The Obesity Epidemic-Part II
Naturopathic Treatments for Obesity: The New Obesity Paradigm
By Helene Pulnik, RPh, MS, ND, LAc.
But researchers are increasingly finding that obesity is a disease caused by imbal- ances in the endocrine system, which involves many hormonal systems. In fact, the fat cell itself has been found to be an endocrine organ that produces several hormones which have the effect of pro- ducing even more fat cells, and that can turn off enzymes that burn fat. Common hormonal imbalances contributing to obesity include thyroid dis- ease, Cushing’s syndrome and Polycystic Ovarian syndrome. In most of these condi- tions, appropriate treatment of the primary disease results in weight loss. But what about the majority of obese people who don’t have these conditions? Why don’t diet and exercise help them lose weight and keep it off?
O
besity is certainly directly linked to overeating sugar, fat and empty calories, and to lack of exercise.
We know that common lifestyle
choices can result in the same end-effect as actual hormonal disorders. Untreated stress and insomnia cause elevated levels of the adrenal stress-hormone cortisol. Over time, constantly elevated cortisol levels cause imbalances of other hor- mones, such as insulin and leptin. Stress, cortisol and leptin hormones cause blood sugar changes, increased blood pressure and inflammation in the body, and send signals to the brain to over-eat. Recent reports have targeted sugar and its many different forms, which can actually affect the brain in the same way that drugs and alcohol do, which may lead to sugar ad- diction.
Naturopathic therapy for obesity
includes evaluation and treatment of the individual’s lifestyle, sleep patterns, diet, stressors, medical conditions, and correc- tion of hormone and nutritional imbal-
ances. Patients receive custom detoxification pro- grams and person- alized diet and food plans combined with consistent fol- low up and support to help obese pa- tients lose weight and live a healthy lifestyle.
Starting with lifestyle and stressors, Naturopathic treatment includes compre- hensive adrenal stress-hormone testing and treatment with natural remedies to bring the stress hormones back into balance. Adrenal stress hormone imbal- ances can result in adrenal fatigue with depressed cortisol levels, or elevated cortisol levels. Adrenal fatigue is treated with adrenal adaptogens such as rhodiola, licorice, ashwaganda, phosphatidylser- ine, and others. Learning stress manage- ment techniques like Heartmath, lifestyle changes, energy medicine, acupuncture and meditation are crucial for regaining balance in life.
Insomnia is a common factor in obese
individuals. Getting a sleep study done to check for sleep apnea is the first step. Test- ing neurotransmitters and stress hormones at night will help target the source of insomnia, leading to effective naturopathic treatment to balance neurotransmitters and stress hormones at night to facilitate a normal night’s sleep, without drugs. Creating a personalized diet to fit each
individual’s needs is fundamental in treat- ing obesity. Many obese people are deficient in vi- tamins and minerals important for health. Naturopathic testing includes evaluation for vitamin, mineral and anti-oxidant sta- tus, blood sugar and Hba1c levels, and the cardiovascular risk factors Cardio CRP and cholesterol fractionation testing. Taking
26 Natural Nutmeg June 2012
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