Weighting for a solution

The solution for excess weight isn’t as easy as we’d like it to be. So many people think that all you need to do is buckle down and eat right, eat less and exercise more and then you’ll lose all the weight you want. Tell that to the millions of people worldwide that do all that, and more, and still can’t lose weight. That is because there are a multitude of reasons why weight loss can be so difficult.

There are at least 6 endocrine (hormone-producing) glands in the body that if not functioning up to par can interfere with proper weight proportions. Most realize the role the thyroid and the pancreas (think diabetes and other blood sugar control problems) have in weight management, but that is generally where it stops. This is because unless there is a tumor, glandular failure, or other serious glandular disease, the other glands are simply ignored. The adrenals, liver, pituitary and hypothalamus are important. The difficulty lies in identifying a sub-functional gland that isn’t in serious trouble yet, but contributing to a little too much adipose tissue.

Hormones are a big deal when it comes to healthy weight. Sex hormones, cortisol (tells the body to store more fat), and even your “happy hormones” are important. “Happy” hormones because without them you lack the motivation to exercise or even enjoy life. Other hormones come into play as well.

Another system seriously neglected in weight management protocols is the digestive system. If the digestive system is incompetently digesting or allowing for proper absorption of nutrients such as fat, minerals, protein, carbohydrates/sugars, then it stands to reason that weight will become an issue. It is ridiculously common to be over weight, but under nourished. Quite often I see individuals struggling to lose weight that are deficient in fats. They look down at their bulging middles and look back up at me with surprise on their faces. What?!? Yes, it is true that fat deficiency can contribute to weight gain.

Of course, nutrition is vital to a healthy body from all perspectives. While it seems like some people can get away with eating enormous amounts of sugar and other junk foods and still sport a slender body, most can’t. It doesn’t seem fair, but some can’t have even a piece of candy without showing a pound of weight gain the next day. While not eating sugar is important in a good eating lifestyle, what you don’t eat is also important.

Some foods are wonderful for helping to lose weight. Vegetables in any form is undeniable, the greener, the better. Fruit, meats, carbohydrates, and dairy products are all controversial and span the scale from avoid them to include them. There are some simple rules that make sense of all of that, but too detailed to mention here. If you would like to learn more about these foods, and the systems involved in weight loss, attend our upcoming health class, 5 Key Obstacles to Eliminating Excess Weight, 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 26 at Vital Health in Coeur d’Alene. Fee: $10. RSVP: (208) 765-1994.

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Holly Carling is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist and Master Herbologist with nearly four decades of experience. Carling is a “Health Detective,” she looks beyond your symptom picture and investigates WHY you are experiencing your symptoms in the first place. Carling is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health care services and whole food nutritional supplements in her Coeur d’Alene clinic. Visit Carling’s website at www.vitalhealthcda.com to learn more about Carling, view a list of upcoming health classes and read other informative articles. Carling can be reached at (208) 765-1994 and would be happy to answer any questions regarding this topic.