What Prevents Us From Losing Weight?

I’ve always found it puzzling - How is it that some people don’t seem to have a problem with weight loss, regardless of what they eat, while others really struggle with losing weight? Why is it that diets seem to help for a while, and then the weight seems to slowly creep back on?

We can often feel extremely frustrated regarding weight loss; we can do everything we’re told, and still not be able to resolve the issue. When a sluggish liver, a compromised thyroid and overworked adrenals merge together, these three factors aggravate each other, and prevent us from shedding that extra weight. When these factors come together simultaneously and we are unaware of what’s happening, our habits and choices can sabotage our efforts.

A sluggish liver

The first thing to address when wanting to lose weight is a sluggish liver. Our liver works hard and can accumulate fat that is not readily detected on a blood test. A sluggish liver starts out with a pre-fatty liver that, over time, is expressed as fluid retention and weight gain.

In order to function properly, the liver needs to maintain its precious vital glucose storage. This sugar is what protects the liver from becoming a fatty liver. In order to maintain these reserves, we need to eat lots of fruit and starchy vegetables.

When we eat only three meals a day or less, these reserves begin to deplete themselves, preventing the weight from coming off. Every human is unique, which allows for variation. Some of us have larger glucose reserves than others

The liver is our body’s filter, and when it becomes toxic, it begins to break down and become sluggish. It’s important to remember that a diet high in fats will also negatively affect our liver. Some fats are much easier on the liver than others; we know that trans-fats and fried food are not healthy for us. However, often we are not aware of how difficult it is for the liver to process animal fat.

So what can we do to protect our liver?

To begin with, it is important to reduce the amount of animal protein in your diet, due to the high fat content of all animal products. In addition to this, I recommend starting the day with 16 oz. water with a bit of lemon juice. This creates a gentle cleanse, and helps hydrate the entire body, assisting in the removal of many toxins. In addition to this we can add celery juice, or a combination of celery, parsley and cucumber juice, which is particularly helpful for weight loss.

Berries, especially wild blueberries, an important food to eat because they replenish our glucose reserves. Apples, especially red-skinned apples, are also an important food for the liver, as are leafy greens (especially spinach), avocado and certain nuts and seeds.

As for supplements, dandelion root tea is incredible. When it comes to doing a gentle yet powerful detox, dandelion root is one of the best. Hibiscus tea works with the dandelion by flushing out the liver and the lymphatic system, cleansing the blood, and if you feel you are retaining water, the curcumin compounds found in turmeric root will help with edema.

For further information regarding the different functions of the liver, see the article on The Versatile Liver.

A hypo-thyroid

Radiation, pathogens and heavy metals are among a number of factors that negatively affect our thyroid. We are exposed today to more radiation than ever before. It’s important to realize that radiation doesn’t just disappear. The radiation released during the Second World War, nuclear testing, Chernobyl and Fukushima, are all very much a part of today’s environment, and they negatively affect the thyroid’s immune system.

In addition to radiation, pathogens often work their way into the thyroid and interfere with proper thyroid function. This subject is discussed more in depth in the Thyroid Health article.

As for heavy metals, when they reach the thyroid, this can cause calcifications and nodules that create a burden and inhibit proper thyroid functioning.

Important foods to eat to support the thyroid include wild blueberries, apricots, cherries, baby greens, baby kale, asparagus, and organic peas. Important herbs include chaga mushrooms, astragalus and chamomile tea. Good supplements to consider are liquid zinc, nascent iodine, and liquid B12.

Underactive adrenals

A third factor preventing us from losing weight is underactive adrenals. Modern day living is often very stressful and this can be really hard on our adrenals. When we go for 4 or more hours without eating our adrenals work hard to keep blood sugar levels stable. When blood sugar levels drop, our adrenals release significant amounts of adrenaline into the body to keep our endocrine system safe. Infrequent meals together with high levels of stress, create the perfect storm.

It’s important to learn that underactive adrenals are only a part of Adrenal Fatigue, and there is much to learn here.

The best and most important way to support the adrenals is by eating fruit and vegetables every few hours. This can be particularly challenging for someone who has developed a fear of eating too much. It is important to remember, a raw food diet is extremely low in calories, replenishes glucose reserves and supplies the body with necessary mineral salts, providing all we need to help resolve stress and let go of that extra weight.

Important supplements for the adrenals include Siberian ginseng and licorice root, which can be added to herbal teas. For more sugestions, go to Understanding Adrenal Fatigue

In Conclusion

When we feel a need to restrict our calorie intake, the body translates this as an indication that food sources have run low, and that energy should be conserved. The body will then begin to store fat in preparation for the coming famine. When we change our perceptions and begin to enjoy the plentitude we have access to, celebrating the healing properties of fruits and vegetables that are specifically designed by Mother Earth to nourish our bodies – a powerful healing occurs, and what was once impossible becomes a reality.

Let’s get creative and enjoy our food.

Beth

Information in this article is based on Anthony William's podcast | ?Why You Are Not Losing Weight