Natural Solutions to Obesity

Obesity has become a major health problem in developed countries across the world, but particularly in the United States. Being clinically obese brings with it the risk of suffering from a wide range of other health complications, and can also trigger a number of physiological and emotional problems. The main cause seems to be overeating, or not eating the right foods, and failure to exercise regularly, but some people are more prone to becoming obese than others. Thyroid of pituitary gland disorders can be the cause, as can a low basal metabolism, or even just plain old genetics.
Obesity is generally diagnosed by measuring the Body Mass Index (BMI) and the circumference of the waist. Once a person’s BMI reaches 30 or above, they can be defined as being obese. Doctors have come up with a variety of methods and different procedures that can help to lower a person’s weight, but there are also a number of natural ways to help someone suffering from obesity. From choosing the right foods to getting regular exercise, there are plenty of natural solutions to treating obesity, so that synthetic medicines can be avoided all together.
Changing your lifestyle
Regular exercise is a proven way to lose weight, and there are hundreds of different activities to choose from that can help people lose weight. Exercise doesn’t necessarily mean joining a gym, and people who are sensitive about their appearance often shy away from joining a gym. It could be as simple as a short jog around a park, aerobics in the living room, or a quick swim in the sea if you live near the beach. It doesn’t have to cost lots of money and it doesn’t have to be under the scrutiny of other people. If money is not an issue, perhaps consider buying a bicycle.
Different remedies help reduce weight:
There a number of herbal remedies that can be used to help people suffering from obesity. In particular, there are a group of herbs that can stimulate a person’s digestive system and provide a boost to their metabolism, while at the same time suppressing that person’s appetite. These naturally occurring plants are Capsicum minimum, usually called cayenne pepper, Taraxacum officinalis, also known as the common dandelion, Garcinia cambogia, commonly referred to as gamboge or brindleberry, and Glycorrhiza glabra, the root of which is used to make liquorice.
For people that have a thyroid gland disorder, a sea vegetable called Fucus vesiculosis is a great source of concentrated minerals. One of these minerals is iodine, and this is very beneficial to the production of thyroid hormones in the human body. Even for people that don’t have a thyroid gland disorder, consuming this type of sea vegetable can help to maintain a healthy metabolism for all the cells in the body.
A number of homeopathic remedies exist which can help to reduce cravings for sugary foods and promote the breakdown of dietary fat. These include using Calcium Fluoride, Calcium Phosphate, and Kalium Phosphate. It is worth giving some of these natural remedies to obesity a try before opting for surgical treatment, which can be painful and expensive.
Alternative therapies
Some conventional doctors will suggest intrusive surgery for treating obesity, but there are a number of alternative therapies for people that don’t want to go under the knife. To be really effective, alternative therapies need to be combined with regular exercise and healthy eating, but they are a worthy addition to an overall natural solution to obesity.
Some therapies worth mentioning are acupuncture, yoga, and tai chi. Research suggests that acupuncture can help achieve a reduction in body weight, but without the proper diet and exercise it may be ineffective. Yoga and tai chi are forms of exercise and methods of relaxation, so these two activities are great ways to reduce stress and work of a few pounds. In addition to taking up these activities while you’re obese, it’s a great way to avoid putting on weight again once you have lost it.
A natural diet
It is simply not healthy to drastically reduce how much you eat in an effort to lose weight, and it can be very dangerous. The trick is to eat only healthy and nutritious foods, and not to consume more than your body needs. Doing this, and combining it with exercise and other alternative obesity treatments, will help you to lose weight without causing your body harm. Take a look at these practical dietary tips to get you started.
• Keep away from tea and coffee, instead try freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice in hot water. This will help stimulate your digestive system to work waste food out of your body. Adding sliced ginger to boiled water can also help to reduce your appetite.
• Fruit is a great way to give your body essential vitamins and minerals, and contains very little fat. Some great types of fruit to help combat obesity are guava, jackfruit, peaches, grapes, and figs.
• Avoid meat as much as you can, instead try to limit yourself to mainly plant-based foods. Things like rice and pasta are fine, but try to stick to the brown or whole-wheat varieties. Bread and cereals are ok too, but make sure they have no added sugar or preservatives.
• Vegetables should make up a large part of your diet if you are trying to lose weight. Plants from the legume family provide many vegetables that are perfect for people trying to lose weight. They contain essential amino acids and provide the body with plenty of protein.
• Combining legumes with grain can make healthy meals, like tofu with rice or beans with lentils, provide an even more complete protein than either on their own.
• If dairy products are a must, ensure you consume the low-fat varieties, or try switching to alternatives like soy milk.
Keeping away from processed and sugary foods is a must, while eating natural and nutritious foods are essential. Above all you shouldn’t starve yourself, and by using some of the natural remedies to obesity you don’t have to go down the road of pharmaceutical drugs and surgical procedures. There are plenty of natural solutions to obesity, and your doctor should have all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Author's Bio: 

Dr. George Grant, Ph.D., I.M.D. Specialist in Nutrition, Stress, Biofeedback. www.academyofwellness.com