Weight Management
Lesson 20, Page 4 of 4

Special Health Challenges

Frequently we run into people who seem to be doing everything right but who are never-the-less overweight. Despite their best efforts they have been unable to lose more than a few pounds and can never seem to keep the weight off. In these cases we find that there is usually an unrecognized condition that may be making it nearly impossible for them to lose weight and keep it off. The health challenges that are most likely to result in this type of situation are underactive thyroid, yeast overgrowth (candidiasis), food allergies, and cravings due to special nutritional needs.

Underactive Thyroid

An underactive thyroid, which can result from starvation dieting, will lead to a low metabolic rate making it nearly impossible for you to maintain your ideal weight. It can also result in low energy, low blood pressure and you may find it difficult to keep warm. A medical diagnosis may be indicated to determine the extent of the problem, but unless the condition is severe, medical tests can easily misdiagnose it. Overweight individuals with an underactive thyroid often find that they have more energy and can lose weight and keep it off easier when their underactive thyroid is properly addressed through nutrition and lifestyle changes. For more information see Underactive Thyroid.

The newest weapon in the battle of the "bulge" is a safe metabolite of DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) known as 7-Keto. It is produced naturally by the adrenal glands but its production declines remarkably with age. 7-Keto stimulates the thyroid, which controls thermogenesis, or the body's ability to burn fat. Clinical studies have shown that 7-Keto boosts the body's production of T3 thyroid hormone, the hormone that has the greatest effect on the body's metabolic rate. (When doctors check thyroid function they check for the T4 thyroid hormone.) T3 helps the body lower its fat storage set point, which governs the body's efforts to maintain our ideal weight. 7-Keto also helps prevent muscle atrophy and boosts immune function. (For more information on this promising supplement, "Click here.")

Yeast Overgrowth

A small amount of yeast (Candida albicans) is normally found in the intestinal tract. Certain things, such as the use of antibiotics, birth control pills or too much sugar in the diet, can result in an overgrowth of yeast producing a myriad of seemingly unrelated health problems. These may include muscle or joint pains, urinary problems, poor resistance to sickness, and an inability to maintain your desired weight. Overweight individuals with an overgrowth of yeast often find it easier to reach and maintain their ideal weight when their yeast problem is properly addressed through nutrition and lifestyle changes. For more information see Candida Control.

Food Allergies

Food allergies can result in digestive disturbances such as gas, belching or bloating after meals. You may also feel lethargic, sleepy, or low in energy, especially after eating. Food allergies are commonly associated with a yeast overgrowth although this is not always the case. Food allergies often make it difficult to maintain your ideal weight. Overweight individuals with food allergies often find it easier to reach and maintain their ideal weight when their food allergies are properly addressed through nutrition and lifestyle changes. For more information see Food Allergies and Unexplained Weight Gain.

Cravings Due to Special Nutritional Needs

If you experience abnormal cravings for sweets or processed foods, you might consider supplementing your diet with l-glutamine and GTF chromium, as part of a complete nutritional program. L-glutamine supplies the body with an important neurotransmitter of the brain that some people are deficient in. This deficiency, which may be genetic, can result in abnormal cravings, particularly for sweets or alcohol (but not necessarily for both). GTF chromium helps the body to better regulate blood sugar levels which can also help reduce cravings for sweets. If, on the other hand, you crave high-fat foods or fried foods more than sweets or alcohol, consider supplementing your diet with Flax Seed Oil instead. This should also be done as part of a complete nutritional program.

Scientists have recently rediscovered an exciting herb that may offer new hope for those who suffer from cravings and excess humger. Used for centuries by the San tribesmen of the Kalahari Desert to reduce hunger, Hoodia gordonii was first studied by the South African national laboratory in a study of indigenous foods. When researchers fed this succulent plant to animals, the animals began to lose weight. After years of study, scientists now theorize that Hoodia appears to affect the brains of laboratory animals by making the stomach feel full and reducing the desire to eat. Nature�s Sunshine has combined Hoodia gordonii with other natural ingredients that may help in your weight-management efforts. See: Nature's Hoodia Formula.

Conclusion

Obesity is an epidemic in the United States, with one in five Americans currently considered obese. The typical American "junk food" diet, consisting of high-fat and highly refined foods - such as most bakery goods and foods with added sugar - is a major source of the problem. Starvation diets and fad supplements are contributing to the problem rather than helping it. Lack of exercise is a problem for many as well. Effective and lasting weight loss comes only when we consider the five fundamentals of weight loss, which are also the five fundamentals of health: Cleansing, Leisure (Sleep), Exercise, Attitude and Nutrition. In addition to these, we must address any underlying health concerns which might be impeding weight loss, including underactive thyroid, yeast overgrowth, food allergies, and cravings due to special nutritional needs. With the prudent use of nutritional supplements as part of a balanced program, you may be able to reach and maintain your desired weight for life.

Reading Assignments:

The following online articles are an important part of this lesson:

  1. Underactive Thyroid
  2. Food Allergies
  3. Yeast Overgrowth

Word Review List

The terms listed below were used in this lesson. If you are unsure of the meaning of any, click on the word for a definition:

           

Click here for the Weight Loss Product Flow Chart

Notes on the Weight Loss Flow Chart: Sunshine Slender has been replaced with Nutri-Burn Chocolate and Nutri-Burn Vanilla. Slim-Chi has been discontinued. Replace with Nature's Hoodia Formula.

Weight Loss Products

These product links and those throughout the lesson are for U.S. orders only. For international ordering click here.

           

End of Lesson 20 � Weight Management
There is No Self-Evaluation for Lesson 20.


Health Analysis Questionnaire

Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.