Overweight and Leptins
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Stress is the wild card variable that magnifies any weakness in a person’s brain chemistry. If the weakness is on the dopamine side, cravings are for calorie-laden and salty foods. The subconscious goal is to have an energetic feeling of metabolic drive. If the weakness is on the serotonin side, cravings are for carbohydrates. The subconscious goal is to have a relaxed state of feelings or more pleasant mood. When the overall natural balance in a person’s life is not good, then there is much less tolerance for stress. A person is likely to experience the cravings based on brain chemistry imbalance triggering stress eating, in turn causing a disruption in fuel utilization. This leads to leptin resistance, insulin resistance, and adrenaline resistance, a path of increased fatigue and bad moods no matter what is eaten. Additionally, various forms of nutritional support might be beneficial. These are suggested only to highlight the possible benefits of nutrient support and are not intended as guidelines. Melatonin, a hormone produced at night that has an effect on sleep, has been shown to decrease circulating leptin levels. (Kus et al 2004) It can be taken at bedtime by those who are experiencing sleep disturbance and might benefit those who have other evidence of leptin resistance. A diet rich in fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) has been shown to reduce plasma leptin. (Beltowski 2005) |
Carnosine (a combination of the amino acids beta-alanine and histidine), a non-protein component of brain tissue, is found in relatively high amounts in muscle; it helps to protect the brain cells from the damage of stress (Kang et al 2002) and has been shown to stop the effects of excess adrenaline on the kidneys. (Niijima et al 2002) Calcium helps to decrease agouti, a close associate of NPY, which together block thyroid function, even though common thyroid tests might appear normal. (Fekete et al 2002) Vitamin D is a powerful inhibitor of leptin secretion (Menendez et al 2001) as well as a co-factor in calcium absorption. Pantethine (a coenzyme form of vitamin B5), a fat metabolizer, can help lower LDL cholesterol, raise HDL cholesterol, and lower triglycerides. (McRae 2005) Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), one of the most vigorously researched nutrients in the world, shows considerable evidence in its ability to reduce cancer, hardening of the arteries, and body fat and to prevent the development of diabetes. (Belury 2002) Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) before bed encourages the hypothalamus to stimulate growth hormone during sleep. Research has also shown ALC to be effective in reducing leptin resistance (Isso et al 2002) and in helping the brain sense the true amount of leptin. Our biochemistry can be significantly influenced not only by what we eat, but also by when, and how much we eat, the proportions of fats, carbohydrates and proteins, our exercise habits and our sleep patterns. For those who have already developed a thick waist and potentially the triad of hormonal resistances, a simple three square meals a day might be not only beneficial to weight reduction, but also to cardiovascular and pancreatic health. |