Are You Constantly Dieting and Never Losing Weight?
Maybe you have leptin resistance!
What is leptin and why should you care?
Leptin is a hormone that turns on metabolic switches to initiate fat burning. You need this hormone to lose weight. In some people, leptin is elevated and chronic elevation results in 'leptin resistance' - like insulin resistance, it can't get into the cells to turn on the fat burning.
Leptin is primarily produced by fat cells and acts as a signaling molecule to the brain, communicating the amount of stored fat and controlling hunger and metabolism. Several factors can disrupt the normal functioning of leptin, leading to imbalances and potential weight-related issues.
There are multiple potential causes of leptin disruption, we've highlighted a few:
1. Chronic Stress: Prolonged stress triggers the release of cortisol, a stress hormone that can interfere with leptin signaling. Elevated cortisol levels may lead to increased appetite and food cravings, potentially leading to weight gain.
2. Non-Restful Sleep/Sleep Apnea: Non-restful sleep can disrupt leptin production by altering the normal release and regulation of the hormone, leading to decreased levels of leptin in the body and impaired appetite control. Additionally, inadequate sleep can result in increased levels of a hunger hormone, which further exacerbating the disruption in leptin signaling.
3. Mold Exposure: Toxins in mold can be detrimental for genetically-prone persons, causing their bodies to release inflammatory molecules that can interfere with the normal functioning of leptin receptors in the body. This disruption can lead to impaired appetite regulation, increased hunger, and potential weight gain.
There are many ways to increase leptin action, here are some of our suggestions:
1. Optimize Your Thyroid Hormones: Optimizing thyroid hormones can help improve leptin action by regulating the metabolism and enhancing leptin sensitivity. Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy metabolic rate.
2. Manage Stress: Implement stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in hobbies that help you relax. By reducing chronic stress, you can support healthy leptin levels and appetite regulation
3. Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity can enhance leptin sensitivity. Incorporate both cardiovascular exercises and strength training into your routine to promote weight management and improve overall metabolic health.
4. Cold Showers: Taking cold showers can potentially improve leptin action by activating brown adipose tissue (BAT), which helps to regulate energy expenditure and metabolism. Cold exposure has been associated with increased BAT activity, which may contribute to improved leptin sensitivity and enhanced weight management. We recommend taking a warm water shower and then standing in a cold water shower for the last minute.
Supplements are a great way to help improve leptin action. Below are some of the ones that we recommend for our clients, though we strongly recommend that you work with a practitioner before trying supplements as other medications can have adverse affects.
Supplements to improve leptin action:
Sulforaphane
B Vitamins
Cinnamon
Green Tea
Chromium
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Forskolin
Bottom line -: Leptin plays a vital role in regulating appetite and energy balance within the body. Disruptions in leptin action, often caused by factors like chronic stress, not enough sleep, or mold can lead to imbalances and weight-related issues. By adopting strategies such as optimizing thyroid hormones, managing stress, participating in regular exercise, and taking cold showers, you can support healthy leptin levels. Additionally, certain supplements like B Vitamins, Cinnamon, Chromium, and Green Tea, among others, may help improve leptin sensitivity. As always, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements or making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle. We would love to help support you on your path to wellness and discuss a plan for you to improve your leptin levels and figure out the root cause of your weight dilemma. Call us at 770-674-2426 or book your session online to get started!
If you are already a patient you can access Dr. Miller's Leptin protocol here on our Fullscript page.
Namaste.