Hammett Integrative Health

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Detoxification - how toxins slow weight loss


When discussing weight loss, mainstream media almost universally emphasize eating less and exercising more. Simply consume fewer calories than you expend, and you should see a decrease in your weight. It sounds like a simple formula, but for women and men who have struggled to lose weight and feel confident in themselves, it's not that straightforward.

The Impact of Toxins on Weight Loss

Because we store environmental toxins in our fat cells, when excess fat is burned these toxins are released into the bloodstream and can have a significant impact on the body. This release of toxins can also strain the liver, causing it to prioritize processing the toxins over its other metabolic functions, potentially hindering weight loss progress. Dr. Mark Hyman of the Georgetown University School of Medicine has written extensively on the connection between difficulty controlling weight and environmental toxins. He asserts that "altered thyroid metabolism and receptor function, central appetite disregulation, insulin and leptin resistance, compared mitochondrial oxidative metabolism and oxidative stress-mediated effects...are all mechanisms by which toxins create altered metabolism and finely-tuned weight regulatory mechanisms."

The Negative Effects of Toxins on Mood and Energy Levels

The negative effects of environmental pollutants on mood and energy levels are one of the principal challenges you will face as you attempt to improve the way your body looks and feels. Numerous studies show that exposure to environmental contaminants can cause an imbalance in the body's hormones. This can cause a variety of issues, including lowered mood and a constant sense of exhaustion. One of the most crucial aspects of a weight loss diet is eating in a way that aids your body in eliminating these toxins and minimizing their consequences.

The Role of the Liver in Detoxification

All of our bodies are susceptible to toxins and when this happens, your kidneys and liver work to remove the toxins from your body as quickly as they can. Most toxins must be processed by the liver before being excreted through the kidneys. Almost all of the protein, lipid, and carbohydrate molecules you consume must also be processed by your liver before any of your body's other systems can utilize them. The liver is involved in virtually every energy transaction occurring within your body.

Lab Testing for Toxins

Testing for toxins in the body can help identify the specific toxins in your body and the levels at which they are present. This information can be used to develop a personalized detoxification plan. For example, if you have high levels of heavy metals in your body (such as mercury or lead) a detox program that targets these specific toxins may be more effective than a generalized detox program.

Testing for toxins can also help identify underlying health conditions that may be contributing to your weight gain or difficulty losing weight. For example, high levels of toxins can lead to inflammation, which can contribute to weight gain and make it more difficult to lose weight. Testing can help identify this inflammation and provide guidance on how to address it.

Supporting The Liver With A Fresh Food Diet, targeted Nutricueticals & Supplements

Supporting the liver with a fresh food diet and a specially formulated liver supplements can enable rapid detoxification. In this way, the liver can swiftly and effectively rid itself of toxins and begin the process of burning fat and producing energy. Detoxification is as much about what you take out of your diet as what you put in, and this is an important part of achieving your weight loss and wellness goals.