Conditions present within the body can have an influence on causes for weight gain and as a result implications in losing weight. Other influences include diet, lifestyle, exercise levels, stress, hormones and
age/life stage.
Herbs and supplements can help play a role in weight loss when used alongside a balanced diet and exercise. However, when diagnosed conditions are present it is best to work with a qualified Naturopath to manage weight loss.
Minerals and herbs can assist by a number of actions. Firstly, they can work to balance blood sugar levels. The term blood sugar levels refer to how much sugar is floating in the blood that has not been absorbed into a cell. When we consume sugar or carbohydrates, our pancreas detects this and releases insulin. Insulin's job is to transport sugar into the cells so that it does not remain in the blood. When too much sugar is in the blood this is termed as high blood sugar levels or hyperglycaemia. Consistent high blood sugar levels long-term can be damaging to our organs such as kidneys, eyes, heart, nerves and blood vessels.
Other methods of action which I am sure will grab your attention, is through altering our taste buds so that we do not have sweet cravings, or reducing the desire for snacking.
Gymnema – Gymnema sylvestre
Gymnema works to block the sweet taste receptors reducing the reward factor associated with sweet food. A 14-day study carried out with gymnema and the consumption of chocolate showed a reduction in the amount of chocolate bars consumed over the study period and a reduction in the pleasantness of sweet food. Those who identified as having as sweet tooth showed even greater reduction in pleasantness for sweet taste and a reduced desire for further chocolate consumption. While gymnema does reduce sweet cravings, it is important to ensure that enough food, in particular protein and healthy fats are consumed during the day, as the body will always crave sweet food in an attempt to meet energy intake requirements.
Saffron – Crocus sativus
Saffron is often known as a delicacy in fine cooking, however it also offers a range of health benefits. Saffron exhibits antianxiety and antidepressant actions. Mood disorders and emotional eating can sometimes co-exist. An 8-week study with 61 participants assessed the potential of saffron supplementation to reduce snacking. Results found that the snacking amount was significantly decreased compared to the placebo group. Another study showed the cholesterol lowering properties of saffron; participants had a decrease in LDL cholesterol and showed triglycerides and had an increase in HDL cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is our good cholesterol, and is required to transport excess cholesterol to the liver to then be excreted from the body.
Chromium
Chromium is an essential mineral that helps to manage blood sugar levels by assisting in the process of transporting sugar into the cells. Chromium increases the sensitivity of insulin's actions to transport sugar into the cell. Chromium deficiency is often associated in today’s standard western diet. Diets high in simple sugars deplete our chromium levels, increasing the risk for deficiency of chromium.
Lifestyle
While herbs and minerals can help with weight management, the importance of the correct diet and lifestyle/exercise practices cannot be stressed enough to achieve weight loss. Adequate exercise is important to help build muscle. Someone who weighs 80kg but has a higher muscle to fat ratio burns more calories at rest, compared to someone who also weighs 80kgs with a higher fat to muscle ratio. Exercise is also important for our heart health, mental health, bone health and lymphatic drainage. Consuming a balanced wholefood diet will help weight loss and can be a complex aspect to balance correctly. Working with a Naturopath can help ensure your diet is supportive for your weight loss journey, while still nourishing your body at the same time.