For six months, I’ve been under the care of a naturopath for digestion issues and overall feeling of malaise.  Through lots of testing, we have discovered exactly what supplements I need to take and what foods I should avoid. I also learned that I have mold toxins.  The results:  I’ve lost ten pounds since April with no changes to my exercise or calorie intake. In fact, I am eating more. 

Dr. Isaac Eliaz explains the link between digestion and weight:

Optimal digestive function means we’re breaking down food properly, absorbing enough of the right nutrients and eliminating the waste that we don’t need. It’s a very organized, efficient and meticulous process. But we need energy to perform these tasks, and much of that energy comes from nutrients we digest. It seems like a bit of a catch-22: We need energy in order for our digestive system to break down food, but we get much of that energy from food. If digestion is sluggish, we can’t break down nutrients properly to get more energy. This creates a vicious cycle that leads to a type of malnutrition in our cells, tissues and organs. Wastes build up, you retain water and your body converts excess calories to fat, since the body isn’t digesting them properly.^[1]http://www.dreliaz.org/the-secret-to-losing-weight-by-improving-digestion/

It is important to actually be tested for food sensitivities, gut bacteria, hormone, and vitamin deficiencies rather than read articles on the internet of other people’s experiences.  I’ve tried different supplements I thought I needed, such as probiotics and digestive enzymes like HCL following such advice.  

Many people are frustrated when the eat clean and healthy, excercise regularly, yet still carry extra pounds, especially in the mid-section.  Normal weight is a sign of a healthy body.  It may be your digestion preventing weight loss.  

Here is a list of what I am taking. It’s a lot, and I hope to eventually pair it down. Not all of it is for digestion. This is what my body needs right now.  What your body needs need will be different. I post it here mainly for a reference for myself making it easy to reorder supplements.  It also may give you a starting point to talk to your doctor or naturopath.  

• Integrative Therapeutics – Similase Sensitive Stomach – Digestive Enzymes with Soothing Demulcent Herbs
• Integrative Therapeutics – Robert’s Formula Plus
• Life Extension FLORASSIST® GI with Phage Technology
• Genestra Brands – Active Chewable B12
• EcoNugenics Pectasol-C Modified Citrus Pectin
• Copper | Provides 2 mg of Copper per serving
• Karuna – Pregnenolone 50 mg
• Allergy Research Group – Saccharomyces Boulardii Caps
• Karuna Iron Plus
• Metagenics – D3 Liquid

In addition to these supplements, I am avoiding foods that my blood work identified I am sensitive too. Avoiding these foods also benefits my digestion.

I strongly suggest seeing a naturopath. The approach is different from a medical doctor. For instance, for eczema my doctor wanted to prescribe a steroid cream.  When I elminated my senstive foods discovered by the naturopath, the eczema went away.   Some of the tests have been covered by my health insurance and some have not.  

I believe in body acceptance  I believe in optimal health.  My weight loss was not intentional.  It was a result of bringing my body back into balance.  I can’t believe how good I feel!

 

Image: tung256 / Pixabay