Is it a Case of Mind Over Matter to Win the Mental Game of Stubborn Fat Loss?

We all understand the far reaching benefits of healthy eating and regular exercise, right?

Did you know as women our hormones play a key role in every aspect of our lives?

Dear Friend,

Allow me to start by being totally up front and saying I’m NOT an endocrinologist and I do NOT claim to be an expert…

You do NOT necessary have to become one either.

But the truth is unless you address your hormones in context to your nutritional plan as a key factor in weight loss, you’re most likely going to continue to gain weight and struggle.

Many so called experts don’t really cover the basics and true importance of your body’s chemical makeup on how and why hormones produce fat.

And how hormones influences how much fat your body burns and stores.

The goal is to keep this as simple as possible while providing you with sound research.

Why does it all start with hormones?

Hormones don’t often get talked about, yet are vitally important.

You see, whatever body type you are it comes down to much more than just how much and what you eat or exercise.

Hormones and body muscle content play a very big role in your ability to stay lean and healthy (not talking about becoming a body builder)…

So understanding how hormones work for or against you means you can only get better control over your waistline if you know what is happening, even if it is at a very basic level.

Hormones are the driving force behind the body you see in your mirror.

If your body produces the right hormones, your body thrives.

If not, your body suffers…

There is a BIG reason why America is approaching 70% overweight.

The signals women send their body through food they eat and exercise they do is detrimental…

And yes the results do show what’s happening.

If you want to transform your body, it starts with your hormones.

And that doesn’t mean via supplementation.

You see, the best and most effective way is through living a healthy lifestyle, eating the right foods and exercising consistently.

As Weight Loss Coach, I’m often asked about hormones and how they affect us?

Hormones are a complex topic, hopefully this short article explains it all in a really simple, easy to understand way…

Hormones affect the way we feeling during adolescence and continue to play a key role throughout our lives.

Hormones affect your metabolism, stress levels and reproductive system.

There are many hormones which influence your own health.

So how do these hormones affect your overall health…

A major hormone which is influenced by what you eat is called insulin.

Insulin is one of the biggest influences for many health areas.

Insulin is a hormone which is secreted by the pancreas after you eat carbohydrates.

When you eat carbohydrates, the sugars are absorbed into bloodstream, naturally causing your blood glucose levels to rise.

The pancreas secretes insulin in order to help your body process blood glucose.

Insulin helps to move glucose from blood into cells of your body so cells can use glucose for energy…

When you eat food, in particularly carbohydrates, your body releases insulin to lower the increase in blood sugar right?

You can never lose fat in the presence of insulin.

When you eat protein with carbohydrates, it slows the sharp release of insulin so you never have a spike of insulin. Try to always include some protein with every meal…

Insulin also helps to change any excess glucose your body does not immediately need into a stable form of energy called glycogen.

Glycogen is produced in the liver…

Leptin and ghrelin are hormones which tell you when to eat and when to stop eating.

Ghrelin is produced in the stomach and pancreas…

Ghrenlin alerts your brain when your stomach is empty.

Leptin is secreted by fat cells and triggers appetite suppressing hormones when you’ve eaten enough.

Both hormones are affected by sugar…

In other words, how much sugar you eat.

Eat too much sugar and the result can mean reduced leptin production, which leaves ghrelin to send out unnecessary hunger signals (pangs and cravings).

Cortisol is a stress hormone which is released from the brain into your bloodstream.

Now, in times of stress and anxiety, cortisol licks in to help accelerate your heartbeat, feeds your brain extra oxygen and releases energy from your fat and glucose stores.

Your mood and memory are partly controlled by serotonin…

Serotonin is often produced in the gut.

Serotonin is commonly known as the feel-good hormone or neurotransmitter.

Female sex hormones…

The most important hormones made by the ovaries are known as female sex hormones and the two main ones are oestrogen and progesterone.

The ovaries produce both testosterone and estrogen…

Women’s ovaries produce a minimal amount of testosterone, which drives sexual desire, muscle strength, bone density and metabolism.

Relatively small quantities of testosterone are released into your bloodstream by the ovaries and adrenal glands.

Too little testosterone can affect a woman’s energy level, libido and mood health.

Too much testosterone in women can contribute to acne and facial hair.

Oestrogen and progesterone are female sex hormones produced in the ovaries.

Oestrogen is primarily a female sex hormone…

Oestrogen enlarges breasts, widens pelvis and oestrogen is what gives women the curvy appearance.

Oestrogen stimulates a female’s instinct, increases alertness, lowers body fat levels, increases insulin sensitivity and improved glucose tolerance.

Symptoms of low oestrogen can occur at any age, more prominent in menopause.

Progesterone increases sleepiness, helps to build and maintain bones, slows digestive process, promotes appetite and helps breast tissue mature.

Progesterone stimulates production of breast milk during pregnancy.

Symptoms of low progesterone include premenstrual migraines, irregular or heavy periods and anxiety…

Hormones from PMS to menopause these are messengers of womanhood which can affect your mood, weight, food cravings and even your desire for sex.

Some women experience normal “smooth sailing” and other women metabolize hormones differently…it just might feel like a roller coaster ride at every turn of the hormonal bend…

Eat fresh, nutritionally dense foods as often as possible.

If you can, avoid food from a box or bag; especially any ingredient you can’t pronounce.

Keep ingredient lists to fewer than five recognizable ingredients and you’ll experience fat loss with fewer cravings because your body is properly nourished.

Generally white or bleached carbohydrates have a high glycemic index.

Essentially it means food is broken down quickly and your blood sugar will spike.

This results in a dump of insulin…

And as you remember, you can’t lose fat in the presence of insulin.

So do yourself a favor and eat low glycemic complex carbohydrates and you avoid the roller coaster of peaks and valleys in blood sugar.

You won’t feel crazy hungry an hour after eating…

You’ll stay full longer and it’s easier to make healthy choices if you don’t feel starved or deprived.

Fat Loss for Females

Probiotics are simply live yeast and bacteria…

Interest in probiotics, acidophilus started as far back as the late 19th century.

At this point in time, the probiotics bacterium was credited for adding to long life of the people living in the Balkans who regularly ingested fermented milk.

Later, it was discovered that fermented milk was rich in L. acidophilus.

Dear Friend,

Since the discovery, probiotic has been a topic of interest with respect to digestive health.

Probiotics are living microorganisms (microscopic organisms) found in the digestive tract.

Probiotics found in dietary supplements and foods are similar to probiotics which naturally occur in the stomach.

When taken by mouth probiotics benefit your health by improving bacteria in the intestines.

Probiotics are similar or the same as good bacteria already in your body, particularly those in your gut.

Normal human intestinal tract contains 300-1,000 different kinds of bacterial species with about 1014 individual bacteria.

Prebiotics are dietary sugars that stimulate growth of intestinal, protective bacteria.

While our body doesn’t necessarily need probiotic supplementation, probiotics contained in supplements form can assist digestive health by:

• Reducing bad bacteria in stomach which can lead to inflammation or infection
• Replace good bacteria that may have been removed through antibiotic use
• Balance PH and digestive bacteria to ensure your body is functioning properly…

The probiotics which naturally occur in stomach include a yeast called Saccharomyces boulardii.

The bacteria include Bifobacterium and Lactobacillus microorganism families.

Yogurt contains probiotic known as Lactobacillus acidophilus.

Foods containing probiotics include:

• dairy products
• buttermilk
• fermented milk
• unfermented milk
• miso
• tempeh
• kefir
• soft cheeses
• yogurt
• sauerkraut
• pickles…

Where You Can Buy Probiotics

You can get probiotics through supplementation in the form of capsules, powders, tablets and liquid extracts which contains a specific kind of probiotic.

The probiotic supplements are found in specialty vitamin shops, natural health food stores and similar retailers.

Probiotic Acidophilus

According to American Cancer Society, acidophilus, also known as lactic acid bacteria or scientifically named L. acidophilus is a bacterium found in the digestive tract.

L. acidophilus is produced primarily in small intestine…

The germ is included in a variety of dairy products especially yogurt.

Acidophilus and related bacteria are considered probiotic as they maintain balance of intestine bacteria and are promoted for maintaining healthy bowels.

Health Advantages of Acidophilus

Acidophilus can be used for treating or preventing vaginal infections, diarrhea and lowering cholesterol.

The bacterium aids in lactose digestion in women who are lactose-sensitive.

Acidophilus may prevent the growth of yeast and germs which can cause cancer…

Reduction In Cholesterol

The American Cancer Society states some supporters of acidophilus believe use of the bacterium may reduce risks of cancer, particularly cancer of the colon.

The bacterium is known to neutralize carcinogens in the diet, thereby killing tumor cells.

Others claim the probiotic boosts immune system health by manufacturing vitamin K and B vitamins.

Acidophilus bacterium reduces bad cholesterol, which some proponents state is needed for tumor cells to grow.

Recommended Dosage

Eating a probiotic like yogurt contains acidophilus dosage refers to amount of live bacteria.

Nutritional experts recommend a dosage rate consisting of one billion to 15 billion bacteria.

Although some suggest a larger amount is better.

Acidophilus supplements may be consumed 1 to 3 times per day in capsule, liquid, tablet or powder from…

Probiotic Treatments

• Probiotic supplementation is useful in reducing inflammatory problems including ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori bacterium.

• Probiotics are used in treating digestive maladies as irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux, spastic colon and constipation.

• The bacterium is known to help reduce the recurrence of colorectal and bladder cancer.

• According to some research studies, yogurt is beneficial in reducing diarrhea, which is a common side effect of antibiotic use.

• Vaginal yeast infections and urinary tract infections can be reduced by use of probiotics.

• Besides digestive health, skin conditions, eczema, can be treated using probiotics.

• Probotics help alleviate respiratory infections, asthma, allergies, joint stiffness and insomnia

Probiotics Into Your Daily Diet

It’s pretty clear probiotics can support, improve and enhance good health…

While supplements are available, eating low or nonfat plain yogurt is a great way to get your daily intake of probiotics.

The fact that yogurt is a great source of important nutrients protein and calcium, which makes yogurt a better choice than supplementation…

Look for a yogurt product in particular which includes important active cultures and probiotics to help regulate your digestive system on a daily basis.

Yogurt is versatile and can be eaten for breakfast with berries.

Add a sprinkle of flaxseeds for a nice fiber boost…

Yogurt can make a great snack and dessert that unlike ice cream is much lower in fat and yet still satisfies your sweet tooth when made into a smoothie with fruit…

Probiotics

Are probotics on your radar, especially if you suffer from compromised immune or digestive problems?

You probably know someone who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, celiac disease or irritable bowel conditions…

You may know at least one person with a serious even life-threatening allergy…

Dear Friend,

These health problems often go back to a compromised immune system.

Scientists have found foods we eat are causing these problems.

The good news is there may be a solution, keep reading to find out why…

Probiotics are live good bacteria and yeasts which support your health, especially your digestive system.

We usually think of bacteria as something which causes diseases, right?

Your body is full of bacteria, good and bad.

Probiotics are called good or helpful bacteria because they help keep your gut healthy.

Food choice is vital because most women don’t have enough healthy gut flora.

In your gut, you have good flora which creates a barrier between gut and blood stream.

This barrier blocks bacteria and other harmful elements which you eat from entering your blood and rest of your body.

In fact, 80 percent of the body’s immune function occurs in the gut associated lymph tissue which are found in the walls of intestines.

Gut flora is first line of defense in this immune tissue…

And if it’s out of balance your immune system won’t be able to function properly.

Why is this imbalance a problem for women?

The problem is in the foods we choose to eat…

You see, processed foods we eat, many of which contain genetically modified ingredients or antibiotics damage the gut flora.

The antibiotics women take for their health also kill good bacteria in the gut’s lymph tissue.

Almost all doctors prescribe antibiotics, often when not needed…adding to this problem.

Add this combination between foods with antibiotics and your gut flora is imbalanced.

The only way to correct this problem is to get a dose of healthy bacteria…

Probiotics are living, beneficial bacteria.

When you consume probotics, they enter the gut and quickly start multiplying.

And help improve the immune system.

Probiotics from a variety of sources…

Fermented foods like sauerkraut, and cultured yogurt all add probiotics to your system.

Just bear in mind when you eat foods with probiotics within them, most of the bacteria are destroyed by your stomach.

Also, no food can contain all strains of beneficial bacteria you need.

That’s why many women are turning to probiotic supplements…

Probiotic supplements offer many probotics benefits, research has shown probiotics can delay and fight against cancer.

Bad bacteria in your gut produces nitrosamines which is a carcinogen…

Now, this is where good bacteria works to destroy these nitrosamines.

This process helps slow or stops the growth of cancer they can cause.

Some probiotics may stop the return of cancer once it has been successfully treated.

Probiotics benefits also may assist in increasing antioxidants in your body…

Antioxidants are compounds found in foods which neutralise or ‘mop up’ molecules called free radicals that can harm cells.

Damage caused to cells by free radicals is linked to certain diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disease.

The best sources of antioxidants are found in fruits and vegetables.

There has also been some research into the way probiotics help limit belly fat storage.

In 2010, one study tested a group of overweight women with a probiotic or a placebo.

Those who were given the probiotic reported 5 percent belly fat loss in 12 weeks.

These are just some of the probiotic benefits you can experience…

Probiotics have helped limit allergy problems, improve digestion and reduce inflammation.

Yogurt contains live cultures, the only problem is most are killed by stomach acids and not all probiotics are created equal.

In fact, many supplements don’t contain a full range of probiotics…

What is considered a good probiotic?

You want to look for probotics which contains many different strains of good bacteria.

Here are some guidelines to help you with your research:

• Lactobacillus Plantarum improves cardiovascular and digestive health
• Lactobacillus casei improves leaky gut and cardiovascular health
• Lactobacillus Acidophilus improves cholesterol levels and digestive health
• Lactobacillus Rhamnosis reduces diarrhea, supports weight loss and limits stress
• Lactobacillus Bulgaricus improves problems with lactose intolerance
• Bifidobacterium Longum supports weight loss and fights cancer
• Bifidobacterium Breve supports the growth of other healthy bacteria

Some intriguing new research has found the same bacteria colonies which affects our digestive health could also be influencing our mental health.

Several studies have shown changing gut bacteria changes stress and behavior as well.

Take a closer look at actual number of live colony forming units (CFUs) in particular pay attention to expiry dates connected via CFU numbers.

You want probotics supplements which keeps all the bacteria alive at least until the expiration date and protects bacteria from stomach acid…

Microencapsulation is one of the best options because this gives each bacteria cell a small protective layer of lipids to protect against stomach acid.

This means your digestive system gets more of the bacteria it needs for better health.

You want a good probiotic and you need the right amount, right?

Now, this is the tricky part because there is no right amount of probiotics dosage…

Every woman’s gut flora needs a different level.

Your best option is to research probiotics which serves your overall health.

As a general guide, researchers suggest a minimum of ten billion CFUs of regular probiotics and four billion CFUs if the probiotic is microencapsulated.

There’s been lots of research looking at using probiotics to maintain digestive health.

Recent research has found the right kind of gut bacteria could alter the way we process food and store fat…

Probiotics