How many times did you try to lose weight without any results? Too often? Well, maybe it is all a matter of your hormones.
Have you ever heard of leptin?
It is a hormone that literally ‘prevents’ weight loss. Its main function is to regulate energy levels and weight. It crosses the barrier between blood and brain, and attaches to receptors in the appetite center of the brain. Then, it sends signals to the brain regarding the amount of food your body needs.
Leptin stimulates the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, and stimulates fatty tissues to spend energy. However, sometimes the body builds up resistance to this hormone.
This occurs when leptin cannot reach its targets and fails to control appetite. Sometimes the receptors cannot send signals to cells. This is what happens with overweight people.
High leptin levels make the person less sensitive to it, and the brain cannot follow the signals it receives, which results in poor metabolism and compulsive eating.
The following symptoms indicate a potential leptin resistance:
- Weight gain
- Uncontrollable cravings
- Stress eating
- Late night eating
- Hypertension
- Insomnia
- Inability to lose excess weight
- Sugar cravings
- High number of triglycerides
- Anxiety
- Poor motivation
- Frequent snacking after meals
- Fatigue after meals
Here is what you should stop eating to reverse insulin resistance:
- Fats
- Sugar
- Carbs
- High fructose corn syrup
Eat more organic and whole foods. Avoid grain carbs. Include more saturated and monounsaturated fats, like that contained in coconut oil, avocados, nuts, butter and animal fats. Consider using krill oil and other animal-based omega-3 fats.
Cut off the intake of processed foods. Eat more soluble fiber and protein, and less carbs.
Physical activity is of utmost importance. It restores the natural balance in the body, and reverses leptin resistance.
Your leptin issues may be a result of sleep deprivation. Get some descent sleep. Check your leptin levels regularly, and treat your issues on time. Use natural ways to restore your hormonal balance.
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