Category Archives: Weight Loss

Healthy Weight Loss and parasites

February 18, 2014

Healthy Weight Loss and parasites-Can this work?

parasites are entirely dependent to their host for survival, this makes them drain the excess calories and nutrients hence weight loss.

Parasites are living organisms that depend on their host for daily living. They do not produce their own food but relay on their host for everything. The common parasites are tapeworms. They are flat segmented worms that live in the intestines of some animals. Animals can become infected with these parasites when grazing in pastures or drinking contaminated water.

Eating undercooked meat from infected animals is the main cause of tapeworm infection in humans. Although tapeworms in humans, usually cause few symptoms and are easily treated, they can sometimes cause serious, life threatening problems. That’s why it’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of tapeworms and know how to protect yourself and your family

Healthy Weight Loss and parasites- Signs and symptoms of Parasites (tapeworms)

Most worm infestations cause any or all of these symptoms: diarrhea, perhaps with blood; weight loss; dry hair; general poor appearance; and vomiting, perhaps with worms in the vomit.

Healthy Weight Loss and parasites-Understanding how parasites may be of help.

Despite the extreme “gross” factor of tapeworms, some people have suggested that acquiring one intentionally would be a relatively simple way to lose weight. In fact, tapeworm pills may have been sold as weight-loss aids in the past.

In some ways, it seems to make a certain amount of sense that is, if you can get past the gross out factor. If a tapeworm is absorbing your body’s nutrients and calories, you can eat all you want and enjoy the test. Then the worm diverts it all before it hits your waistline, right? The body gains more weight among other reasons is through the kind of food we feed on and human habits of feeding themselves.

Since parasites are dependents to the host and cannot fend for themselves, they will be there to absorb the excess calories and food nutrient which your body could not contain that would have otherwise resulted in weight gain and eventually development of obesity. Much as it may look strange, this direction of understanding is practical. I know that these parasites should be eradicated from the body; they are not in any way organism to be accommodated in the body however for this one reason of consuming what the body may not need one or two of the parasites may be necessary.

This may not be a good way of eliminating the excess body weight, but in all things we have or do, there will be merits and demerits. To help us understand the merits better, let us look at the case study research by a researcher at the University of Manchester, in this research Mice were infected with a worm called Trichinella spiralis in the study

Healthy Weight loss following infection with intestinal worms is the body’s way of fighting off the parasites, University of Manchester researchers have said.

The immune system hijacks a hormone that controls when to stop eating, their study of mice suggests. This then triggers the type of immune response needed to expel the worms from the gut. The finding could lead to new ways to treat people with intestinal worms, researchers say.

Researchers first saw a potential link when they were measuring levels of a hormone called cholecystokinin in volunteers after they had been fed a meal. One man had incredibly high levels and on further investigation it was found he had an intestinal worm infection he had picked up on holiday.

Joining forces with a team specializing in gut worm infections the researchers did a study in mice infected with a worm called Trichinella spiralis.

Naturally you would think that if you are losing weight you are going to have less energy to fight off infection. But they found out that immune cells called T-cells responded to the worm infection by driving up levels of cholecystokinin. This increase has a knock-on effect of driving down another hunger hormone, leptin, which influences what type of immune response the body needs to produce.

When they artificially added leptin back into the infected mice, the immune system mounted the wrong response and the intestinal worms remained in the gut for longer. As we said before these organisms should not be in the body but for this particular reason there were some merits, however where the parasite is not helpful and causes health problems immediate treatment should follow.

Healthy Weight Loss and parasites-Treatment Options

Healthy Weight Loss Drug Therapies

Your health care provider will choose the drug that is most effective against your intestinal parasite. You may need one dose, or you may have to take the medication for several weeks. Be careful to take the medicine exactly as it is prescribed, or it may not work.

Healthy Weight Loss Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Conventional medical treatments can get rid parasites more quickly and with fewer side effects than most alternative treatments. Alternative treatments may be helpful along with conventional medications. However, your health care provider must find out what kind of organism is causing your problems before you start treatment. The following nutritional guidelines may help keep parasites from growing.

Healthy Weight Loss Nutrition and Supplements

  • Avoid simple carbohydrates, such as those found in refined foods, fruits, juices, dairy products, and all sugars, except honey.
  • Eat more raw garlic, pumpkin seeds, pomegranates, beets, and carrots, all of which have been used traditionally to kill parasites. In one study, researchers found that a mixture of honey and papaya seeds cleared stools of parasites in 23 out of 30 subjects. Drink a lot of water to help flush out your system.
  • Eat more fiber, which may help get rid of worms.
  • Probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus planetarium, Saccharomyces boulardii, and bifidobacteria help keep your digestive tract healthy. Probiotics may not be appropriate in some severely immune compromised patients. Talk to your doctor.
  • Digestive enzymes will help restore your intestinal tract to its normal state, which makes it inhospitable to parasites. Papain is an enzyme from the papaya plant that may help kill worms when taken 30 minutes before or after meals.
  • Vitamin C supports the immune system. Lower the dose if diarrhea develops.
  • Zinc (20 – 30 mg per day) — also helps support the immune system. Zinc may interact with certain medications, particularly some antibiotics, and it may not be appropriate for people with HIV/AIDS. Talk to your doctor.

Healthy Weight Loss Herbs

Herbs are a way to strengthen and tone the body’s systems. As with any therapy, you should work with your health care provider to diagnose your problem before starting any treatment. You may use herbs as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). People with a history of alcoholism should not take tinctures.

Many of the herbs used to treat intestinal parasites have toxic side effects or interfere with other medications. Use them only under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. Your health care provider should treat you with the gentlest herb that is effective for the type of parasite you have. A few of the herbs that your health care provider might consider include:

  • Garlic (Allium sativum)
  • Barberry (Berberis vulgaris)
  • Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
  • Oregon grape (Berberis aquifolium)

Healthy Weight Loss Homeopathy

As with other treatments, your health care provider must first diagnose the kind of parasite you have. Before prescribing a remedy, homeopaths take into account a person’s constitutional type — your physical, emotional, and intellectual makeup. An experienced homeopath assesses all of these factors as well as any current symptoms when determining the most appropriate remedy for a particular individual. The following remedies may be used:

  • Cina
  • Cuprum oxidatum nigrum
  • Indigo
  • Teucrium

Healthy Weight Loss and parasites-Can this work?

 

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Diet pills as an obesity treatment

February 18, 2014

Diet pills as an obesity treatment-Is your diet pill a miracle?

Obesity often requires long-term treatment to lose weight and keep it off. Prescription weight loss drugs may help. Keep in mind that these drugs are not a cure-all for obesity. Weight loss drugs should be combined with physical activities and a healthy diet to lose and maintain weight over long period of time.

Using prescription weight loss drugs to treat obesity is an option for the following people:

  • People with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above
  • People with a BMI of 27 or above with obesity related, such as diabetes or high blood pressure

Diet pills as an obesity treatment-Types of Prescription Weight Loss Drugs

diet pills

diet pills can be helpful in management of obesity, correct usage may offer the required solution

Most weight loss drugs are for short-term use, meaning just a couple of weeks.

One type of weight loss medication is “appetite suppressants.” Appetite suppressants promote weight loss by tricking the body into believing that it is not hungry or that it is full. They decrease appetite by increasing serotonin or catecholamine, two to brain chemicals that affect mood and appetite.

These drugs come in the form of tablets or extended release capsules (pills that release medication over a long period of time). Appetite suppressants can be obtained by a doctor’s prescription or bought over the counter. One common prescription appetite suppressant is phentermine. The FDA has also approved the appetite suppressant Belviq for long-term use in treating obesity. Side effects include dizziness, headache and tiredness.

The drug Qsymia combines phentermine with the migraine drug topiramate. Topiramate causes weight loss in several ways, including increasing feelings of fullness, making foods taste less appealing, and increasing calorie burning. Qsymia is designed to be taken long-term. However, it cannot be taken by pregnant women and is only sold through certified pharmacies.

Another type of prescription weight loss drug is a fat absorption inhibitor. They work by preventing your body from breaking down and absorbing fat eaten with your meals. This unabsorbed fat is eliminated in bowel movements.

Orlistat is the only drug of this type in the U.S. Orlistat works by blocking about 30% of dietary fat from being absorbed. Orlistat is available by prescription as Xenical and over-the-counter as Alli.

Diet pills as obesity treatment-Does Xenical Really Work?

Xenical is moderately effective, leading to a 5% to 10% weight loss when taken along with a low calorie/low-fat diet. Most of the weight loss happens in the first six months.

Over the short term, weight loss from prescription drugs may reduce a number of health risks in obese people. But studies are needed to determine the effects of these medications over the long term.

Diet pills as an obesity treatment-The Risks of Prescription Weight Loss Drugs

When considering long-term weight loss drugs for obesity, the following concerns and risks should be discussed with your doctor:

  • Addiction: All prescription weight loss drugs except orlistat are “controlled substances.” This means that doctors are required to follow certain restrictions when prescribing them since they could be addictive.
  • Tolerance: Most people’s weight tends to level off after six months while taking a weight loss medication. This leads to a concern that the person has developed a tolerance for the medication, but this is unclear.
  • Side effects: Most side effects of weight loss drugs are mild (although some can be unpleasant) and usually improve as your body adjusts to the medication.

Which Diet Pills is really Right for Me?

What if there would be a weight loss product out there which can help you get thin no matter what kind of life you have? I know what are you thinking, keep on dreaming. Well let me assure you that this is reality finally there’s a way that you can get leaner without sacrificing anything. Matter of fact the study group has shown amazing results from many working environment..

Garcinia Cambogia is one of the newest South Indonesian fruits to enter into the United States market. Americans from all around the country are struggling to lose weight and keep it off. Not that we can blame it on our demanding schedules or lack of nutritional food available at fast food joints, but these surely don’t help us achieve our goals. Demanding work schedules rarely leave us with much time for exercise after a long exhausting day.

Well, we here at Consumers’ Health were a little skeptical of this Garcinia Cambogia Extract. Even after pouring though mountains of research. While I had an educated opinion, I still had no personal proof that the Garcinia Cambogia option was worth the time. So, with my editors blessing, I decided to go out and put the product to the test myself. What better way to find out the truth that to conduct my own study?

To get started, I volunteered to be the guinea pig. I applied online for a bottle of Garcinia Cambogia. Pure Garcinia Cambogia is one of the most credible and trustworthy diet supplement suppliers on the market. It included a 100% Money Back Guarantee of the product and it did not try to fool me into agreeing to additional hidden offers…. Another reason why I chose Pure Garcinia Cambogia is because it is the most concentrated and purest Garcinia Cambogia on the market. This would give me the most accurate results for my tea

These extracts are not only able to make you slim but have got the tendency to maintain those lost pounds. The main component present in Garcinia Cambogia is hydroxycitric acid or HCA, a compound that is able to enhance mood as well as to sculpt the body. How do the Ingredients in this Pills Work?

For purposes of obesity we achieve optimal weight loss at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury’s care. The center focuses on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE.

Diet pills as an obesity treatment-Is your diet pill a miracle?

 

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Stress and Obesity the Missing Link!!!

February 13, 2014

Stress and Obesity-Not a Union

Stress

Research has found that stress leads to specific reactions in the body that cause induced cravings and lead to obesity

Obesity is a burgeoning problem in the developed world, and certain behaviors, such as increased portion sizes and reduced physical activity, can help explain why the obesity epidemic is spreading. Job strain might also contribute to the prevalence of obesity, and the current study addresses this issue in a cohort of civil servants followed over time. Obesity continues to be one of the largest public health concerns of the developed world. Analysis of data from the 2001-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) found that the prevalence rates of overweight and obesity among US adults were 31.5% and 30.5%, respectively. The prevalence of overweight in children was 16.5%. Compared to the previous NHANES survey (1988-1994), the body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 among adults had doubled. (Of note, the prevalence of overweight and obesity were fairly stable between the 1999-2000 and 2001-2002 examination periods.)

Stress and Obesity-Understanding obesity

While the problem of obesity has been well publicized, clinicians should also understand that societal factors play a prominent role in obesity. In research sponsored by the World Health Organization involving 26 different populations worldwide, surveys of over 30,000 subjects found an inverse trend between BMI and highest educational level attained. Women with lower educational attainment were significantly more likely to be obese compared with men with similar educational backgrounds, although lower educational levels in both sexes were associated with higher obesity. Moreover, the negative association between educational attainment and obesity increased over the 10-year study period, indicating that the obesity gap between well-educated and poorly educated individuals was increasing. To reinforce these data, another study limited to developed countries found that increased income disparity was associated with not only higher rates of obesity, but also diabetes mortality as well among subjects at the lower end of the income scale. Other societal trends can affect obesity as well. In the United States, more individuals are choosing to eat at restaurants than at home, and the easiest and least expensive option in dining is often preferred. Such choices can increase the risk of developing obesity. Ecological research from 21 developed countries found that girls who ate fast food at least twice a week were more likely to become obese compared with those who ate fast food less frequently. Unfortunately, the assimilation of other cultures into American society may not help improve the obesity problem. In one study, while regularly eating at fast food restaurants increased the risk of overweight in adults and children in Mexican-American families by a factor of 2.2, the risk of overweight associated with eating at buffet-style restaurants was slightly worse (odds ratio = 2.8). Families who ate food at Mexican restaurants, however, were less likely to be overweight.

Stress and Obesity-The Environment

The work environment can contribute to obesity as well. In a study of 208 male workers in Japan, obesity was associated with psychological tension and anxiety, much of which was derived from high demands and poor decision latitude at work. The authors also found that higher degrees of stress negatively affected subjects’ diets, which contributed to higher rates of obesity. The current study examined the 10,308 civil servants from the Whitehall II study, all of whom were between the ages of 35 and 55. Work stress was assessed by the Job Strain Questionnaire and defined by poor work social support, high job demands, and low job control. Overall, work strain was associated with increased risk of BMI obesity by a maximum odds ratio of 1.73, and of waist obesity by a maximum odds ratio of 1.61. There was a dose-response relationship between the number of reports of stress and obesity. There were some interesting nuances related to the study’s main finding. Men were more likely than women to suffer the negative effects of job strain in terms of obesity, to the point that women did not experience a significant increase in waist obesity with stress. Overall, poor social support at work was the most important singular factor of job strain in increasing the risk of obesity in this study. The study was strengthened by analyzing individuals prospectively over time and employing repeated measures of job stress as participants advanced through their careers. However, the study was limited by examining a very specific group of employees — civil servants — in a first-world country.

Stress and Obesity-Health Risk

Obesity may just be a part of the overall increased health risk associated with work stress, with the sum of these risks being an increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease. In a study of nearly 7000 individuals, the prevalence of smoking was elevated among subjects with greater job strain, while men with low degrees of decision latitude were also more likely to be sedentary. However, no job environment factor in this study was independently related to increase BMI. A case-control analysis of 609 workers in France found that job strain increased the risk of developing hypertension. The odds ratios for hypertension associated with job strain were 3.20 in women and 2.60 in men. Low social support at work was not related to hypertension, and, moreover, higher levels of social support did not mitigate the effects of job strain on hypertension. Another study of female nurses and male factory workers generally corroborated these results. Researchers found that increased duration of shifts during work was associated with increased systolic blood pressure among men over age 30. Both BMI and waist-to-hip ratio increased with increasing shift duration among nurses. The study of nurses and factory workers failed to find an association between blood glucose levels and the duration of shift work. In another analysis of the Nurses’ Health Study II cohort, working overtime was associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, while women who worked less than 20 hours per week had a lower risk of diabetes. There is also evidence that serum markers associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease may increase with job stress. A study of adults in Sweden found that men reporting high effort and low reward at work had increased levels of total cholesterol and the total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio after adjustment for possible confounders. Women whose jobs required more effort had higher levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The association between stress at work and cardiovascular risk factors such as BMI, hypertension, and lipid levels points to a possible larger relationship between work stress and cardiovascular disease. The researchers of the Whitehall study have previously examined this issue in their study cohort. They demonstrated that the hazard ratio for coronary heart disease was increased with low decision latitude among men (adjusted hazard ratio 1.43), but low decision latitude did not significantly increase the risk of coronary heart disease among women. However, both men and women experienced increased risks of coronary heart disease with higher demands at work. This increased risk of coronary heart disease was increased with job stress at all employment grades in the organization. This research echoed previous studies in that greater social support at work failed to improve cardiovascular outcomes associated with significant job stress.

Stress and Obesity-Effects
Stress

The harmful health effects of stress-induced obesity.

The effects of stress at work constitute a major public health issue. As clinicians, the best we can do is counsel patients about the potential cardiovascular and metabolic events associated with high levels of stress and encourage healthy life choices for patients at risk. While it may be unrealistic to ask employers to reduce job stress at all levels in our competitive economy, these same employers should understand that their employees’ health is critical to their success. There is a dearth of data regarding stress reduction programs at work and cardiovascular outcomes, and future researchers should address this issue. The phenomenon of obesity being among chronic diseases makes Dr. Akoury of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center very resourceful for you. She will help you achieve optimal weight loss, the Dr. Focus on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE. With the help of Dr. Akoury your problem is sorted out for good.

Stress and Obesity-Not a Union

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Body inflammation causes obesity

February 12, 2014

Body inflammation causes obesity-How it happens

Inflammation

When inflammation becomes chronic, as is the case with obesity, chemical mediators, derived from different cellular activities, change in dynamics causing a progressive state of decline

A common theme that links many diseases and chronic illness is uncontrolled cellular inflammation. It is a factor in diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, arthritis and many autoimmune-related conditions. Obesity has recently been added to this group of diseases as it is now known to present a low grade inflammatory response within many of the body’s tissues, which cause deleterious effects, often leading to the development of cardiovascular and metabolic disease. It is well known that being overweight is detrimental to one’s health, but until recently the known mechanisms were limited. Scientists over the last decade have started to unravel the mystery of why obesity leads to premature death. Although there is still much to learn, it is valuable to comprehend the known effects of chronic inflammation, as the prevalence of obesity continues to be a rising problem among the American population, particularly in children.

Inflammation and obesity-What is the meaning

Inflammation is, by design, a protective response leading to the repair of tissue. When inflammation becomes chronic, as is the case with obesity, chemical mediators, derived from different cellular activities, change in dynamics causing a progressive state of decline. Fat cells are now considered an immune organ that secretes numerous immune modulating chemicals. Visceral fat, in particular, is associated with the low grade inflammation that seems to be a contributing pathologic feature for metabolic disease through insulin resistance and the promotion of atherosclerotic build-up in circulatory vessels. When high levels of visceral fat are combined with physical inactivity, over nutrition, and advancement in age, the effect becomes more pronounced. Visceral fat is highly metabolic and contributes to cytokine hyperactivity. Adipokines secreted from fat tissue influence the metabolic process and contribute to proper function. The consequent low grade inflammation associated with obesity causes disturbance in the secretion and function of adipokines. Research has identified changes in adiponectin, leptin, and resistin that exhibit harmful effects upon the body in obese individuals. Adiponectin is an antiatherogenic agent, meaning it helps prevent the development of atheroschlerotic plaque in blood vessels and slows the progression of atherosclerosis in coronary vessels. It does this by acting directly upon the vessel wall, inhibiting adhesive molecules from contributing to plaque formation and acts as a blocking agent to the formation of foam cells. In the skeletal muscle and the liver, adiponectin serves to promote insulin sensitivity and a positive blood lipid profile. Visceral adiposity reduces adiponectin concentrations. Lowering the adiponectin concentrations lessens the cardio protective effect, leading to increased cardiovascular risk.   Leptin regulates energy metabolism and balance in conjunction with the brain’s hypothalamus. Leptin is currently being touted as having cardioprotective benfits among its others roles in metabolism Leptin concentrations adjust in response to obesity and contribute to insulin resistance. The changes in leptin concentration have also been recognized as a risk factor for coronary heart disease. Likewise increased resistin concentrations correlate with obesity related inflammation and may be associated with the initiation and progression of atherosclerotic lesions. Resistin also promotes insulin resistance, although the actual mechanism is not known. Insulin resistance due to adipokine dysfunction is further influenced by free fatty acids liberated directly into the liver from visceral fat tissue. Visceral fat releases chemicals and fatty acids into the portal system where they act on the connecting organs. The portal circulation system is a specialized network of blood vessels that connect the visceral organs to the liver.   The excess fat in portal circulation has detrimental effects on insulin action, which is worsened by sympathetic hyperactivity in response to obesity. Sympathetic hyperactivity causes heightened lypolytic action resulting in excess free fatty acids in the blood. These actions combined with beta cell hypersecretion and reduced insulin clearance resulting in hyperinsulemia, lead to early stage diabetes.

Inflammation-Interleukin-6

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is possibly another factor associated with inflammatory detriment within the portal system. High levels of IL-6 are a marker for inflammation and vascular pathology. Obese subjects demonstrated a 50% greater portal vein IL-6 concentration, demonstrating, again, the profound effect visceral fat has on pathogenic indicators. Portal vein IL-6 correlates with systemic C-reactive protein concentrations. C-reactive protein is associated with cardio- and peripheral vascular disease. C-reactive protein and oxidative stress are now presumed to interact in the early inflammatory processes of atherosclerosis. This is significant for young obese individuals. Although more research is necessary for conclusive association, C-reactive protein may be a new risk factor for CAD in individuals under 25 years of age.

Inflammation-imbalances

inflammation

If your immune system and its ability to quell inflammation in your body are impaired, watch out. You are headed toward illness and premature …

The imbalance between increased inflammatory stimuli with a concurrent reduction in anti-inflammatory activity may be the foundation for the accelerated endothelial dysfunction and insulin resistance associated with obesity and the comorbid disorders of metabolic disease.   More research is needed to clearly delineate the particular relationships, but it seems evident that the low grade inflammation caused by obesity and visceral adiposity lead to the premature development of disease. This, more so than ever before, identifies the importance of weight management during the developmental years and ongoing efforts to control weight throughout one’s lifespan.   For individuals that are currently obese, there is still plenty of hope. Weight loss is related to reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation, and these beneficial effects likely translate into reduction of cardiovascular risk in obese individuals.   Likewise, exercise and dietary management, along with pharmacologic intervention can lead to atherosclerotic reversal in the earlier stages of CAD. Individuals with central adiposity, poor blood lipid profiles, hypertension, and/or insulin resistance should seek immediate professional assistance to prevent further health detriment.   The recent inclusion of obesity among chronic diseases makes Dr. Akoury of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center very resourceful for you. She will help you achieve optimal weight loss, the Dr. focus on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE. What an opportunity, try and relieve yourself of this problem for good.

Body inflammation causes obesity-How it happens
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TOXINS AND NEUROTOXICITY PATHOGENESIS OF OBESITY

February 12, 2014

 

TOXINS AND NEUROTOXICITY PATHOGENESIS OF OBESITY-EXPOSED

UNDERLYING MECHANISMS

Toxins

Toxins can alter the hormonal regulation of weight, a process that involves insulin, leptin, thyroid, cortisol, adiponectin, resistin, sex hormones, and gut hormones

The influence of toxins on metabolism occurs through 5 key

  • Mechanisms
  • Hormonal regulation,
  • Neuro-regulatory mechanisms,
  • Immune-regulatory mechanisms,
  • Mitochondrial function, and
  • Oxidative stress.

Toxins can alter the hormonal regulation of weight, a process that involves insulin, leptin, thyroid, cortisol, adiponectin, resistin, sex hormones, and gut hormones, including ghrelin, peptide (PYY), and cholecystokinin (CCK).   Toxins alter thyroid hormone metabolism and receptor function leading to lowered metabolic rate. Important Neuro-regulatory mechanisms affected by toxins include hypothalamic satiety modulation through effects on peripheral and central inhibitors and stimulators of appetite, including leptin, cortisol, melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH), and neuropeptide (NPY). Stress induced autonomic dysfunction it also alters appetite and weight-control mechanisms.   Toxins can influence weight through toxin mediated increases in inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) on the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) family of nuclear receptors promoting insulin resistance, and on themelanocortin receptor (MCR) system altering central appetite regulation.   Counter regulatory signals triggered by inflammation such as suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS) induce leptin resistance. Toxins alter mitochondrial energetics by damaging enzymes involved in fatty acid oxidation and thermogenesis. Oxidative stress influences weight via NFκ B-mediated mechanisms of gene transcription that control insulin resistance and inflammation. Other mechanisms may include direct effects of toxins on hepatic control of lipid and glucose metabolism, and on inflammatory cytokines  

WEIGHT REGULATION AND TOXINS -WHERE DO TOXINS COME FROM?

Exposure to toxins comes from two main sources: the environment (external toxins) and the gut (breakdown products of our metabolism, or internal toxins). Both can overload endogenous detoxification mechanisms.    External Toxins The Dangers from without the external toxins include chemical toxins and heavy metals. The heavy metals that cause the most ill health are lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, nickel, and aluminum.   Chemical toxins include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), solvents (cleaning materials, formaldehyde, toluene, and benzene), medications, alcohol, pesticides, herbicides, and food additives.   Infections (hepatitis C virus) and mold toxins (sick building syndrome) are other common sources of toxins. Our modern refined diet can be considered toxic because it places an extra burden on detoxification systems through excessive consumption of sugar, high fructose corn syrup (the two most important causes of elevated liver function tests),trans fatty acids, alcohol, caffeine, aspartame, foods made with genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and the various plastics, pathogens, hormones, and antibiotics found in our food supply. Internal Toxins: Danger from Within Internal toxins include microbial compounds (from bacteria, yeast, or other organisms), and the breakdown products of normal protein metabolism.   Bacteria and yeast in the gut produce waste products, metabolic by-products and cellular debris that can interfere with many body functions and lead to increased inflammation and oxidative stress. These include endotoxins, toxic amines, toxic derivatives of bile, and various carcinogenic substances such as putrescence and cadaverine. Lastly, by-products of normal protein metabolism, including urea and ammonia, require detoxification

WEIGHT REGULATION AND TOXINS-Detoxification Enzyme Polymorphisms and Obesity

The effect of toxins on an individual is determined, in part, by the polymorphisms of phase I and phase II detoxification enzymes. Highly prevalent single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of glutathione transferase enzymes predispose to increased toxic loads.   Detoxification of heavy metals is an important task for the body. It depends on specific proteins and enzymes that bind the metals and transport them out of the cells. In one recent study, mice bred without the protein (metallothionein) that is necessary for heavy metal detoxification gained more weight over their lifetime than mice that could eliminate the metals. They were more sensitive to the effects of toxic metals and oxidative stress.   Toxins Impair Central Appetite Regulation Toxins have many effects. Besides directly lowering thyroid hormone levels, metabolic rate, and fat burning (fatty acid oxidation), they can damage the mechanisms by which hormonal and Neuro-regulatory signals control our appetite and behavior. These signals are finely choreographed and sensitive to environmental inputs.   To briefly review, the hypothalamic appetite-control system is centered in the acute nucleus. It receives peripheral feedback from leptin, insulin, PYY, and adiponectin. Central inhibition of food intake is regulated by pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and cocaine-and amphetamine regulated transcript (CART). Central stimulation of intake is modulated by Neuropeptide Y and agouti related peptide (AgRP).   The melanocortin system and its receptors, MC3R and MC4R, play a crucial role in appetite control. Specifically, MSH binds to MCR, suppresses appetite, stimulates the thyroid axis, and increases energy expenditure, brown fat temperature, and sympathetic activity. It is inhibited by TNF. Other downstream control sites also exist in the related areas of the brain. Reward centers also play a role and are targets for new drug research including the end cannabinoid and serotonin receptors. Leptin resistance is found in obesity.   Leptin’s inhibitory effect on appetite is impaired by toxins, leading to leptin resistance and increased hunger. Hyperleptinemia increases mitochondrial reactive oxygen species monocyte chemo attractant protein-1 (ROS MCP-1). Leptin induces inflammation in a feed-forward cycle. Toxins may inhibit satiety effects of leptin, leading to increasing hyperleptinemia. Researchers treated rats with a neurotoxin that damaged another.

WEIGHT REGULATION AND TOXINS-What Are the Benefits of Detoxing Your Body?

Toxins

Toxins can influence weight through toxin mediated increases in inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) on the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) family of nuclear receptors promoting insulin resistance

Detoxification is the process of removing toxins from the body. The process to detoxify your body involves many different elements such as herbal detoxification regimens, change of diet and vitamin supplements. It is one of the best ways to rid your body of toxins, which can slow it down and make it unhealthy. The process of detoxification requires some discipline. Physical Benefits The most noticeable benefits from detoxification are the physical ones. Since the toxins store up in major organs, detoxification will help these areas the most. The organs which are affected, such as the liver and stomach, will begin to work more effectively. After the detox is completed, you may feel “lighter” and have more energy. Also, since a detox is used to clear away free radicals, your body’s immune system will be stronger and you will have a lower risk of getting cancer. Finally, a detoxification regimen will clear your blood, helping it circulate better.   Mental Benefits Toxins and free radicals that accumulate in the body can also affect brain functions. Before a detox, you may have trouble sleeping, chronic fatigue, and trouble with your concentration. Once you work through this process, many of these issues will gradually disappear. You will be able to sleep better and concentrate more. Lifestyle Changes A benefit which most people don’t think of can be the change to your lifestyle. As you progress through the body detox, you will begin to feel better physically and mentally. This feeling can be addictive and lead to changing your lifestyle to cut out bad elements which give your body those toxins. Quitting smoking, eating better, and getting more exercise are all actions which help protect the body. After a detox is a perfect time to begin these actions.

TOXINS AND NEUROTOXICITY PATHOGENESIS OF OBESITY-EXPOSED

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