subject: Weight Loss- What's Involved? [print this page] A holistic Approach to weight loss involves looking at the factors that affect how we eat:
Appetite and Metabolism
A slim body is achieved by building muscle and reducing fat. This is the job of the metabolism. Metabolic processes include, converting food into energy, eliminating waste products and storing glucose (as glycogen) in the muscles for later use. When we require more 'fuel' for energy, we feel hungry. The metabolism is communicating chemically with the brain to send signals of hunger when appropriate or to make us feel full when we are satisfied.
Hormones
The way the gut communicates with the brain is by hormones. An example is Insulin which is involved in blood sugar levels and when sugar is stored in fat or used for energy. Some forms of illness like insulin resistance and diabetes can lead to weight gain. Other hormones tell us when we are hungry, or regulate mealtimes, some are produced by fats and proteins to give a sense of fullness. Perhaps where the attraction to fatty foods comes from. Stress hormones can also make us crave high-sugars, as the body goes into crisis mode.
Neurotransmitters and the Brain
The brain is constantly trying to achieve balance. It does this by releasing neurotransmitter chemicals that effect how we feel. Associated feelings of pleasure may drive us to do certain things. For instance, if we are stressed, the relief from indulging in comfort eating may bring about calmness. Of course, this is usually only for a short while. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter associated with feelings, calm, and happiness. When we eat high-sugar foods, and carbohydrates, a pre-cursor of serotonin is released in the brain which gives a boost of pleasurable feelings. This is short-lived, as a dip will follow in sugar-levels that can lead to low mood and depression. The result can be a dependency, on sugar. This is how addiction works.
Gut Inflammation and digestion
Inflammation in the gut can cause digestive problems, illness and malabsorption of nutrients. If the gut is not functioning properly, then the body is not able to absorb the most from foods or eliminate the waste products. The result can be a sluggish metabolism that leads to weight gain
Exercise
By toning the muscles, sugars can be stored in the body in the form of glycogen, which is stored mostly in muscle. This means less available sugars to be stored in fat tissue, and can help weight-loss. Of course, exercise itself burns calories, and increases circulation, metabolism and detoxification which are all useful when losing weight, not to mention the multitude of health benefits.
Detoxification
The digestive system and tissues can literally become clogged by waste products and toxins. By eliminating toxins, we help the body to cleanse itself and to absorb more nutrients from food. We eliminate from our kidneys (via urination), bowels, skin and lungs, so any additional effort to detox while losing weight can be beneficial. Try drinking detoxing teas like dandelion, dry skin brushing to remove dead skin, or increasing fibre to improve bowels regularity.
Copyright (c) 2010 William McKenna
by: William McKenna
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