By David Hawkins
Obesity has been implicated in numerous health conditions from high
blood pressure, heart disease, gallbladder disease, respiratory conditions,
kidney disease, diabetes, and structural stress due to more pressure
on the back, legs, and internal organs. Other factors that can contribute
to obesity are glandular malfunctions (adrenals, pancreatic, thyroid),
hypoglycemia, food allergies, emotional tension, boredom, and the
love of food.
The most common causes of obesity are poor diet, poor eating habits,
and lack of exercise. Sluggish metabolism, chemical toxicity, and
impaired thermogenesis (the ability of the body to produce heat) are
the results of dietary imbalances and organ malfunctions.
Traditionally, there are three basics when approaching weight loss
management through nutritional supplements. First is reducing water
retention by using nutrients and herbs that work as diuretics. When
we don’t get enough water, the body tends to retain it. Second
is the use of lipotropic supplements, which have the ability to reduce
fat and cholesterol; and third is the use of natural appetite suppressants.
Recently, establishing glandular balance has been added.
The following guidelines have been determined to be helpful:
• Pay more attention to the type of calories than the number
of calories. Do they come from digestible fat, protein or carbohydrate?
• Eat more complex carbohydrates (tofu, beans, seeds, whole
grains). Poultry and fish provide adequate protein and improve metabolism.
• Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. Incorporate a balance
between raw and cooked foods. Vegetarians have fewer problems with
obesity.
• Drink six to eight glasses of clean water daily. Diuretic
herbal teas can help eliminate water weight. Teas of red raspberry,
alfalfa and oatstraw taste good, too. Drinking drink too much water
with meals, though, can weaken the digestive process.
• Watch fat grams in the foods you select. Eat digestible oils
like extra virgin olive oil, canola, sesame and flax. Remember, the
liver has to metabolize fats.
• Restrict white flour products and refined sweets like soda,
pastries, pies, cakes, etc. Artificial sweeteners may increase weight
gain by increasing appetite and slowing down digestion.
• Eat more fiber. It creates fullness, decreases hunger, and
regulates blood sugar.
It’s a fallacy that skipping regular meals will help lose weight
quicker. Skipping meals only intensifies hunger and slows metabolism
down. Make lunch the main meal, not dinner. This helps burn off what
is eaten. At meal times put less on the plate, chew food slowly, and
stop when feeling full. The body needs food to maintain thermogenesis,
the heat generated by the breakdown of food. Like a wood fire, it
must be fed or the fire goes out. Keep your metabolic fire burning.
Exercise needs to be factored into weight loss. Without exercise,
weight loss comes from burning of lean tissue and water loss. With
exercise, weight loss comes from burning of fat. walking regularly
is a good solution.
Some essential nutrients that can aid weight loss :
• Chromium Picolinate -- Helps maintain better sugar balance
and reduces cravings. It helps the pancreas and liver conversion of
fat to energy.
• Essential Fatty Acids -- Flax seed, evening primrose and/or
salmon oil help liver functions and cellular energy. They work with
hormonal balance also.
• Kelp -- Contains trace mineral important for proper thyroid
function.
• Spirulina -- This is a good source of protein and helps to
stabilize blood sugar.
• Digestive Enzymes -- Aid the breakdown of foods, like protein,
fat, dairy, fiber, etc.
• Phenylalanine -- Has shown benefits with appetite suppression
but one must use with caution with blood pressure problems..
• Garcinia Cambodia -- Contains a substance called HCA (Hydroxycitric
Acid). It helps suppress hunger and keeps the body from turning carbohydrate
calories into fat.
Numerous products on the market work to increase thermogenesis. These
products contain ephedra/ma huang (ephedrine), kola nut (caffeine),
guarana (caffeine) and a mix of other herbs that act as diuretics
and laxatives. They can be helpful but must be used with guidance
due to problems associated with heart palpitations, elevated blood
pressure and overworking of the adrenals. Consult with a holistic
practitioner, use common sense and do some research on your own.
David Hawkins is owner of Mother Earth Foods and has been a practicing
herbalist for over 20 years. He is the president of the West Virginia
Herb Association and is available as a lecturer and for private consultations
at Integrative Holistic Health Services. You can send comments and
questions to David Hawkins, 1638 19th St., Parkersburg, WV. 26101
or email www.motherearthworks.com
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