By Alison Birks, MS, AHG, CNS, CDN


his year, you resolve to lose weight. You eliminate the junk food and hid- den sugars from your diet. You start reading food labels. You switch to an all organic, plant-based eating style. You start exercising. You watch your portions and fill up on fiber-rich foods such as: fruits, vegeta- bles, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds. Maybe instead you choose to go Paleo, and eat plenty of local, clean sources of protein like grass fed beef and pastured eggs. Yet, somehow you still can’t shed those stubborn pounds! If so, you may be struggling with weight loss resistance. Until the underlying factors which are preventing you from los- ing weight are properly addressed, even the best diets will fail.


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Having Trouble Shedding Those Stubborn Pounds? Gut Flora


Food Sensitivities New research on the human microbi-


ome shows that the type of microflora in the gut can influence one’s ability to lose weight. Some microbes have an increased capacity to extract calories from food. Oth- ers have a role to play in mood, appetite and detoxification. Probiotic supplements, fermented foods and strategies to enhance digestive function can all be employed to shift the balance to a healthier population of gut microbes.


Food Sensitivities An elimination diet which focuses on


Numerous factors can interfere with the ability to lose weight and lower body fat. Medical factors, such as: hormone imbalances, unhealthy gut flora, food sensitivities, stress and toxin overload are common causes of weight loss resistance. Addressing these problems with your health care practitioner while shifting to a nutrient dense diet tailored to your specific needs is the first step. The use of heat therapies such as far infrared sauna is another valuable tool for addressing weight loss resistance and improving overall health.


Hormones Weight loss will be difficult to achieve


if thyroid hormones, insulin and cortisol levels are not optimal. Imbalances in repro- ductive hormones, such as estrogen, pro- gesterone and testosterone can also cause weight loss resistance. Your physician or other healthcare practitioner can order test- ing to determine if a hormone imbalance is present and if treatment is indicated.


reducing the overall inflammatory load on the body can promote weight loss and en- hance overall feelings of wellbeing. Here, commonly eaten foods such as gluten, dairy, corn, soy and sugar are removed from the diet for a period of time. This approach can uncover hidden food triggers which may be causing weight loss resistance as well as other symptoms, such as headaches, joint pain, fatigue and digestive discomfort.


Stress reduction therapies such as


yoga, deep breathing, massage and other mindfulness practices can lower the stress response, as can the use of botanicals such as adaptogenic herbs. Adaptogens are herbs which enable the body to better tolerate stressors of all kinds. They are nontoxic, normalizing and nonspecific in their ability to promote a better physiological response to stress. Adaptogens are best chosen ac- cording to their energetic properties and actions, with the help of an experienced herbalist.


Nutritional Supplements


Nutraceuticals like those used in a structured detox program can enhance the body’s ability to remove stored toxins. A two to four-week cleanse which includes: supplemental fiber, a protein shake, pro- biotics, herbs and amino acids to enhance glutathione production, promote bile secretion and aid in the removal of toxins


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