If the numbers on your scale keep creeping up despite your best efforts to slim down, you might wonder what’s not working. But the truth is simple-diet and exercise isn’t always enough in the fight against fat-because, believe it or not, several common hormone imbalances can undermine even the most dedicated attempt to lose weight.
Hypothyroidism – a condition in which your body doesn’t generate enough thyroid hormone-is one of the most common hidden culprits behind stubborn weight gain. In fact, research suggests that even very modest increases in serum TSH concentrations-higher levels of which indicate that your thyroid is underactive – may be associated with those few extra pounds.
Fortunately, the solution for a sluggish thyroid gland is often as easy as getting a little extra iodine, low levels of which are often implicated in hypothyroidism. A simple iodine sufficiency test can help you to assess your dosage needs – and optimal levels can usually be achieved with a quality iodine supplement (such as Iodoral) within six months of use.
The stress hormone cortisol is another common weight loss roadblock. During a stressful event, your adrenal glands release cortisol as part of your body’s natural "fight or flight" response. Under normal circumstances, your cortisol levels begin to drop once the stressful event has passed. But, in cases of prolonged stress this natural balancing act can fail, resulting in chronically elevated levels of this stress hormone-with a number of negative consequences, especially where your weight is concerned.
Chronically elevated cortisol levels are linked to both metabolic syndrome and the accumulation of dangerous visceral fat-the dense "belly fat" that envelops your internal organs, increasing inflammation and raising your risk of both diabetes and heart disease. Meanwhile, stress can sabotage your weight loss efforts in other ways, such as triggering overeating and suppressing critical fat-burning hormones.
Stress may be one of your single worst enemies in the quest for a smaller waistline-but more often than not, it’s impossible to avoid. That’s why "adaptogens" – resistance-boosting compounds that can help your body weather the daily storm of stress-are some of the most essential supplements you can take. Botanicals like Eleutherococcus senticosus, Manchurian thorn tree (Aralia manchurica), astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root, and Schisandra chinensis are among the most powerful adaptogens nature has to offer-with studies showing that they can both support your adrenals and balance elevated cortisol levels, safely and effectively.
You can find potent extracts of all of these adaptogenic herbs as part of a single liquid formula called AdaptaPhase I. This combination of adaptogens pairs perfectly with a formula like Cortisol Control – a daily supplement that harnesses the benefits of a special patented form of ashwagandha in combination with an anxiety-fighting blend of Magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron amurense-to deliver maximum stress protection.
References:
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