Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Can't lose the weight? Syndrome X might be the culprit!"I've put on 40 pounds in one year! It doesnt matter how much I workout, I cant lose weight. My doctor must think Im eating pizzas in the closet. "
With nearly 4 million Americans weighing in at over 300 pounds, is it any wonder the above cries are heard each and every day by countless frustrated people who cant lose weight? One such cause for the ever increasing need to buy larger pants is a disease known as Syndrome X.
Syndrome X is also referred to as Metabolic Syndrome, Metabolic Syndrome X and Insulin Resistance. It is a very common disease; however it is widely overlooked by many medical professionals. One statistic reveals 1 in 3 people suffer from it.
This syndrome is a precursor to developing Diabetes Type 2. Sufferers have a high level of insulin. Their bodies are unable to process all the insulin that is being made from their diet. As a result, they become insulin resistant.
Think of it like this: You knock on someones door because you want to come in. If they dont answer, what normally happens? You knock again, right? Sometimes you may even knock a third time, trying to gain entry. Insulin works in the same manner. The pancreas produces insulin (knock). Some foods cause the body to produce even higher levels of insulin (knock again). Once you become insulin resistant, develop Syndrome X, the body is unable to properly process the glucose, therefore the pancreas tries to make up for it by producing even more insulin. It thinks no one is home and just keeps making more.
The main purpose of glucose is to be used as fuel for the cells in the body to produce energy. Unprocessed glucose translates into fat. If the body keeps making it and its not being processed, where does it go? Hips, thighs, stomach, and buttocks, thats where!
In addition to hypertension and heart disease, elevated insulin may be associated with weight gain and difficulty with weight loss, other blood sugar problems such as hypoglycemia, and some menstrual related imbalances.
Genetics is partially responsible for causing this disease. More likely though is lifestyle. In many cases years of high starch, processed foods, simple sugars, lack of exercise, smoking, and increased stress may be the culprit for Metabolic Syndrome X.
Now what? For starters, start exercising today. Increase water intake and totally omit starches, sugars, processed foods from your diet. Limit or omit caffeine. Try to maintain at least one third of your daily food intake to vegetables. Ask your doctor to test your sugar levels. Change what youre eating and get walking and youll be amazed at the pounds start to fall off. The fatigue and fuzziness will start to disappear and in turn youll feel much better.
If you want to loose weight you have likely already heard the praise being given to the latest in natural cures - Hoodia Gordonii. So, is it as good as they say? How does it work? And most importantly - will it help you loose weight?
STUDY SHOWED HUNGER PAINS TURNED OFF
The most frequently reported study to promote Hoodia Gordonii as a weight loss supplement was conducted with obese individuals who were given Hoodia Gordonii and left in a room with little to distract them except TV, reading and eating. This group consumed on average 1000 less calories a day than the control group given a placebo.
The active ingredient in Hoodia Gordonii appears to tell the brain that the stomach is full. No hunger pains could mean less eating, which would naturally cause a loss of weight.
AFRICAN BUSHMAN USED HOODIA TO STAVE OFF HUNGER FOR LONG TRIPS
Hoodia Gordonii is an African cactus that grows naturally only in the Kalahari desert. For thousands of years the bushman of this region have eaten Hoodia Gordonii with no apparent ill side effects, like the racing heart experience of Ephedra or other supplements.
In fact, the only known side effect seems to be an overall good feeling. However, the bushman used the Hoodia Gordonii sparingly and further studies are required to examine the possible side effects of regular doses over a long period of time.
WILL THE HOODIA GORDONII HELP YOU LOOSE WEIGHT?
The molecule that has been linked to the appetite suppressing abilities of Hoodia Gordonii, now called P.57, appears to affect both humans and animals. One study showed a decrease in appetite by 30-40%. There are documented personal experiences showing the immediate effects of eating Hoodia Gordonii.
It is important to note that the molecule isolated in Hoodia Gordonii does not necessarily affect the appetite when eating high carbohydrate or sugar diets or when hunger is caused by physical exercise. While P.57 can signal to the brain that the body is full, the sugar drops and physical requirement for nourishment can counteract these effects.
As with any weight loss program it is necessary to adapt diet and lifestyle to experience the most profound changes. Suppressing the appetite should not be a replacement for good nutrition and healthy living. It is also important to note that further testing of the safety and effects of Hoodia Gordonii are sure to continue and not all products that are advertised to contain Hoodia Gordonii are prepared equally. The active ingredient in many products is not enough to produce the desired effects and should be chosen wisely.