Detox, Weight Gain, And Fat Loss
28346
Health & Fitness > Alternative Medicine
Jun 19, 2007
vitalgirl
Detox, Weight Gain, And Fat Loss
Detoxification is not traditionally used in the context of weight loss, despite the fact that many do lose weight on detox diets. What is even more unusual is new evidence regarding the role of the level of toxins in the body as a possible contributing factor in excess weight. A number of studies have found detrimental links between the rate at which pesticides are released from the body during weight loss, and a person's metabolic rate afterwards. Additionally, pesticides and industrial pollution have been found to lower metabolic rate by their affect on thyroid hormones and the rate at which the liver excretes them. And this is the tip of the proverbial iceberg. What does all this mean? To understand why this occurs, it is helpful to learn a little bit about environmental toxins in the body. Whilst detox experts include metabolic by-products and a number of other things such as medications, alcohol, tobacco, and the like in the list of culprits that contribute to the effects of toxicity in the body, the studies I saw cited environmental toxins only, so I will limit my discussion to these. That is not to say that these other things aren't potentially causing problems for an individual, only that they weren't in these studies. Environmental toxins include organochlorides, which come from pesticides, and PCB's, which are leaked into the environment from industrial pollution. Pesticides make it into our body via the food we eat, and are also found in many of the chemicals we clean with and use in the garden. These toxins are stored in our body in fat cells. So, people who have a higher body mass index, store a greater amount of toxins. When we lose weight, the fat cells are metabolized, or broken down. This releases into the body any toxins stored there. Thus, if you lose a lot of weight, you release into your body's circulatory system a greater amount of stored PCB's and pesticides. How Do PCB's And Pesticides Affect Metabolism? A number of studies cited in an article in Nature and Health (Feb/Mar 2007) describe the way in which metabolism is negatively affected: * damage to the mitochondria. Mitochondria are energy producing 'powerhouses' in all cells. In the liver, and muscle tissue they convert fat into energy. * reduction of thyroid hormone levels. Thyroid hormones contribute to the basal mnetabolic rate, and are particularly involved in fat and carbohydrate metabolism. * an increase in the excretion of thyroid hormones by the liver * these toxins have an affinity with the receptor sites where thyroid hormones need to attach in order to produce their regular metabolic effects * these toxins also use the transport proteins that thyroid hormones need to use in order to get to these sites * blocking the effects of the hormone, leptin, that signals that you are full. Thus, you may think you're hungry even when you're not and overeat as a result. Unfortunately, simply burning off fat is not enough to stop the effects of PCB's and pesticides. They can affect your metabolic rate even after you've lost weight, if you don't also excrete the toxins. And because of the inhibitory effect they have on metabolism when overweight, they can contribute to a weight loss plateau. There are a number of things you can do to detoxify your body however. This includes adding herbs, vitamins, and steam baths or saunas. Saunas are actually a very effective way to eliminate toxins. A daily sauna session of 15 minutes, at 60 degrees celcius in a far-infrared sauna, can reduce both body weight and body fat, as well as excreting environmental toxins through the skin.
Learn about liver detox herbs here. Or for an overview on which products to use to detox your body, click here.
send email to vitalgirl
Write a Review
Add to My Favorite
Refer it to Friend
Report Article
Other links owned by this user
There are a number of considerations when choosing a domain name - what is the best extension? Should you use a country specific domain? How will you brand your site? Learn more here.
Category:
What is the link between weight gain, weight loss plateaus, and environmental toxins like insecticides and PCB's? Learn how these toxins affect our metabolism, and what you can do about it.
Category:
Is Bikram yoga suitable for you? Find out what makes it different, and whether people who are pregnant or with illnesses can do it.
Category:
Arthritis is a complex condition with different treatment approaches. Learn more about arthritis natural remedies here.
Category:
Comedones are the bane of nearly every teenager, and many an adult. Learn what makes them worse, and the difference between the two types.
Category:
It may seem suprising to think of the possibility of pregnancy during menopause, given that these years mark the end of a woman's reproductive capacity. Learn more here.
Category:
This article looks at the issue of menopause and weight gain, a problem suffered by many women during this time. The different factors that contribute to this are discussed, as well as the link between weight gain at this time and breast cancer.
Category:
Developing an ecommerce presence is a great way for new businesses to gain new customers and sales. Learn more here about why it is a good model for prospective entrepreneurs.
Category:
Varying your fitness program will not only increase your motivation and enjoyment, but it can help avoid training plateaus. Use these ideas to kick your exercise routine into high gear!
Category:
Eye supplements can be a great way to ensure your eyes are getting what they need. Given the propensity for tired and strained eyes from looking at a computer for hours, this is a simple way to protect eye health. Learn more here.
Category:
Thyroid problems are experienced by a significant minority of women around the time of menopause. Learn how HRT can affect thyroid problems, the symptoms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, and other issues women should be aware of.
Category:
Learn why you should factor in the type of dog coat your new pet will have. We discuss the implications for his health, as well as describe the type of rooming tasks every dog need owner needs to regularly do.
Category:
What are the benefits to doing Iyengar yoga during pregnancy? Find out what to expect from pregnancy classes, and more.
Category:
Learn which treatments women with cystic acne should avoid, and those which won't work. We also discuss the characteristics of this more severe skin problem.
Category:
Learn about the benefits of protein supplements, and some important considerations in their use. We discuss who really needs them, and what dieters should be aware of.
Category:
Learn how laser treatments can help control acne and reduce scarring here. Find out how they work, and whether they are used with other treatments.
Category:
Why are miniature dog breeds so popular? We discuss some of their characteristics, and cover some issues to consider when you make your choice.
Category:
Learn why it is so important to distinguish yourself through your content, and how good research can help you do this. Discover what good research means, and where to get it.
Category:
There are a number of herbal cellulite remedies that can be consumed as a daily tea. These work on the lymph system. Learn more here.
Category:
Can Christians practice yoga? This article explores what yoga exercises really do, and seeks to rectify some of the misunderstandings around the subject.
Category:
Other links at Health & Fitness > Alternative Medicine
The economic resurgence of Calcutta is rising day by day just like the meters of a taxi. The only difference is that the later makes people frown at the taxi driver, while the former brings smiles to our faces.
Category:
Natural and Herbal products can be used for colon cleansing. Many of these are natural laxatives. Psyllium is one such medicine. It is sold as a powder that is mixed with water. When you do this it becomes a gel. This gel readily passes through the Colon.
Category:
Easing piles or hemorrhoids naturally is possible by keeping the affected area clean, cleanse with water after every bowel motion and pat dry with a clean soft tissue. Read this article to learn more about piles: its causes, symptoms, diet and piles treat
Category:
Research is constantly being done on the benefits of vitamins and minerals, but garlic is actually one of the most beneficial and natural healthy foods.
Category:
Many people aren't aware of the relationship between upper cervical (neck) trauma and vertigo. Chiropractic care involves correcting the position of these injured cervical vertebrae, particularly C1 and C2. Realigning these vertebrae may reduce or elimina
Category:
Site Sponsor
Directory Statistics
Articles: 68309
Categories: 501
Yahoo Entertainment
