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Newsletter & Health News
Weight Loss Products
We receive many inquiries about weight loss products and how they interact with the nutrition
programs based on hair mineral analysis. There is no single answer to weight concerns because
the there is no single cause. Let us review several types of weight loss products and our
perspective on their use.
Products Available
Fat or Starch Blockers. These products prevent the absorption of some of the fat or starch
that one ingests. Some do this by blocking the digestive enzymes needed to digest starch or fats.
The new artificial fat Olestra cannot be absorbed at all. It provides the taste and texture of fat,
but passes through the intestinal tract and is excreted.
Problems with fat and starch blockers and Olestra include loose bowel movements,
malabsorption of the fat-soluble vitamins which are normally absorbed with fats and possible
allergic reactions to the products. Also, as with diet soda drinks, people falsely believe that since
a product is 'diet' they can indulge in other products that are high in fats or starch without
consequence.
Appetite Suppressants. Some of these products contain appetite-suppressing drugs, while
others contain nutrient minerals and herbs that may help reduce appetite or increase the sensation
of fullness. They may contain chromium, ephedra, fiber blends and other substances to help
reduce appetite and cravings for food. Chromium and fiber blends are excellent for anyone.
Ephedra is excessively stimulating for some people and may be abused.
Metabolic Stimulants. These products are supposed to increase the rate of metabolism so
that the body burns more calories. The most common are the amphetamine group of drugs -
Dexadrine and others. Others include caffeine, guarana and Brazilian mate. All these can be
habit-forming. Exercise and nutritional programs may also be used to enhance the metabolic rate.
Meal Substitutes. Meal substitutes include a wide variety of powders, food bars and
prepared, usually frozen meals to substitute for meals that are less conducive to weight loss. Meal
substitutes can be helpful providing their use is limited to once a day and one realizes they are not
a substitute for fresh, high quality food.
Often products contain combinations of several of the above. We feel these products have a
place. However, often they are used symptomatically, instead of addressing deeper causes. They
can also be harmful, as they may further unbalance body chemistry. They are best used as a last
resort, a temporary measure and as an adjunct to a complete healthful living program.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle may be a critical factor in weight loss. A century ago, people ate plenty of fat and
even starch in their diet. True, it was of far better quality than the processed starches, white sugar
and refined oils eaten today. However, people were also much less sedentary.
Extreme or vigorous exercise is not needed. In study after study, moderate and even gentle
regular exercise has a very beneficial effect as it helps oxygenate the body, improve the metabolic
rate and many other positive benefits. Inadequate sleep, worry, fear and other lifestyle
imbalances can also lead to weight gain.
Diet and Weight Loss
A good place to begin a weight loss program is to eliminate 'junk' foods from the diet. This
includes processed flour products, most of which are heavily laced with sugar, other sweeteners,
salt, overheated refined oils, a multitude of additives and preservatives, and often irritating spices.
Eliminating or reducing this group of "foods" reduces the consumption of harmful chemicals,
empty carbohydrates, poor quality oils and excessive salt that can lead to water retention. Also,
when one eliminates these foods, one is more likely to substitute better quality foods, richer in
protein, vitamins and minerals.
Eating organically grown, whole foods, preparing food from scratch and avoiding packaged
foods is a further excellent step to control weight and to improve health. Natural, whole foods fill
one up faster because they contain more nutrition and more fiber. You will also eat more
vegetables and less concentrated carbohydrates. A balance of natural foods tend to balance
body chemistry and normalize glandular function. Lower quality foods upset body chemistry,
leading to many causes of weight gain including water retention, glandular imbalance and sugar
and carbohydrate intolerance. Begin eating better and you will notice the differences in foods.
Eating habits also affect weight. Skipping meals, for instance, can add stress that can cause the
body to retain fat. Eating regular, sit-down meals in a quiet, peaceful environment not only
improves nutrition, it also reduces stress that can be a factor in excessive weight gain. Other
good habits are to eat slowly, chew thoroughly, avoid excess liquids at meals and preferably
remain sitting after eating for at least five or ten minutes to let the digestion process get underway
before resuming activity.
Metabolic Typing
Biochemical individuality is very important for weight loss. Some people can "get away" with
certain eating habits, for example, while others seem to gain weight on the same foods. There are
many metabolic typing systems. All share the idea that for various reasons people's dietary and
supplement needs differ.
At Analytical Research Labs, we find that slow oxidizers need more protein. They may need
small protein meals up to five times a day, to regulate their blood sugar and insulin levels, and to
control sweet cravings. They fare better on the low-purine proteins such as chicken, eggs,
low-fat cheese, seeds and most white fish. Fast oxidizers need more fats and oils - preferably
some with each meal - to regulate their blood sugar and keep their oxidation rate from becoming
excessively fast. Fast oxidizers feel better on the high-purine proteins such as organ meats, tuna,
salmon, anchovies and other purine-rich foods. Eating in accordance with one's blood type often
complements the oxidation principles.
Rebuilding Body Chemistry
At times, good eating habits and eating according to one's metabolic type are not enough for
weight loss. In these instances, a complete metabolic program of diet and supplements may be
required, to correct underlying imbalances contributing to weight gain. Emotional factors leading
to excessive stress may also need to be addressed. The more complete the program, the more
likely its success.
Copyright © 2000
This material is for educational purposes only
The preceding statements have not been evaluated by the
Food and Drug Administration
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
