Is The Secret To Weight Loss In Your Gut?

Continued, regular intake of fried, fatty and refined foods can cause chronic systemic inflammation within the body.  Studies are currently under way to determine if this inflammation can also be linked to disruption in the delicate balance of our gut function – eventually leading to diabetes, weight gain and heart disease.  Inflammatory markers in the blood were measured as elevated up to five hours after consuming a meal high in sugar and fat in one study.   This new research has the potential to drastically change how obesity and related health conditions are approached and treated.

To decrease systemic inflammation:

  • Reduce your consumption of processed, fatty and refined foods.
  • Eat plenty of fiber rich foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.  These foods assist the gut in decreasing inflammation.
  • If you do eat “junk food”, accompany it with fiber and vitamin rich whole foods (fruits and vegetables).  Add color to your diet!

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, maintains offices in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Dr. Hermann is also board certified in nutrition.  Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.

Could My Weight Gain Be From Food Sensitivites?

Studies have linked being overweight with an inappropriate response to food.  Often, food is used as a coping mechanism when we feel stressed, bored, or depressed.  This phenomenon has been correlated with serotonin  (a neuro-transmitter in the brain)  excretion when we eat high carbohydrate foods such as ice cream, bread and pasta.  Serotonin is our “feel good” hormone that helps us feel better emotionally.  However, processed foods that are high in refined sugar may also cause an increase in other hormones – ultimately leading to obesity.

If an individual with food sensitivities consumes foods to which they are sensitive, this may actually stress the body and decrease the level of serotonin in the brain.  In turn the immune system is activated, and other areas of the body – such as the skin, intestines, joints and sinuses may be affected as well.  Food sensitivities may also lead to malnutrition by interfering with the metabolism of fat for energy.  This is due to poor intestinal absorption of nutrients.   Once the offending foods are eliminated, most patients experience immediate improvement in their symptoms.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers comprehensive food sensitivity testing at her St. Petersburg weight loss clinic. Please call the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.