – The thyroid controls many functions in the body to include our metabolism. If the thyroid is not
functioning properly you may find it extremely difficult if not impossible to lose weight. Each individual’s thyroid levels vary.
Quite a number of people experience symptoms, which coincide with thyroid deficiency despite normal lab results. A
deficiency of iodine was the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the past. However, we now have access to many
sources of iodine from our diets, which normally include iodized salt. Research is now indicating that thyroid deficiencies are
more often related to an excess of estrogen.
Solution: An herbal combination of Kelp, Black walnut, and Irish moss can supply a rich source of iodine. Also, because
the thyroid is often affected by high levels of estrogen a natural progesterone cream may help balance out the thyroid by
helping to balance related hormones.
Key #5
Stress - All of us are exposed to a number of different stressors each day. Each time we are exposed to a stressful situation
our bodies engage by sending chemical messages activating our fight or flight responses. This causes the adrenal glands to
release adrenaline and noradrenaline into the blood stream along with the hormone Cortisol. Cortisol aids in the conversion
of glucose and fat into energy. Because we rarely respond physically to these stressful situations the blood sugar remains in
the blood stream and insulin is released converting this glucose into fat. So each time we are exposed to stress our body
goes through this cycle. If you are having a difficult time losing weight, just consider how much stress you may be encountering
each day.
Solution: An amino acid hydroxytryptophan or HTP assists your body in the production of serotonin. Serotonin
affects many different functions such as sleep, blood pressure, body temperature, and pain. Therefore, HTP may help
increase serotonin levels. Consider herbs, which are adaptagens such as Valerian, Passion Flower, Kava Kava, and
Eleuthero.
Additional Thoughts
- Moderation is very important to establishing eating habits, which will not only help you lose weight, but will also help
you maintain the desired weight.
- Instead of eating two or three big meals per day, try eating small meals every two or three hours. This helps keep
blood sugar from fluctuating, is easier on the digestive system, and keeps you satiated so you are less likely to over eat
when you do eat.
- Stop eating three hours before you go to sleep. Food will not digest as well while we sleep and you are more apt to
wake up feeling full and sluggish.
- Avoid “Diets” that you find much too difficult to follow. This is a recipe for failure. A well balanced diet with lots of
whole grains, fruits, and vegetables is a more reasonable approach to losing weight.
- Try not to let your emotions dictate when and what you eat.
- Drink a beverage, preferably water, before or after your meal, but never during your meal other than a few sips to help
dissolve the food. Liquids dilute your digestive juices and make it more difficult to break down food.
Each person is unique and there are no generic formulas, which will suit everyone. However, if you are overweight and finding
it extremely difficult to lose weight consider some of these keys, which were mentioned above. Also consider emotional issues,
which may be affecting your eating habits. Some people use food as an emotional buffer instead of addressing certain
painful issues. Exercise is also highly recommended. Moderate exercise is not only crucial in weight loss but it is essential to
good health. And finally, become inspired to find things in your life that make you happy. As the saying goes, “Laughter is
the best medicine”.
Reference:
Haas, Elson. MD (1992). Staying Healthy with Nutrition. California: Celestial Arts
James, K. (2005) Transform Your Health. Transform Your Shape
Lee, John R. MD (2002) What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Breast Cancer. New York: Warner Books, Inc.
Tierra, M. (1998) The Way of Herbs. New York: Pocket Books.
Ritchason, Jack. N.D. (1995) The Little Herb Encyclopedia. Utah: Woodland Health Books
© Natalie Vickery, CFH (2006)
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