FAT BURNING DIETS
Fat Burning Process
Both energy production and fat burning occur in the
cellular mitochondria. Burning fat occurs when adrenal
hormones [adrenaline and noradrenaline] bind to special
receptors in the fat tissues.
There are two major groups of receptors in the fat
tissues:
- alpha-receptors
- beta-receptors - the more active ones, which respond
to the adrenal hormones.
If these receptors are not activated, no fat will burn.
Stubborn Fat
Stubborn fat has a higher ratio of alpha-receptors
to the active beta-receptors and generally more estrogren
bound to the receptors. The fat cells, not so readily
activated to burn, have fewer blood vessels than normal
fat, so are metabolized more slowly, and the estrogen
causes even more fat gain.
Causes of Stubborn Fat
Stubborn fat results from:
- an unhealthy diet – the liver
is unable to break down and detoxify estrogenic derivatives,
or food toxins.
- over-consumption of carbohydrates -
especially sugar and processed, refined carbohydrates.
These food types signal the pancreas to overproduce
insulin in order to lower blood sugar levels.
- insulin insensitivity –
caused by Hyperinsulinemia. The body converts extra
carbohydrates into triglycerides and fat.
- deficiencies in certain nutrients, vitamins,
and minerals—such as B
vitamins, chromium, magnesium,
zinc, and omega
3 essential fatty acid [alpha-linolenic acid]
may also cause insulin insensitivity and degrade fat
metabolism.
- deficiency in protein and essential amino
acid lysine. Lysine, converts in our bodies
to
L-carnitine. L-carnitine is an amino acid essential
for the fat-burning process. L-
carnitine is only present in animal foods, especially
red meat. A reduction in L-carnitine and carnitine-related
enzymes in your system, reduces your bodys ability
to burn fat.
Fat Increase With Age
Stubborn fat can be an age-related problem, especially
for men. As men age, more testosterone is converted
into estrogen, at an increasing rate.
Women are more prone to age-related stubborn fat around
their upper arms, hips, thighs, and butt. This may be
the result of hormonal
fluctuations, or an increase in estrogen receptors
in the tissues.
Age-related insulin insensitivity, chronic
stress, liver congestion, low
thyroid, vascular permeability, and exhausted adrenals
all worsen the tendency in both men and women.
Preventing Stubborn Fat
There are several things you can do to avoid stubborn
fat:
- Drink plenty of pure, filtered water.
- Avoid crash diets. The more your weight fluctuates,
the more stubborn fat you may gain.
- Avoid foods that you may be sensitive or allergic
to, such as wheat, dairy, or soy.
- Avoids foods likely to have residue of estrogen
based chemicals commonly found in fertilizers, pesticides,
and herbicides. Eat as much organic food as possible.
- Minimize alcohol consumption to avoid overloading
the liver detoxification capability.
- Control your insulin levels by minimising carbohydrates
and add supplements known to assist stabilizing insulin,
such as essential
fatty acids, vitamins,
and minerals.
- Maintain a regular
exercise routine to boost
the metabolic rate, reduce stress-related symptoms.
- Avoid overtraining. Chronically overstressing your
body may slow down your metabolic rate.
Natural Stubborn-Fat Burning Supplements
There are a number of natural supplements that can
help prevent and reduce stubborn fat:
- Estrogen
Blockers
- citrus bioflavonoids and soy flavones.
- Anti-Aromataze
- chrysine plus citrus bioflavonoids, flaxseed lignans
and stinging nettle
- Liver
Detoxifiers
- inol 3 carbinol, milk thistle, dandelion
root, and SAM
- Alpha
Antagonist
-
yohimbe bark
Estrogen Blockers: Citrus Bioflavonoids and Soy Flavones
Citrus
bioflavonoids
- contain some natural properties that may
block estrogen. Citrus flavonoids from the white pithy
layer of citrus peels.
Soy
flavones
- contain mild estrogenic properties. Soy flavones
bind to the estrogen receptors in the tissues, and thus
block these receptors from estrodiol, the most potent
estrogen hormone.
Studies have shown that combining citrus bioflavonoids
with soy flavones is a powerful, natural way to block
the estrogenic effect on the body. Available in capsule
supplements.
Anti-Aromataze Nutrients: Chrysine, Lignans, and Stinging
Nettle
Chrysine - may work as an anti-aromataze
agent if taken in combination with other citrus bioflavanoids.
Lignans - flaxseed lignans contain
anti-estrogenic properties, blocking estrogen receptors,
and/or the aromataze enzyme as well. The best source
is high-lignan flaxseed
oil,
or flaxseed meal.
Stinging Nettle – a herbal aid
against aromataze. Nettle may have an aphrodisiac effect
on men by increasing
the level of free testosterone in the blood. Nettle
may also be a natural aid for women who suffer from
estrogen-related stubborn fat. Due to its high-lignan
content, this herb may help women block the effect of
estrodiol.
Liver Detoxifiers
One of the reasons for excessive estrogenic activity
in the body is liver congestion. The liver works as
a filter organ to break down or neutralize toxins, preventing
them from reaching the blood.
Excessive alcohol consumption, steroids and other toxins
block the liver enzyme that breaks down estrogen, allowing,
toxic estrogen derivatives enter directly into the bloodstream,
creating negative estrogenic effects. That’s one
reason why many heavy drinkers and alcoholics suffer
from estrogen-related stubborn fat.
Inol 3 carbinol - is a flavon that
appears in broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts,
kale, and other cruciferous vegetables. This flavon
is believed to be a natural aid for the liver’s
estrogen metabolism. More effective to use supplements
if you suffer from alcohol-related liver problems.
Milk thistle and dandelion root -
accelerate liver detoxification and rejuvenation. Dandelion
root is a diuretic herb and mildly laxative.
Adenosylemethionine (SAM) - liver
detoxification, especially for those who suffer from
estrogen-related toxicity.
Alpha Antagonist
Yohimbe bark - an alpha 2 adrenergenic
antagonist, may block alpha receptors of fat cells,
making it possible for a stubborn fat tissue to be metabolized.
Some people react to yohimbe. Those who suffer from
high-blood
pressure, heart
conditions, or thyroid
problems, should consult their physician before
taking.
Fat Burning Pills
Considerable caution should be exercised with taking
of weight loss or fat burning pills.
In 2004, the FDA banned Ephedra in
weight-loss products because of concerns about serious
health effects. It has been replaced by Bitter orange
extract, known in Chinese herbal medicine as Zhi shi.
Recent studies suggest it could be just as dangerous.
Studies found that single doses of supplements Advantra
Z and Xenadrine EFX increased heart rate by an average
of 11 to 16 beats per minute over baseline.
- Advantra Z contains only bitter
orange, while one dose of Xenadrine EFX contains several
other ingredients, including caffeine equivalent to
the amount in 3 cups of coffee.
- Xenadrine EFX also significantly
increased blood pressure by 7 to 12 percent (9-10
mm Hg; suggesting it has similar acute cardiovascular
stimulant actions as banned ephedra products.
The scientists conclude, that ephedra-free weight-loss
dietary supplements should be used with caution and
under medical supervision to monitor blood pressure.
Fat
Burning Supplements
Fat
Burning Exercise Programs
NEXT: Cholesterol
Lowering Diet
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