Roles of Herbs and Nutrigenomics in Weight Loss
I recently interviewed a mentor and friend, Dr. Katie Smith, PhD, RDN, LD, EP-C, FACSM for a StrongHer Community Event. She dropped so many truth bombs in this webinar, which you can watch on my Podcast or YouTube. Check out my notes and reflections of this powerful event here:
Macro-Hormones Intro: Insulin and Cortisol
Hormones are influenced by not just organ systems, but energy availability. Not just the amount, but the quality of our foods, influences how our cells function. Over time when we consume too many high glycemic carbs, have too much stress, too little movement and genetic predisposition, our cells stop responding to insulin, this is called insulin resistance. IR prevents weight loss, making calorie restriction alone not the best option, we must support mitochondrial health and insulin sensitivity. The webinar reviews how to do so.
Over time, small stressors can start to trigger this chronic stress response and shut down any pathway which is not required for survival (including digestion….poor digestion then leads to nutrient deficiencies). So, even without eating, our blood sugars start to spike (from stress) and insulin stores more energy as fat!
Exercise Matters, But So Does Sedentary Time
Continuous movement is best, not just exercising at one point in the day then sitting all day (literally standing up as I hear this reminder). This keeps blood sugar more stable and support healthy brain function.
Genetics Matters, But Our Lifestyles Matter More
Genetics only accounts for 10% of disease. The rest is the environment we put those genes in. We can’t change the DNA we were given, but we can change the genes that are turned off and on. This is nutrigenomics!
Nutrigenomics = How Nutrients and Herbs Influence Gene Expression
Take it to make it = herbs that turn off and on genes. A lot of people think you need the GLP-1 medications to access GLP-1. You do not. You can make it in your small intestine. Your body just may need support in how you make it. It can become less effective when the receptors become less responsive. GLP-1 medications are so common, because they are just what our medical system is providing and insurance is covering. Most common does not always mean the best option. Nutrition and nutriegenomics are just not what conventional medical providers use. Functional dietitians have more tools in their toolbox to avoid polypharmacy (over-use of too many medications).
Herbs work synergistically better in tandem, they are better together!
Those who used the MindBody GLP System for 3-6 Months Experienced:
100% who lost weight did not lose muscle, 25# was seen in 12 weeks on average
27% loss in visceral fat (the inflammatory fat around the organs)
200% GLP-1 increase
Individual improvements were seen in functional biomarkers like hs-CRP, insulin, cortisol and cholesterol
Those who added NRF2 Activator had additional decrease in inflammation and oxidative stress.
WOW! The power of plants keeps blowing my mind.
Dr. Smith also shared the Mind-Body GLP-1 System came out about 1 year ago (although these herbs have been use medicinally for centuries). What’s funny is I recall her texting me and another nutrition professional about looking for GLP-1 medication alternatives that wouldn’t have such a devastating rebound effect. At the time, I didn’t believe there could be anything as powerful or successful. I had already dove deep into herbs like berberine and nutrients like Inositol and seen them work wonders, so I was focused on using these in my insulin resistant clients. Katie got started using this product in clients very early after it was released and see amazing results. I’m SO grateful she did and could share the science behind it. I now have multiple clients using the Mind-Body GLP-1 System and I can’t wait to share about their progress and success!
If you’re interested in getting started combining science + spirit in your healing journey, I encourage you to reach! You don’t have to do this on your own.
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