Are you overweight? Do you experiencing overwhelming cravings or
puzzling fluctuations in your weight? Have you tried every diet
coming down the pike with no success? Simple overeating or deep
seated psychological issues may not be the real culprit of your
problem. You may have undiagnosed allergies or sensitivities to
foods or chemicals that you are not aware of.
Perfume, hair spray, fabric softener, car exhaust, pesticides, smog,
wheat, sugar, the smell of coffee, a date with a smoker or many other
foods or chemicals can all be triggers for cravings, binges and water
retention, which can result in weight gain.
There are 4 different ways that allergens can stimulate weight gain.
1. Addiction
Many people are overweight because they are actually addicted to
certain foods. It’s usually one of your favorite foods and
one that you eat quite frequently. When eaten it supplies you
with a fix, an instant lift and relieves your allergic symptoms
temporarily, then after the let down your craving returns and you need
to eat this food again to feel better.
2.Cravings
Any irritants that cause allergies can also cause intense hunger
pangs. A craving can be for a specific food like ice cream or for
a general family such as pasta.
3.The Appestat Switch-Off
Scientists have found that certain substances can go directly to the
brain and shut off the appestat, or appetite control center.
Normally it should tell you that you are full and it is time to stop
eating, but if it does not shut off you never feel full and thus want
to continue eating.
This adverse reaction can be caused by anything –hugging a friend who
is wearing perfume, dryer exhaust from your neighbor, or eating a wheat
cookie. If you never feel full or hungry after a meal, your
appestat may not be functioning properly.
Once you can identify what substances are problematic for you then you
can eliminate them and reactivate your hunger control center.
4. Edema
The most common form of allergic obesity is fluid retention. If
you notice that you are heavier the day after you eat a particular
food, your body is probably responding to an allergy.
Pay close attention to your eating habits, the air you breath and the
chemicals and fragrances that you use. Look for possible
connections between changes in your weight and the kinds of food you
eat (instead of being focused on how much you eat) also take note of
when and where cravings, uncontrollable hunger and binges occur.
Also pay close attention to any changes you may have in mood or thought
such as: anger, depression, crying, irritability, and inability
to concentrate and think clearly. These same substances that
cause weight gain and cravings can also create symptoms that appear to
be psychological, but are really a result of a sensitivity to the food
or chemical.
There are several other factors that may occur by themselves or they
are frequently found in addition to allergies/sensitivities that may
also contribute to weight gain, cravings, or intense hunger.
1. Hypoglycemia
Low blood sugar is a common problem that many people are not aware
of. It can create intense hunger and cravings. By finding a
hypoglycemic diet that is appropriate for your body type it is possible
to improve or correct your blood sugar imbalance and remove your
intense hunger and cravings.
2. Thyroid Disorders
Hypothyroidism (low thyroid functioning) is a very common
disorder and often goes undiagnosed. Conventional blood tests for
thyroid often fail to detect a problem. Weight gain is one of
many symptoms that may accompany hypothyroidism. The most
accurate way to determine if your thyroid is functioning properly is
through the Barnes Basal Temperature Test. ( Another very common
symptom of Low Thyroid function is fatigue and depression.) For more
details on Low Thyroid function and symptoms see my other article with
that title.
3. Candida Albicans Overgrowth
Candida is a yeast that naturally occurs in all of our bodies. It
is supposed to be there in balanced amounts. Due to factors such
as a diet high in sugars and refined carbohydrates, chemicals in our
environment, and the overuse of antibiotics this yeast can begin to
grow in excess amounts and create numerous problems in our
bodies. Intense cravings and hunger for sweets or
carbohydrates is one of the most common symptoms.
4. Nutritional Deficiencies
Up to 50% of the population fails to ingest the recommended daily
allowances of minerals and vitamins. Certain imbalances such as
low levels of chromium can create hunger and cravings. Low
chromium is also a factor in hypoglycemia.
Find a health care provider who is knowledgeable about the issues I
mention in this article and work with them. You may find
Cynthia's
holistic health counseling, which is available by phone, to be
helpful.
Read these great books: “It isn’t Your Fault You’re Fat” by
Marshall Mandel and “Your Hidden Food Allergies are Making You Fat” by
Rivera & Deutsch.
References:
Dr. Roy Kerry, M.D.
Dr. Sherry Rogers, M.D.
Marshall Mandel
