Spring is just around the corner and we are getting closer to outdoor activities. Proper diet and exercise can help control any of those unsightly pounds that creep up on us during the winter.
Did you realize that Americans spend more than $35 billion on weight loss products and those same Americans consume more than 80 pounds of sugar per year? That averages about 30 teaspoons of sugar per day!
Have you ever heard people say that if they look at food it makes them fat? Researchers have discovered that the sight of food can stimulate insulin production, which in turn can result in fat deposition. That's not right!
The pancreas is in charge of making insulin, while the adrenals are basically the stress gland. The thyroid in turn regulates our metabolic rate. If our diets are deficient in appropriate nutrition, then we start to see an imbalance in our health.
Consuming food high in sugar and simple carbohydrates will result in an insulin response from the pancreas that can lower the blood sugar. The lowering of the blood sugar results in further cravings of sweets. Controlling eating habits that include sugar cravings has a lot less to do with willpower than it does with blood sugar. For instance, when the blood sugar drops, the brain, which is dependent of sugar in the form of glucose for its fuel, demands immediate satisfaction. The body will signal that it is extremely hungry and that food intake must be increased. Balancing blood sugar and preventing the "glucose dips" helps to create a subconscious feeling of fullness and even well being.
Some people will try to fast to lose those few ponds. This is not a good idea since it will only accomplish lowering the blood sugar and then triggering the over-eating reflex. A better idea would be to use protein. Protein does not have the same insulin responses as simple carbohydrates and can help to balance the blood sugar. Proteins produce the hormone known as glucagon. Glucagon is an opposing hormone of insulin. I have noticed that when people cut down on their carbohydrates, certain allergies seem to be improved through the elimination of food groups to which they are sensitive. Food allergies alone can cause inflammation and weight gain.
Supporting the body with the proper nutrients can be most beneficial. Chromium is part of the glucose tolerance factor that helps regulate blood sugar. The B-complex vitamins are also essential for helping with the regulation of the blood sugar. The B-vitamins are co-factors in the energy cycle of the body. Zinc is an important mineral in balancing insulin functions. Apha Lipoic acid is known to increase the insulin sensitivity.
Exercise has a profound effect on weight control. Exercising can also restore a sense of well being. Enough cannot be said about the overall positive effects of exercise. Exercise should be a part of your overall health plan at least four times per week for at least 20 to 30 minutes.
Keeping your spine in shape is another important facet of being healthy. Spinal adjustments along with prescribed stretches and exercise will help you maintain better health. Range of motion exercises and posture enhancing stretches are designed to help you carry your weight more efficiently. Chiropractic care is very effective for all sorts of health complaints. Chiropractic is centered on the premise that the human body, being put together the way that is, will heal itself given the opportunity and circumstance.
May God bless America and all of our troops. Yours in good health!
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