Its Not You, Its Your Hormones….

Happy Monday Tribe!

I hope you all enjoyed last week’s topic about vitamin D and genetics, which was really fitting for the gorgeous weekend we had!

This week, I was to expand a little on genetics, hormone production and weight gain.
Obesity is a leading cause of death worldwide, with increasing rates in adults and children.
•In 2014, 600 million adults (13%) and 42 million children under the age of five were obese.
•From 1971 to 2000, obesity rates in the United States increased from 14.5% to 30.9%.
•More common in women than men.
This is one of the most serious public health problems of the 21st century.

What are the contributors to the recent increase in obesity? 
•Insufficient sleep, increased stress
•Endocrine disruptors, GMO’s
•Increased high fructose corn syrup and sugar consumption
•Sugar substitutes damaging pancreas
•Increased use of medications that can cause weight gain (e.g., atypical antipsychotics)
•Mitochondrial Damage
•Genetic and epigenetic risk factors

SUPER TIP: Where that person stores fat, will determine which hormone/pathway is out of balance: Cortisol directs fat deep in your midsection whereas estrogen directs fat superficially around your hips and thighs (called cellulite).

Let’s talk about 4 particular hormones and their role in our weight:

1. Leptin- produced in fat tissue, it suppresses appetite as its level increases.

2. Ghrelin- secreted by the stomach wall, it triggers feelings of hunger as mealtimes approach. If “dieters” how lose weight, ghrelin increases which may be one reason it’s so hard to stay on a diet.

3. PYY- secreted by the small intestine after meals, acts as an appetite suppressant

4. Insulin– a rise in blood sugar levels after a meal stimulates the pancreas to secrete insulin, which suppresses appetite.

Let’s dive a little deeper……………

 

LEPTIN (hormone)
•Promotes Satiety, thermogenesis, reduces weight
•Reduced by sleep deprivation
•Reduced at night naturally suppressing appetite
•Primarily produced by fat cells
•Increased by emotional stress
•Low calorie diets lower leptin
•LEPR variants can lead to Leptin resistance
•Increases T3 levels

Decrease Leptin:
•Fructose (Esp. HFCS) inhibits Leptin
•Simple Carbs inhibit leptin (through increasing insulin)
•Strict low carb diets inhibit leptin production (need carb loading days)
•Lectins bind leptin receptors (cereals etc)

Increase:
•Omega 3 Fatty Acids (Increase sensitivity)
•Increase fiber (peas, beans, lentils, almonds, raspberries, broccoli, and oats)
•Increase Zinc (spinach, beef, lamb, seafood, nuts, cocoa, beans, mushrooms, and pumpkin)
•Lower Cortisol levels (NET stress work) Or clearing COMT, CBS (genetic pathways)
•Get regular sleep
•Moderate exercise
•Caffeine Improves leptin signaling and receptor activity

GHRELIN
•Synthesized in the gastric mucosa, hypothalamus, pituitary gland, hippocampus, brain cortex, adrenal gland, intestine, pancreas, and many other human tissues.
•Regulates Energy and increases appetite
•Releases growth hormone
•Circulating ghrelin concentration rises before meal and falls after meal. Total ghrelin level increases in night and decreases after breakfast in humans.
•Serum ghrelin increases steadily during long term of fasting and returns to normal after eating.

Increase:
•Estrogen
•Cortisol
•Glucagon
•Insulin-induced hypoglycemia
•Excitation of the vagus nerve can stimulate ghrelin secretion
•Hyperthyroidism

DECREASED:
•Glucose and insulin
•Long chain triglycerides (Essential fatty acids, butter)
•Exercise

Another factor for weight: ADIPONECTIN>

•Adiponectin is a protein which in humans is encoded by the ADIPOQ gene.
•Involved in regulating glucose levels as well as fatty acid breakdown.
•Secreted by adipose tissue
•Increased in calorie restriction, exercise
•Similar to leptin (synergistic)
•Low levels associated with Type II Diabetes, Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis
•ADHD
•High levels seen in RA


SO we know that for weight and hormone regulation that diet and lifestyle are of course big players.  But what about the genetic role?

According to a study by the Journal of Molecular Endocrinology, 

“Alterations of the normal DNA methylation pattern can contribute to the development of endocrine and metabolic diseases.

Although DNA methylation and demethylation are active processes, epigenetic changes produced during development can impact adult processes, establishing the idea that endocrine function can be persistently affected by events occurring in early life.”

..

Numerous studies indicate that hereditary factors contribute to most of a population’s weight variation, and underscore the statistical difficulties when studying environmental and nutritional effects on body weight.

Here are big gene players with weight:

•FTO, (IRX3), POMC, PCSK, KCTD5, ADIPOQ

FTO for example:
•People with a variation of the FTO gene that affects one in six of the population are 70 per cent more likely to become obese
•People with the obesity-risk FTO variant have higher circulating levels of the ‘hunger hormone’, ghrelin
•Individuals with two copies of the obesity-risk FTO variant are biologically programmed to eat more .

What about other hormones and their relation?
We know that thyroid conditions for instance can directly affect weight loss/gain.
These genes:
•DIO-Converts T4-T3
•TPO-Activates thyroid hormone production
•COMT-Helps breakdown excess cortisol and estrogen that can interfere with thyroid hormone production

All contribute to thyroid up and down regulation, meaning they must be looked at to fully get thyroid conditions in remission.

I won’t bore you with any more genetic information and science words.  What I’m trying to get at with this blog is that there are many factors that can be associated with hormone dys-regulation.

As I mentioned diet, lifestyle and hormone disruptors(below) all play a part.


But, from what we know now, we also have to look into the genetic pathways.  How well can we actually detox these disruptors out?  That lies in your genes. Some of these genes make a person more inclined to lose or gain weight.

 

How do we put it all together:

1.  Watch out for those hormone disruptors. Even your hand soap and hand sanitizers have tricolosan.. read labels.

2. Phase 1 and 2 pathways in the genetic methylation cycles need to be balanced for hormone regulation.

3. Stress modulation– balance the chemistry in the body, and emotional factors

4. Diet and lifestyle OF COURSE.  No gmo non organic foods, processed foods, sugar ect.

Its not always just diet and exercise for people, and as we can see, some people are wired differently than others, and that’s why “universal diets” don’t work well…
Know you’re own body chemistry and you’ll be able to balance those hormones.

Need help?

I’d LOVE to help you with your genetic nutritional help.

Just book an initial nutrition appointment through my website and we will go through it all!

Oil of the Week.

On the spotlight this week is DoTerra’s Slim & Sassy 

The Slim & Sassy Metabolic Blend was specifically designed as a natural way to manage hunger cravings, calm the stomach, and uplift mood.* When used as part of a healthy weight management program and combined with a healthy diet and exercise, the Slim & Sassy oil blend can help boost metabolism and curb hunger cravings.*

Where to Buy Slim & Sassy
If you are pursuing weight loss goals, Slim & Sassy Metabolic Blend can help. Visit our Slim & Sassy oil product page to buy your own today. Along with the Slim & Sassy proprietary blend, doTERRA offers several other Slim & Sassy products, including Slim & Sassy Metabolic Blend SoftgelsSlim & Sassy Control™ Bars and Instant MixSlim & Sassy V Shake, and Slim & Sassy TrimShake. Any of these products can help you on your journey as you strive to create and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Slim & Sassy Uses and Benefits

  1. When you are working toward a weight loss goal, it can be tough to change your habits and take control of your appetite. Overeating can set you back in your goals for weight management if you aren’t careful, but the Slim & Sassy blend can help control your appetite and keep you from overeating.* Take Slim & Sassy oil internally before meals in order to reduce the likelihood of overeating and to help control your appetite.*
  2. A major benefit of the Slim & Sassy oil blend is its ability to help promote a healthy metabolism.* Those who use the Slim & Sassy Metabolic Blend can rest easy knowing that this proprietary blend is diuretic, stimulant, and calorie-free*—characteristics that can be difficult to find in a weight management product.
  3. A good workout is an important part of any weight loss plan. However, sometimes we lack energy and enthusiasm when we think about working out. Consider adding a few drops of the Slim & Sassy Metabolic Blend to your water or tea before you work out to give yourself a revitalizing energy boost.* The herbal, spicy properties of Slim & Sassy oil will help you perk up and get ready for a successful workout.
  4. The Slim & Sassy blend can be helpful during a weight loss program because it helps the user manage hunger cravings throughout the day.* If you tend to give in to temptation when your body feels a craving sensation, the Slim & Sassy oil blend can help you manage these cravings as they come throughout the day.*
  5. While Slim & Sassy oil was designed to boost metabolism and control cravings, it can also be helpful when you need to calm your stomach* or uplift your mood. As you carry out a weight management plan, you might be changing your diet, which could cause the occasional stomach distress. As you change your diet, exercise plan, and daily routine, you are also bound to feel discouraged or overwhelmed at times. With all of these emotional and physical changes happening, take Slim & Sassy to help calm your stomach troubles* and uplift your mood.
  6. The Slim & Sassy blend can easily be combined with other Slim & Sassy products to help you on your weight loss journey. Consider adding a few drops of Slim & Sassy oil to a Slim & Sassy TrimShake or V Shake. You can blend a single scoop of chocolate or vanilla TrimShake in water, nonfat dairy, almond, rice, or soy milk, and add one drop of Slim & Sassy oil to the mixture for added benefits. If you are using the Slim & Sassy V Shake as part of your weight loss plan, consider adding one drop of Slim & Sassy oil to your morning shake for extra flavor and to help boost your metabolism.*
  7. Because of its vibrant, spicy scent, Slim & Sassy oil can help give you the positive mood you need during a vigorous workout, when used aromatically. Consider diffusing the Slim & Sassy oil blend during your workout to help uplift your mood and give you the positivity you need to keep going. With an invigorating scent nearby, you’ll have the mental and physical strength to make it through your workout.
  8. Slim & Sassy oil can help you manage hunger and control your appetite*, but you may be wondering, “How can I experience these benefits?” To yield the hunger management benefits of the Slim & Sassy blend, try adding eight drops of the oil to 16 ounces of water. When you want help with appetite control, put a few drops of the Slim & Sassy blend in a doTERRA Veggie Capsule and swallow.*

Ingredients

  • Grapefruit Peel
  • Lemon Peel
  • Peppermint Plant
  • Ginger Root
  • Cinnamon Bark

 

That is all for now,

Have a happy and healthy week!

Dr. Hamel