January 2011
Welcome to the monthly Ask Dr. Marty Newsletter. In response to several requests, I have decided to share some information based on questions that I frequently receive regarding natural health topics. I promise to keep the newsletter short. But if at any time you get overwhelmed with emails, please let me know and I’ll be glad to take you off of the mailing list. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the newsletter and hope that you will forward any questions you may have as well. Even if they don’t make it into the newsletter, I promise to answer all questions. All questions will be anonymous.
QUESTION: I don’t understand why I can’t lose weight. I diet, but then gain it all back and then some. Help!
ANSWER:Weight loss is a very complex issue. I would not foolishly claim to know all the answers, but I will share some things that have truly helped me. I am glad you asked the question, since this is a good reminder that this work-in-progress that I am, needs reminders, too! I would have to go through a complete profile to determine what the root cause might be in your situation. But here are some questions regarding weight loss that you might find interesting and maybe even thought-provoking…
Are you bored, sad, or anxious? Do you “self-medicate” with never-ending amounts of snacks?
Do you always have access to healthy foods, so that you can eat something satisfying when you get hungry?
Do you consume foods or drinks that are acidic such as empty carbohydrate foods, soft drinks, or coffee? An acid stomach will signal the brain to EAT! to “quench the fire” of an acid stomach.
Do you exercise regularly in a manner that raises your metabolism? When your brain says your hungry, but you’re really bored, take a walk. It levels out blood sugar (to help cravings), boosts your metabolism, and aids weight loss.
Do you focus on portion control or on eating the right kind of foods? When people switch to healthier food choices, they often say they’re not hungry because they actually eat more volume.
Do you have an imbalance in the thyroid, reproductive organs, pancreas, or adrenals? These imbalances are often to blame for food cravings or a sluggish metabolism.
Do you skip meals, especially breakfast? When you skip meals, your body really does signal that it is in emergency mode, something is wrong, and your metabolism should slow down to keep you from perishing too quickly! (sad, but true)
Do you DIET or do you simply think in terms of being good to yourself by eating good, healthy food? A diet tends to have a connotation of a start and end. When you go back to old eating habits, you will regain the weight and sometimes gain even more than was lost if you lowered your metabolism. And if the diet made you feel deprived, you may even overcompensate and gain even more.
After answering the questions above, take the time to honestly look at what may be your own personal underlying causes. That’s the first, brutal step to making some changes that you may have wanted to make for a really long time.
Hot Tip: A protein shake, like NutriBurn, is perfect for a busy lifestyle and boosts metabolism with a process called thermogenesis.
Next month…The “big C” (cancer)
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Maureen (Marty) Kernion is not a physician and does not diagnose nor prescribe. She received a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Louisiana State University, and a Master of Science degree and Doctorate of Natural Health degree from Clayton College of Natural Health. She is the author of Going Natural with Herbs. Marty lectures on natural health topics across the country and has been featured at 78 Barnes and Noble book stores since her book was published. She is also a retired professor, specializing in courses in nutrition and herbal remedies.
It is always wise to advise your pharmacist or health care practitioner about any change in diet or supplements you plan to take, especially if you take any prescription medication.
“Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.” Ezekiel 47:12
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