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Accidentally Overweight

Page 22

by Libby Weaver


  Knowing this does not mean that you now have permission to judge yourself every time you want to drink alcohol. If you drink it, enjoy it. I’m not telling you what to do or what not to do. I simply want you to see why you do what you do, especially if what you do is harming you.

  If you truly want amazing health that feels effortless, then begin to observe your own behaviors. For example, when you want the alcohol or the food that doesn’t serve you (for any of the above alcohol-based examples can be replaced with food patterns that don’t serve you), ask yourself what you really want. It might be rest, a hug, or appreciation for all you do in a day, or it may be to forget the pain in your heart because someone you love is very ill. All of these things are just pain, emotional pain. And emotional pain will not kill you. In fact, I’ve learned that quite often it can offer the most magical insight into a part of you that is precious and powerful all at once… often precisely what you are searching for in the food. Imagine realizing that the precious and powerful piece inside you is the most extraordinary best friend you could ever ask to walk beside you through life.

  My intention for this book was to show you through science and emotion, and the links between them, that it is always about more than the food. Food is simply a way that we cope. Weight, whether it is too much or too little, is a by-product of your coping strategies and a reflection of your beliefs. Excess weight is what happens when you use food to flatten your life.

  From this moment on I want you to spend at least five minutes every day recognizing all that you contribute to this world, just by being who you are. And let that recognition light a flame inside you that with every day grows stronger and brighter from the kindness you show yourself through your lifestyle choices and your thoughts. And may that light guide you home to the magnificence you have always been.

  * * *

  References and Resources

  My website, www.drlibby.com, offers free information and recipes as well as information about my events, books and online courses. The events and educational tools are designed to take you further in your Accidentally Overweight journey if you feel you want more in the way of dietary, hormonal and emotional guidance and support. I speak all over the world and announce where I’m going to be presenting in my monthly newsletter. Be sure to pop your email address in the form on the website and I look forward to meeting you in person soon.

  I have included this section for numerous purposes. First, if you enjoy science there are some fascinating scientific publications listed here. These are written in a scientific reference format. There are also books I’ve referenced in the text, listed in full in this section if further reading in a particular area interests you. Finally, the purpose of this section is to offer you additional resources, which include techniques you may wish to explore to help you understand your emotional landscape better.

  Not all of the puzzle pieces have additional resources listed as I have studied and read widely (sometimes from very geeky biochemistry textbooks) and this book is the culmination of my knowledge, experience, observation and intuition to date.

  References

  1. Horvath, K. and Perman, J. “Autistic disorder and gastrointestinal disease,” Current Opinions in Pediatrics, 2002; 14 (5): 583–7

  2. Horvath, K. and Perman, J. “Autism and gastrointestinal symptoms,” Current Gastroenterology Reports, 2002; 4(3): 251–8

  3. Horvath, K. Papadimitriou, J. Rabsztyn, A. Drachenberg. C. Tildon, J. “Gastrointestinal abnormalities in children with autistic disorders,” Journal of Pediatrics, 1999; 135(5): 559–63

  4. Jin, W. Wang, H. Ji, Y. Hu, Q. Yan, W. Chen, G. Yin, H. “Increased intestinal inflammatory response and gut barrier dysfunction in Nrf2-deficient mice after traumatic brain injury,” Cytokine, 2008; 44(1): 135–40

  5. Cade, R. Privette, M. Fregly, M. Rowland, N. Sun, Z. Zele, V. Wagemaker, H. Edelstein, C. “Autism and schizophrenia: Intestinal disorders,” Nutritional Neuroscience, 2000; 3(1): 57–72

  6. Rock, C. Natarajan, L. Pu, M.Thomson, C. Flatt, S. Caan, B. Gold, E. Al-Delaimy, W. Newman, V. Hajek, R. Stefanick, M. Pierce, J. “Longitudinal biological exposure to carotenoids is associated with breast cancer-free survival in the women’s healthy eating and living study,” Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, 2009; 18(2), 486–94

  7. Arcidiacono, B. Iiritano, S. Nocera, A. Possidente, K. Nevolo, M. Ventura, V. Foti, D. Chiefari, E. Brunetti, A. “Insulin resistance and cancer risk: An overview of the pathogenetic mechanisms,” Experimental Diabetes Research, 2012; Article ID 789174: 12 pages

  8. Aceves, C. Anguiano, B. Delgado, G. “Is iodine a gatekeeper of the integrity of the mammary gland?” Journal of Mammary Gland Biology and Neoplasia, 2005; 10(2): 189–96

  9. Stoddard, F. Brooks, A. Eskin, B. Johannes, G. “Iodine alters gene expression in the MCF7 breast cancer cell line: evidence for an anti-estrogen effect of iodine,” International journal of medical sciences, 2008; 5(4): 189–96

  10. Venturi, S. “Is there a role for iodine in breast diseases?” The Breast, 2001; 10(5): 379–82

  11. Ley, R. Turnbaugh, P. Klein, S. Gordon, J. “Microbial ecology: Human gut microbes associated with obesity,” Nature, 2006; 444(7122): 1022–23

  12. Lustig, R. “Childhood obesity: behavioral aberration or biochemical drive? Reinterpreting the first law of thermodynamics,” Nature Clinical Practice, Endocrinology & Metabolism Review, 2006; 2 (8): 447–57

  13. Heymsfield, S. Greenberg, A. Fujioka, K. Dixon, R. Kushner, R. Hunt, T. Lubina, J. Patane, J. Self, B. Hunt, P. McCamish, M. “Recombinant leptin for weight loss in obese and lean adults: a randomized, controlled, dose-escalation trial,” Journal of the American Medical Association, 1999; 282: 1568–75

  14. Jenkins, D. Wolever, T. Taylor, R. Barker, H. Fielden, H. Baldwin, J. Bowling, A. Newman, H. Jenkins, A. Goff, D. “Glycemic index of foods: a physiological basis for carbohydrate exchange,” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 1981; 34(3): 362–6

  Resources

  Digestion

  Cade, R. Privette, M. Fregly, M. Rowland, N. Sun, Z. Zele, V. Wagemaker, H, Edelstein, C. “Autism and schizophrenia: Intestinal disorders.” Nutritional Neuroscience, 2000; 3(1): 57–72

  Horvath, K. and Perman, J. “Autistic disorder and gastrointestinal disease,” Current Opinions in Pediatrics, 2002; 14(5): 583–7

  Horvath, K. and Perman, J. “Autism and gastrointestinal symptoms,” Current Gastroenterology Reports, 2002; 4(3): 251–8

  Horvath, K. Papadimitriou, J. Rabsztyn, A. Drachenberg. C. Tildon. J.T. “Gastrointestinal abnormalities in children with autistic disorders,” Journal of Pediatrics, 1999; 135(5): 559–63

  Jin, W. Wang, H. Ji, Y. Hu, Q. Yan, W. Chen, G. Yin, H. “Increased intestinal inflammatory response and gut barrier dysfunction in Nrf2-deficient mice after traumatic brain injury,” Cytokine, 2008; 44(1): 135–40

  Sex Hormones

  Aceves, C. Anguiano, B. Delgado, G. “Is iodine a gatekeeper of the integrity of the mammary gland?” Journal of Mammary Gland Biology and Neoplasia, 2005; 10(2): 189–96

  Arcidiacono, B. Iiritano, S. Nocera, A. Possidente, K. Nevolo, M. Ventura, V. Foti, D. Chiefari, E. Brunetti, A. “Insulin resistance and cancer risk: An overview of the pathogenetic mechanisms,” Experimental Diabetes Research, 2012; Article ID 789174, 12 pages

  Naish, F. and Roberts, J. Better Health for Better Babies series (Sydney: Random House, 1997)

  Northrup, C. Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom (London: Judy Piatkus Ltd, 1998)

  Rock, C. Natarajan, L. Pu, M. Thomson, C. Flatt, S. Caan, B. Gold, E. Al-Delaimy, W. Newman, V. Hajek, R. Stefanick, M. Pierce, J. “Longitudinal biological exposure to carotenoids is associated with breast cancer-free survival in the women’s healthy eating and living study.” Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, 2009; 18(2): 486–94

  Stoddard, F. Brooks, A. Eskin, B. Johannes, G. “Iodine alters gene expression in the MCF7 breast cancer cell line: evidence for an anti-estrogen effect of iodine
,” International journal of medical sciences, 2008; 5(4): 189–96

  Venturi, S. “Is there a role for iodine in breast diseases?” The Breast, 2001; 10(5): 379–82

  Gut Bacteria

  Gottschall, E. Breaking the Vicious Cycle (Baltimore: Kirkton Press Ltd, 1994; for the Specific Carbohydrate Diet)

  Ley, R. Turnbaugh, P. Klein, S. Gordon, J. “Microbial ecology: Human gut microbes associated with obesity,” Nature, 2006; 444(7122): 1022–23

  The Thyroid

  Coates, K. and Perry, V. Embracing the Warrior: An Essential Guide for Women (Burleigh Heads, Arteriol Press, 2007)

  Hay, L. You Can Heal Your Life (Carlsbad: Hay House Inc, 2004)

  Insulin

  Chek, P. How to Eat, Move and Be Healthy! (Encinitas: C.H.E.K Institute LLC, 2004)

  Heymsfield, S. Greenberg, A. Fujioka, K. Dixon, R. Kushner, R. Hunt, T. Lubina, J. Patane, J. Self, B. Hunt, P. McCamish, M. “Recombinant leptin for weight loss in obese and lean adults: a randomized, controlled, dose-escalation trial,” Journal of the American Medical Association, 1999; 282: 1568–75

  Isganaitis, E. and Lustig, R. “Fast food, central nervous system insulin resistance, and obesity,” Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis Vascular Biology, 2005; 25: 2451–62

  Lustig, R. “Childhood obesity: behavioral aberration or biochemical drive? Reinterpreting the first law of thermodynamics,” Nature Clinical Practice, Endocrinology & Metabolism Review, 2006; 2(8): 447–57

  Lustig, R. “The ‘skinny’ on childhood obesity: How our Western environment starves kids’ brains,” Pediatric Annals, 2006; 35(12): 899–907

  Emotions

  Epstein, D. The 12 Stages of Healing (San Rafael: Amber-Allen Publishers, 1994)

  Hay, L. You Can Heal Your Life (Carlsbad: Hay House Inc, 2004)

  Robbins, A. Awaken the Giant Within (London: Simon & Schuster Ltd, 1992)

  * * *

  Index

  Page references in italic represent figures and tables.

  A

  absorption, into the blood 10–11

  alcohol 11

  enhanced by vitamin C 135

  and leaky gut 19–21, 19

  nutrient 10–11, 20, 135

  reabsorption 112

  through the skin 104

  acetaldehyde 109, 114–15

  acidity

  acid reflux 1, 7, 32, 101, 180

  ranges and gradients see pH (acidity/alkalinity)

  stomach acid 5–8, 6

  adaptogens 60, 66, 84

  Addison’s disease 57

  adrenal glands 41, 43, 49, 55, 70, 72–3, 93, 197

  and herbs 60, 84

  adrenalin

  adrenal fatigue supplementation 67

  adrenal support 59–63, 64–5, 84, 97, 147

  and the big sugar rush 41–3

  and blood supply diversion 14

  and caffeine 43–7

  cortisol and adrenal fatigue 55–7, 56

  and the fight-or-flight response 41–2 see also fight-or-flight response

  herbs for adrenal support 60, 64–5, 84, 97

  and Rushing Woman’s Syndrome 157

  alcohol 113–15, 165, 209–10

  absorption 11

  and breast cancer/health 80–81, 114

  celebratory sharing of a drink 209–10

  consumption levels and recommendations 96, 113–14, 117, 166

  conversion to acetaldehyde 109, 114–15

  and insulin 166

  and the liver 101, 102, 109, 113–15, 117

  poisonous nature of 109, 115

  and reproductive system conditions 96

  sugars in 115

  wine see wine

  aldosterone 98, 124

  alkalinity see pH (acidity/alkalinity)

  allergies, food 15, 16, 19

  aloe vera juice 17, 28, 130

  amino acids 2, 50, 101–2, 101

  androgens 85–6

  andrographis 130

  anti-parasitic herbs 12, 28, 126

  antioxidants 101, 110–12, 110

  anxiety 62, 76, 89, 98, 125, 171, 175, 180, 206

  progesterone as anti-anxiety agent 72, 73, 75, 89–90

  apple cider vinegar (ACV) 7, 8, 27

  artichoke, globe 84, 97, 117, 147

  astragalus 67, 130, 135

  atherosclerosis 111–12

  autism spectrum disorder (ASD) 7, 22, 128

  autoimmune diseases 133

  autonomic nervous system (ANS) 61–2, 169–72

  avocados 83

  B

  bacteria, gut see gut bacteria

  Bacteroidetes 120, 128

  bananas 83

  barberry 130

  Battersby, Deborah 205

  beef 108, 135

  beetroot 96

  beta-carotene 81

  beta-casomorphine 21

  bile 84

  black cohosh 93, 97

  Black Walnut 12

  black walnut 130

  bloating 1, 6, 10, 13, 25, 37, 101, 117

  after-meal 6, 23, 36–7, 123–5

  following a stressful experience 125

  with food poisoning or traveler’s tummy 126–7

  and irritable bowel syndrome 122–7

  menstrual cycle-related 123

  and premenstrual syndrome 98

  and Rushing Woman’s Syndrome 154–5

  and stress 13

  and TCM 13

  blood-brain barrier (BBB) 20

  blood pressure 43, 49, 66, 97, 161

  blood sugar 41–3, 50, 54

  blueberries 111

  body–mind relationship

  and the emotions see emotions

  frustrations concerning the body xxiii–xxiv

  headspace, hormones and insulin 154–7

  listening to your body 32, 33

  and network spinal analysis 204

  and puberty/menstruation 89–92, 98

  spleen energy and overthinking 23

  and stress see stress

  worrying and getting fat 53–4

  bone broth 28, 130

  borage oil 108

  bowel cancer 18

  bowel evacuation 14–18

  brain

  hypothalamus 131, 132, 158

  neurotransmitters 102

  opioid receptors 21

  Brazil nuts 83, 135

  bread 24, 124, 149, 150, 152, 153, 180

  breast cancer

  and alcohol 80, 114

  and beta-carotene 81

  and estrogen 78–80

  and progesterone 79

  and stress hormones 78–80

  breast health

  and alcohol 114

  and alcohol consumption 80–81, 114

  and caffeine 80–81

  and diet 81–2

  and exercise 82

  and exposure minimization 84–5

  and herbs 84

  and iodine 82–3

  and nutrients 82–3

  and sex hormones 78–80

  breathing 61–3, 65, 172, 175, 177, 204

  broccoli 81, 96, 102, 103–4

  bupleurum 84, 97, 98, 117

  C

  caffeine/coffee 43–7, 147, 155, 174, 175, 176, 178

  and bloating 124

  and breast health 80–81

  and the liver 102, 124

  and premenstrual syndrome 96

  calories 29–40

  and broken good intentions 29–33

  and emotional overeating 33–8 see also overeating, emotional

  and gut bacteria 119–21

  solutions 39–40

  cancer

  breast see breast cancer

  and insulin resistance 82

  carbohydrates 82, 149

  and fatness 149–51

  fructose 102, 159–63

  and glucose 121, 149–51

  and glycemic index and load 163–4

  and insulin 149–51

  sources 149–50

  Specific Carbohydrate Diet 1
26, 130

  carotenoids 81, 101

  carrots 163–4, 166

  casein 21, 22, 124

  caveman-style diet 126, 129

  chamomile 17

  chewing food 3–4, 5, 7, 10, 39–40

  chi (energy) 15, 23

  Chinese wormwood 12, 130

  chocolate 111, 149, 162

  cholesterol

  and antioxidant defense mechanism 111–12

  and cortisol 49

  and estrogen 106, 108–10

  excretion of 108–10

  HDL 112

  LDL 112

  and the liver 100, 105–10, 106, 112–13, 115, 116

  metabolism flowchart 106

  and sex hormones 105–6, 106, 107–10

  and the thyroid 112, 139

  cinnamon 98

  circadian rhythms 58

  Coates, Karen 142

  coffee see caffeine/coffee

  colon hydrotherapy (“colonics”) 17, 130

  constipation 1, 25, 79, 105, 117, 134, 136

 

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