Many clients come to me because they can not lose weight no matter how little they eat or how much they exercise. The calories in, calories out approach does now work because weight loss resistance is often a downstream effect of something deeper happening upstream.
In my practice, I have witnessed the one of the biggest game changer to permanent weight loss and health is to reverse inflammation.
Let’s talk about inflammation.
It is one way your body may respond to injury or illness. According to Dr. Lam, “In a healthy body, the fire of acute inflammation is tightly controlled: it turns on at the right time to battle invaders and start the repair process, and just as critically, it turns off so that the body can get back to its normal functions. The turning off process is controlled by cortisol, our body’s anti-stress hormone.
While inflammation itself is an unpleasant process, your body is designed to tolerate some inflammation and to control it. Research has revealed, however, that low-level chronic inflammation can simmer quietly and insidiously in the body, in the absence of overt trauma or infection, and have profound effects on our physical and mental health.”[1] In acute situations, then, inflammation is a mechanism for healing.
Chronic inflammation, however, puts the body into a state of stress and opens the body to deep imbalance.
A stressed body engages the sympathetic nervous system or that fight-or-flight response which may manifest as problems with sleep, anxiety, blood sugar, sexual dysfunction, fatigue, brain fog, memory, chronic pain, and impaired immune function.
Chronic stress leads to leaky gut; leaky gut allows undigested foods, bacteria, yeast, and other pathogens into the bloodstream, where they trigger inflammation. It is this chronic inflammation that leads to many health issues.
Here are some simple things you can do to say goodbye to inflammation.
Cut down inflammatory foods:
Processed foods like alcohol, dairy, gluten, and processed snacks are low hanging fruit. Study after study shows that these offenders trigger inflammation. When we eat or drink food that is inflammatory like sugar, processed foods or alcohol, our body’s immune system gets triggered and creates acute inflammation. When we continue to eat that food, it never gets turned off and chronic inflammation sets in.
If you want to dive a little deeper, consider eliminating the top 8 most common allergens for 4-6 weeks and see how your body responds. Eggs, cow’s milk/dairy, gluten, soy, corn, peanuts, tree nuts, and shellfish make up the list. I lead you step-by-step with a food elimination plan in my Seasonal Detox Programs.
And many people have sensitivities and intolerances to even healthy foods like nuts, yogurt or eggs which can also cause inflammation and don’t even know it!
Intolerances and allergies can lead to poor gut health, impacting immunity; 80% of your immune system is located in your gut. Intolerances can also lead to problems such as: weight gain, skin problems, candida, depression, and fatigue.
Healthy Eating:
“Eat real food. Not too much. Mostly plants.”
Is what Michael Pollan recommends and he’s not alone. Whether dietary template you follow, you’ll likely find that you feel best eating fresh, seasonal, whole foods. Prepare things simply. Slow down, chew, and enjoy your meals. Healthy eating is as much about how you eat as it is what you eat!
Opt for organics where possible. Use the Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen as guides for where to focus your spending.
And ditch the processed foods and fats. Avoid cooking oils like canola or vegetable, which are inflammatory and swap for healthier alternatives like: coconut oil, avocado oil, grass-fed butter, ghee or extra virgin olive oil (EVOO should not be used for high cooking temps). ⠀
Keep Stress under control:
If you’re constantly under stress, you’re doing a number on your adrenals (hello, cortisol!) and overall hormone production. Cortisol changes in response to illness, fear, diet, insomnia, fatigue, and chronic stress. While it’s impossible to eliminate it completely, there are steps to take to manage it. Establish a healthy sleep pattern, get enough Vitamin C, and focus on happiness, joy, and less stress[2]. Your adrenals will thank you, and your risk of chronic inflammation will reduce.
Vitamin D Intake:
Vitamin D is a vital hormone for immune health. In a study on inflammation, researchers note that “Some authorities now believe that low (vitamin D) is a consequence of chronic inflammation rather than the cause.”[3] However, sunshine and supplementation can help tip the balance and possibly keep chronic inflammation at bay! A simple blood test will confirm your levels. Vitamin D is one of my foundational 5 supplements that I take every day. Ask your doctor to test your levels at your year exams so that you can take action if necessary! Or order your own Vitamin D testing through LETSGETCHECKED. Use Code Chris20 to get 20% off all tests.
TAKE ACTION:
Simple shifts can make a big impact on your health. Rather than resigning to a life of chronic inflammation, hormonal imbalance and resistant weight loss, take small steps every day so that you can feel better and live the life with vitality!
Want more ways to support your weight loss efforts? Download this FREE Guide, 5 ways to detox for Healthy Hormones here.
[1] https://www.drlamcoaching.com/nem-therapy/inflammation/chronic-inflammation-and-adrenal-fatigue/
[2] https://chopra.com/articles/chronic-stress-and-inflammation-the-hidden-culprits-behind-disease-and-how-to-eliminate
