By Dr. Angelina V. Stevens
When I began triathlon racing in the year 2000, you could pretty much show up the morning of the race and still get in. Now, triathlon participants are growing by the thousands every season and there will be 500,000 marathon finishers in the US this year. But, despite our fitness frenzy and growing awareness about diet and nutrition, active Americans are still often stuck in a chronic weight loss struggle. So, how do you permanently exit the fat race?
Your Fat Cells Could Be Saving Your Life
Toxic chemicals and metals are everywhere in our environment and our bodies. Toxins and acids get stored in your fat cells as a way to keep these dangerous chemicals out of our bloodstream and away from vital organs. Your body’s lymphatic system shunts these chemicals into your feet, legs, and fatty tissues in order to maintain a neutral blood pH and to avoid organ damage. This explains why some people’s feet smell when they sweat, and why it is so hard for some people to lose weight. The solution, is to maintain an alkaline body pH through adequate minerals and leafy greens, and to detoxify through the use of ionic foot-baths, infrared saunas, or an organized three-week cleanse program.
Get to Loving Your Adrenal Glands
Our lives are increasingly exposed to chronic daily stress, which increases cortisol production by the adrenal glands. This increases mid-section belly fat and causes the body to hang on to these reserves in case of emergency despite diet and exercise. Natural adrenal supplements can help rebuild the adrenal glands and control the release of cortisol throughout the day. Pantothenic acid, tyrosine, vitamin C, and phosphatydyl serine can help up-regulate or down-regulate cortisol as needed. Engaging in stress releasing activities such as yoga, meditation, aerobic exercise, and adequate sleep can also regulate cortisol production and help burn the belly fat.
Visitors in Your Digestive Tract
Excess yeasts, bacteria, and parasites can rob your body of vital minerals and nutrients, which can impede your absorption and actually make you hungrier and crave excess calories, sugars, and carbs. If you have traveled outside of the U.S., own a pet, or eat organic produce, chances are you have a parasite living in your digestive tract. Parasites are now linked to chronic digestive issues like diarrhea, IBS, food allergies, gas, constipation, and diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune disorders. A simple at home test can reveal what infective organisms are in your digestive tract and what to do about them.
With our growing awareness about health and wellness comes the responsibility of letting the world know the possibility of feeling better now than you ever have before. I have seen my parents healthier and happier in their 60’s than in their 30’s through holistic healthcare, exercise, and eating well. Where there is willingness and hope, there is always a way. This is why I love getting up in the morning.
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Dr. Angelina V. Stevens, D.C., owns holistic chiropractic and acupuncture centers in Durham and Chapel Hill. She is passionate about healing the body naturally without the use of drugs or surgery and by finding the true causes of pain and illness. As a triathlete, Dr. Angelina has completed in world-class events and has represented the U.S. as a triathlete on Team USA 2001. She currently competes as an elite cyclo-cross racer and can be reached at www.stevenswellness.com or e-mail at drangelina@stevenswellness.com
