Leptin Resistance

See also : Obesity
The hormone leptin plays an important role in appetite control, metabolism and weight loss. It is your body's natural weight control mechanism. The body doesn't always listen to the leptin message and leptin resistance occurs. Leptin resistance is your body’s inability to use the leptin it produces. The leptin receptors have been bombarded over and over again with high levels of leptin that they have become resistant to the effects of leptin.

Causes

The typical modern lifestyle contributes to leptin resistance :

• fast food
• processed foods
• high-glycemic carbohydrates.
• little or no exercise
• too much stress and not enough sleep.

Symptoms

Leptin resistance can make losing weight very difficult if not impossible.

Home remedies

• Exercise: A key factor for positive long-term health outcomes is to get moving and keep moving. A lack of physical activity increases the likelihood of leptin resistance as cortisol levels rise. Exercise helps to mitigate the effects cortisol has on the body and decrease resistance to leptin. This is why over time appetites decrease with routine moderate physical activity.
• Irvingia has been highlighted on various television and radio programs around the world as a weight loss aid. Its extract is derived from African Mangoes and has been demonstrated to influence enzyme production while lowering inflammation which allows for weight loss if taken in high enough doses. For sure Irvingia is no magic bullet but should be used as an adjunct to a healthy lifestyle that promotes weight loss and increases leptin sensitivity.
• Zinc is a key mineral that not only bolsters our immune system but also assists leptin to perform at optimal levels so be sure to supplement as necessary.
• Avoiding inflammatory foods is important because the inflammation interferes with how leptin functions in the body. C-reactive protein is a byproduct of inflammation causing foods and sets the stage for leptin resistance.
• Stress management - Chronic stress is a multi-pronged dagger that has felled many. Unmitigated stress increases cortisol levels significantly increasing the appetite which leads to over consumption. Cortisol also directly interferes with how leptin functions, making the body less sensitive to the leptin.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.