A study out of the University of Liverpool featured in the British Journal of Nutrition may shed some light on an obesity issue faced by many people. The study examined overweight individuals who have “yo-yo-ing” weight or difficulty keeping off weight loss. This study does not target cholesterol as the culprit, but inflammation. The study found that ingesting excessive amounts of simple carbohydrates and saturated fats can lead to metabolic disturbances that originate in the brain. As we should all know by now, excessive (simple) carbohydrate consumption promotes inflammation. These inflammatory cells find their way to the hypothalamus and can wreak havoc. Chronic inflammation in this region can disrupt hormonal signals, more specifically the actions of the hormones leptin and ghrelin. Leptin signals the suppression of appetite, Ghrelin signals hunger. Additionally, the study found this inflammation suppressed neurogenesis (nerve growth) and neuroplasticity (nerve adaptations) within the central nervous system. What does this have to do with obesity? With altered signals regarding hunger, satiety, and metabolism, the body is unable to maintain a balance. You may be full, but your brain continues to signal hunger and store fat because it has no idea when you may be starving again. There is a solution! Remove the source of the inflammation. Cutting simple carbohydrates and excess saturated fats from your diet can halt the damage and allow for healing. Supplementing with Poly-Unsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs) like fish oils and coconut oil may exert neurogenic effects that can repair the signaling pathways and hormonal effects. Lowering your stress levels through breathing exercises or mindfulness can also counter the effects of the chronic inflammation and promote beneficial changes to your nervous system. On another note, this process would likely benefit from chiropractic care as the adjustments provide a stimulus to the central nervous system and (I hypothesize) could support neuroplasticity. Link to abstract: journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=8904778
Posted on: Wed, 21 Aug 2013 19:00:01 +0000
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