So you can’t lose weight??
Fluctuating hormones may be to blame.
Suppose you are among the many women and men who have tried different diets and exercised diligently but have not lost weight. In that case, you probably have a hormonal imbalance. When certain hormone levels change or drop as they do in the years leading up to menopause (women) andropause (men), they encourage the body to store fat.
To resolve this problem and get in shape, you must address these hormonal imbalances. Any diet you try to follow that does not tackle hormones will not work, at least not in the long term, and you’ll be right back where you started, possibly with more unwanted pounds.
Hormones are chemical messengers, and more than 150 of them run through your body. They impact many functions in your body, including metabolism, reproduction, blood sugar levels, blood pressure, energy levels, kidney function, sleep patterns, aging, appetite, and sex drive. The real key to losing unwanted belly fat and gaining energy, clarity, and a better mood lies with your hormones.
When it comes to hormones, your brain is command central. The brain prompts the production of hormones via three small but powerful endocrine glands: the pituitary gland, the hypothalamus, and the pineal gland.
These glands and the hormones they produce rarely work solo; instead, they talk to each other and work together. When your hormones function correctly and are in harmony, you enjoy good health. Your brain is sharp, and your weight is easily maintained.
Hormonal imbalances that can cause us to hold onto weight.
CORTISOL & ADRENALINE: These are the two main stress hormones. Adrenaline is associated with acute (fight-or-flight) stress. In contrast, cortisol is long-lasting, and high levels can chronically affect you. Over time, high-stress hormones make your body store fat, especially in your belly. High cortisol can cause cravings for high-sugar foods and carbohydrates. In other words, stress can make you fat.
INSULIN: Insulin is a fat-storage hormone. Insulin resistance or insulin block means your cells can’t absorb the extra blood glucose(sugar) your body generates from your food. When that happens, your liver converts the glucose(sugar) into fat. Insulin resistance usually causes weight gain and sugar addiction.
LEPTIN: High leptin causes weight gain and excessive hunger. Leptin is nature’s appetite suppressant. When you’ve had enough to eat, leptin signals your brain to stop eating. If you are overweight, your fat cells will produce excess leptin.
When your brain gets bombarded with leptin signals from too many fat cells, it shuts down. Leptin levels keep rising, receptors stop functioning, your body doesn’t get the leptin signal to stop eating, and you don’t feel full. You keep eating the wrong foods in an addictive pattern, and you keep gaining weight.
ESTROGEN: Estrogen dominance is when you have too much estrogen compared with its counter-hormone, progesterone. Too much estrogen in the body causes several symptoms, including weight loss resistance, moodiness, PMS, and heavy periods.
THYROID: Your thyroid acts as the gas pedal of your metabolism, managing how fast or slow you burn calories. When the thyroid is sluggish, it can cause weight gain, fluid retention, hair loss or thinning, depression, and constipation, among other problems.
How do you “reset” your hormones or jump-start your metabolism?
The best way to get your hormones back on track and reinstate a healthy weight is to correct hormonal imbalances with changes in how you Eat, Move, and Think.
Final Thoughts
CHANGE THE WAY YOU EAT AND DRINK. Remove processed foods, refined carbohydrates, sugars, and sugar substitutes from your diet.
EXERCISE Make sure to keep moving and choose forms of movement that you love — Strength Training, Stretch, Walking, Swimming, Yoga, Tai Chi, Hiking, or Dance.
SLEEP Sleeping 7 to 8 hours every night keeps cortisol in check.