I talk about cortisol a lot. Probably mention it several times every day. It’s important in my line of work, because I help people reduce stress and lose weight, and cortisol is a major player in both of these situations. First, some science. Cortisol is one of our main stress hormones, produced by the adrenal [...]
Overweight, fatigued, and insomnia. These are the most common complaints I get. They are all related. Let me explain. Your adrenal glands, situated atop the kidneys, are your body’s command and control center, regulating stress and sleep and sugar cravings, metabolism, and even female hormone balance. They manufacture stress and sex hormones, and when you [...]
By admin | September 27, 2009
Losing weight is hard. But look at all your options! Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, Slim Fast, countless ephedrine-fueled diet pills, The Special K diet (replace 2 meals with special K cereal. Of course you’ll lose weight–you’re only consuming about 1200 calories daily). The main thing these diets have in common is that they do not [...]
Blood sugar. It may not mean as much to you as, say, diabetes, but learn to manage your blood sugar properly and you’ll stay healthy and avoid diabetes. Or if you have type 2 diabetes and take a medication such as Metformin, you can control your glucose levels through diet and possibly cut down on [...]
Seriously, don’t panic; it’s the media’s job to propel you into a state of chaos and fear, but this “global pandemic” brings up a good topic: how to keep your immune system in tip top shape! Aside from washing your hands furiously and avoiding sick people, the main thing you can do is get more [...]
Posted in Nutrition | Also tagged h1n1, immunity, swine flu |
By admin | April 20, 2009
In a given year, over 20 million American adults have a mood disorder, and major depressive disorder is the leading cause of disability in the United States for people ages 15 to 44. Depression can be debilitating, and medications are frequently prescribed but don’t always work; plus, they can have nasty side effects. I’ve had [...]
By admin | February 17, 2009
We hear a lot about inflammation. Internally, it can be linked to accelerated aging, heart disease, cancer, irritable bowel and chron’s disease, and arthritis. So what is inflammation? Think about what happens when you cut your finger. It swells and turns red as your body sends white blood cells to the injury site to prevent [...]
By admin | February 4, 2009
Are you feeling the fever? Regardless, spring is right around the corner, and that means tiny clothes and bathing suits. I’m co-teaching a weight loss workshop right now over in Mill Valley, and it’s gotten me excited about the group dynamic. It’s easier than you think to meet your goals. In the six sections, we [...]
By admin | October 28, 2008
I attended a snooty private school from 6th grade til I graduated senior year. It was essentially structured like a college campus with a science building, humanities, several libraries, an art studio, computer lab, 2 gymnasiums, ball field, track, etc. This is where I first became familiar with stress. Stress followed me through college and [...]
Posted in Nutrition | Also tagged adrenals, immunity |