Reversing leptin resistance naturally

by: Derrell Jones

(NaturalNews) The foods we eat and sedentary lifestyles have left our bodies reeling with a plethora of avoidable ailments and conditions. One such condition is leptin resistance which contributes significantly to weight gain and ultimately diabetes. It most certainly does not have to be like this, however, and once recognized for what it is, reversing leptin resistance becomes a manageable and beneficial endeavor.

What is leptin resistance and what causes it?

Leptin is a hormone that communicates with the brain that we've eaten enough and causes us to feel "full". It also helps the body to utilize fat as an energy source. When leptin is working properly in the body it helps to control how much is consumed at meals, which facilitates proper weight management and blood sugar regulation. Often we find ourselves consuming simple carbohydrates and other highly processed foods that suppresses or usurps leptin's ability to decrease our appetite and this is when the trouble begins. As leptin resistance increases so does insulin resistance. Blood sugar levels spike as over consumption becomes commonplace, causing increased insulin production which is a perfect setup for diabetes. In addition to simple carbs and over consumption, chronic stress and sedentary lifestyles also increase resistance to leptin.

Naturally reverse leptin resistance

Exercise: A key factor for positive long-term health outcomes is to get moving and keep moving. A lack of physical activity increases the likelihood of leptin resistance as cortisol levels rise. Exercise helps to mitigate the effects cortisol has on the body and decrease resistance to leptin. This is why over time appetites decrease with routine moderate physical activity.

Supplements:

- Irvingia has been highlighted on various television and radio programs around the world as a weight loss aid. Its extract is derived from African mangoes and has been demonstrated to influence enzyme production while lowering inflammation which allows for weight loss if taken in high enough doses. For sure Irvingia is no magic bullet but should be used as an adjunct to a healthy lifestyle that promotes weight loss and increases leptin sensitivity.

- Zinc is a key mineral that not only bolsters our immune system but also assists leptin to perform at optimal levels so be sure to supplement as necessary.

Eating plan: Avoiding inflammatory foods is important because the inflammation interferes with how leptin functions in the body. C-reactive protein is a byproduct of inflammation causing foods and sets the stage for leptin resistance.

Stress management - Chronic stress is a multi-pronged dagger that has felled many. Unmitigated stress increases cortisol levels significantly increasing the appetite which leads to over consumption. Cortisol also directly interferes with how leptin functions, making the body less sensitive to the leptin.

Overcoming leptin resistance need not be some tedious endeavor to be frowned upon. With a few key lifestyle changes, control over proper leptin function in the body can be regained and the road to great health will transform from a weeded path to a super highway.

Sources for this article include:

Reversing Diabetes: Discover the natural way to take control of type 2 diabetes by Don Colbert, M.D. Siloam Charisma Media, 2012.

http://science.naturalnews.com/pubmed/18926322.html

http://www.naturalnews.com/031459_leptin_insulin.html

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/040864_leptin_resistance_diabetes_stress_management.html#ixzz2acwCUrI6