It's Not Your Fault You're Overweight
By Cynthia Perkins, M.Ed., Thu Dec 8th

If you are overweight, experience overwhelming cravings orpuzzling fluctuations in weight, and dieting has been to noavail, then overeating or deep seated psychological problems maynot be the culprit of your problem. You may have undiagnosedallergies or sensitivities to foods or chemicals that you maynot be aware of.

Perfume, hair spray, fabric softener, car exhaust, pesticides,smog, wheat, sugar, the smell of coffee, a date with a smoker ormany other foods or chemicals can all be triggers for cravings,binges and water retention, which can result in weight gain.

There are 4 different ways that allergens can stimulate weightgain. 1. Addiction Many people are overweight because they areactually addicted to certain foods. It’s usually one of yourfavorite foods and one that you eat quite frequently. When eatenit supplies you with a fix, an instant lift and relieves yourallergic symptoms temporarily

2.Cravings Any irritants that cause can also causeintense hunger pangs. A craving can be for a specific food likeas ice cream or for a general family such as pasta.

3.The Appestat Switch-Off Scientists have found that certainsubstances can go directly to the brain and shut off theappestat, or appetite control center. Normally it should tellyou that you are full and it is time to stop eating, but if itdoes not shut off you never feel full and thus want to continueeating.

This adverse reaction can be caused by anything –hugging afriend who is wearing perfume, dryer exhaust from your neighbor,or eating a wheat cookie. If you never feel full or hungry aftera meal, your appestat may not be functioning properly.

Once you can identify what substances are problematic for youcan eliminate them and reactivate your hunger control center.

4. Edema The most common form of allergic obesity is fluidretention. If you notice that you are heavier the day after youeat a particular food, your body is probably responding to anallergy.

Pay close attention to your eating habits, the air you breathand the chemicals and fragrances that you use, looking forpossible connections between changes in your weight and thekinds of food you eat (instead of being focused on how much youeat) also taking note of when cravings, uncontrollable hungerand binges occur.

Pay close attention to any changes you may have in mood orthought such as: anger, depression, crying, irritability, andinability to concentrate

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and think clearly. These samesubstances that cause weight gain and cravings can also createsymptoms that appear to be psychological, but are really aresult of a sensitivity to the food or chemical.

There are several other factors that may occur by themselves orthey are frequently found in addition to allergies/sensitivitiesthat may also contribute to weight gain, cravings, or intensehunger. 1. Hypoglycemia Low blood sugar is a common problem thatmany people are not aware of. It can create intense hunger andcravings. By finding a hypoglycemic diet that is appropriate foryour body type it is possible to improve or correct your bloodsugar imbalance and remove your intense hunger and cravings.

2. Thyroid Disorders Hypothyroidism (low thyroid functioning) isa very common disorder and often goes undiagnosed. Conventionalblood tests for thyroid often fail to detect a problem. Weightgain is one of many symptoms that may accompany hypothyroidism.The most accurate way to determine if your thyroid isfunctioning properly is through the Barnes Basal TemperatureTest. ( Another very common symptom of Low Thyroid function isfatigue and depression.) For more details on Low Thyroidfunction and symptoms see my other article with that title.

3. Candida Albicans Overgrowth Candida is a yeast that naturallyoccurs in all of our bodies. It is supposed to be there inbalanced amounts. Due to factors such as a diet high in sugarsand refined carbohydrates, chemicals in our environment, and theoveruse of antibiotics this yeast can begin to grow in excessamounts and create numerous problems in our bodies. Intensecravings and hunger for sweets or carbohydrates is one of themost common symptoms.

4. Nutritional Deficiencies Up to 50% of the population fails toingest the recommended daily allowances of minerals andvitamins. Certain imbalances such as low levels of chromium cancreate hunger and cravings. Low chromium is also a factor inhypoglycemia.

Find a health care provider who is knowledgeable about theissues I mention in this article and work with them.

Read my list of recommended readings at my website. These twobooks in particular. “It isn’t Your Fault You’re Fat” byMarshall Mandel and “Your Hidden Food are Making YouFat” by Rivera & Deutsch.

About the author:Cynthia Perkins, M.Ed., writer, educator,therapist/advisor/coach and Holistic Health ConsultantSpecializing in Life Management and Support for Living withChronic Illness, Chronic Pain, and Disability as well asSexuality and Sexual Intimacy. http://www.holistichelp.net