Without a doubt, one of the most important hormones in your body is leptin. This simple hormone is made in your body’s stored fat. Leptin plays a very large role in weight management, reproduction, thyroid function, stress, inflammation, cardiovascular function and mental capability.
The job of leptin is to notify your brain when it needs more fuel for energy, which leads to you consuming more calories. Once you’ve eaten and your leptin level reaches its peak, it signals to your brain that you’re full and you’ll stop eating. While this hormone plays a very significant role of helping people to control hunger surges and keep weight at bay, it can also have a reverse effect, making people eat way more than necessary.
When your leptin levels are too high to begin with, your brain cannot receive the “I’m full” signal. This miscommunication leads to continuous eating because you’re “craving” that satisfied feeling, but cannot seem to get there. Leptin controls the rate at which your body makes energy. Your brain can’t see how much stored fat you have on hand, so it will never register the full feeling. Alas, this problem is termed leptin resistance. Majority of those suffering from leptin resistance are obese.
Certain foods can contribute to leptin resistance. Such foods include high fructose corn syrup, foods high in fat, refined carbohydrates, sugar and processed foods. Maintaining consistent levels of leptin can begin by changing your diet. This does not mean to cut daily calories in half. Too low of leptin levels can lower your body’s metabolism because your brain goes into starvation mode. Foods that help to normalize leptin levels include whole grains, natural foods, plus multiple daily servings of fruits and vegetables, healthy fats and lean proteins.
Also, a regular regimen of resistance and cardio training boosts metabolism and burns fat. When fat is burned and the metabolism is kicked into overdrive, the leptin hormone will signal the brain that it’s time to fuel again. This process is a normal and healthy cycle.
Fully understanding how this powerhouse hormone works and affects your health can lead you to the healthy lifestyle you want, and need. Our medical team is knowledgeable with leptin resistance and can provide you with ways of stabilizing your leptin levels. Contact our office to learn more.
Post by Staff of Forum Health Clarkston
