Could Toxins Be Affecting Your Weight Loss?

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Many people come to RNL to lose weight. I’d say over half, and that may be an underestimate. Every once in awhile we’ve come across a client that is extremely challenging to get the needle to move. That’s when we research, research and then do some more research. Here’s what we found. (Check out our original publication on Elephant Journal here)

Let’s first be very clear RNL always steers clear of quick fixes, even if that’s what our client is looking for because in the long run this leads to more deficiencies, imbalances and  damage. We find when we “clean up” the body and implement positive lifestyle, the body follows suit. Hormones can often balance themselves and the weight just falls off. This cleaning up is often through first detoxifying the system.

Why is detoxing so important? 

Well now it’s time to talk toxins. “Toxin” is a rather broad term, covering both toxins that are created from normal bodily functions and those from outside sources. Think pesticides, industrial chemicals, mercury, personal care products and the list goes on. The body designed to eliminate toxins through our skin, kidneys and liver, but modern times have exposed us to many more toxins than we were built to deal with– leading to over-burdened organs, illness, and weight gain.

So how do these toxins affect weight loss efforts?

Well when toxins enter the body, they’re stored in out fat cells. Remember fat cells are used to help protect vital organs (yikes, scary these toxins are living in the same neighborhood as our precious organs!) This could also be part of the belly fat danger. In a study titled “Energy Balance and Pollution by Organochlorines and Polychlorinated Biphenyls,” published in Obesity Review in 2003, researchers concluded that pesticides and PCBs (these come from industrial pollution) poison our metabolism when they are released from stored fat tissue. [Source] What this means is when we start losing weight and dissolving body fat, toxins are released into the system negatively affecting metabolism.

Dr. Mark Hyman found that over 63 studies have explored the link between chemical toxins and obesity. Researchers found toxins, PCB’s and pesticides all affected metabolism, including stressing the liver, disrupting the thyroid, disrupting hormones, and damaging mitochondria (the power house of our cells= decreased energy.) We know when the thyroid is affected all things related to mood, mind, sleep and metabolism become difficult. We also now know that the pesky toxins may affect leptin (the hormone that tells us we’re full.) That said, no wonder losing weight and keeping it off can be such a challenge.

Now that you’ve had the science is it safer to keep the fat?? Of course not! I’ve complied a quick list to send those toxins (and some fat) packing!

1) Eat organic

Especially meat, milk and eggs (those animals are pumped full of nasty junk!), filter water, open windows, keep at least one plant in each room and start taking stock in household cleaners and your personal care products. Switch to one new natural product a week or month as you use up your old versions.

2) Sweat most days of the week.

This will help clear the body of toxins and metals. Use a sauna, like this one, if you need to.

3) Make sure you’re eliminating properly.

No, it’s not normal or ok to go once every couple of days! The body has to eliminate wastes each and every day without fail. This is done through bowels, skin and breath. Dry skin brush, breathe deeply and if you’re not having regular bowel movements, start working with a Holistic Practitioner to get back on track.

4) Eat a healthy, whole food diet and drink plenty of filtered water.

Not to cover poor nutrition but to keep the body running on all cylinders since we live in such a toxic world. Clean water helps to flush out toxins and keep the channels of eliminations open. All natural foods keep the digestive system free of toxins. Whole foods also contain natural compounds that aid in eliminating toxins from the body.

 

For more info on why to detox click here.

Info to prep for you detox, click here.

And more at home detox tips click here and here.

 

Have you ever struggled to lose weight??Were toxins an issue? Please share your experience below.

 


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Melissa Schollaert is a Holistic Health & Nutrition Counselor and founder of Real Nutritious Living. Helping others achieve their health goals to attain their healthiest, happiest life is her greatest ambition.

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MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: This content is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult with your advising physician before starting any treatment for a medical condition. Real Nutritious Living, LLC shall not be held liable or responsible for any misunderstanding or misuse of the information contained on this site or for any loss, damage, or injury caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by any treatment, action, or application of any food or food source discussed in this site.

Author: Melissa Schollaert

I'm Melissa—Holistic Health Coach & loving mama. My passion is to help others thrive through strategic eating (not dieting), living a toxic free life & creating healthier families.

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