Q:  How can reactive foods affect my weight loss efforts?

A:  Food sensitivities strongly contribute to several disorders of metabolism. The potential cycle created by reactive foods can go something like this – you consume a reactive food such as maybe wheat or dairy. The ingestion of the reactive food can cause a serotonin drop, a blood sugar drop, an adrenaline drop and even an endorphin drop. The can create mood alterations, including anxiety, compulsive urges an even the onset of depression.

This then can cause cravings for and binging on reactive foods and high carbohydrate foods. This can then trigger immune and hormonal reactions, leading to tissue swelling and bloating, which now creates the feeling of heaviness and fatigue.

This cycle creates a decline in metabolism and thermogenic fat-burning as well as further fatigue, mood deterioration, and weight gain with the continued cravings, and ingestion of more reactive foods.

A person living this cycle can face an uphill battle if they continue to consume foods that have the potential to interfere with the hormonal balance of the endocrine system, including the thyroid and adrenal glands. This makes it harder for the body to burn fat. These foods also disturb insulin levels, even in people who are able to maintain normal function of the thyroid and adrenals. This signals the body to convert food energy into fat, and also contributes to hypoglycemia. Including the above mentioned mood chemistry disruptions. When you add all this together you interfere greatly with the ability to exercise – another reason to choose your food wisely.

The seven most common reactive foods are:

1. Dairy Products
2. Wheat
3. Corn
4. Sugar
5. Soy
6. Eggs
7. Peanuts