An Important Key to Weight Loss: Sleep

An Important Key to Weight Loss: Sleep

By, Mike Clark, Clinic Director, NBH Lifetime Health

“You can lose weight without changing what you eat or doing one minute of exercise! … Nutrition and exercise are important! But there’s another key to weight loss — and most people don’t even know about it. It’s sleep.”

In an article titled “Sleep Tips: How To Sleep Better, Lose Weight, And Live Longer”, Dr. Mark Hyman states that “besides eating whole foods and moving your body, getting enough sleep is the most important thing you can do for your health.”  He further states that “On the flip side, sleep deprivation makes you fat — AND leads to depression, pain, heart disease, diabetes, and much more.”

He goes on to say that 70% of people have sleep issues. “The era of Starbucks has been surpassed by an era of prescription stimulants to keep people awake and functioning, like dexadrine and Ritalin — otherwise known as “speed” or amphetamines.”

At the Lifetime Health Weight Loss Centers, we have seen thousands of clients who are overweight and who have sleep issues. Generally, they either have trouble falling asleep or have trouble staying asleep. Many are on sleep medications. They may wake up several times during the night. In most cases, they complain of waking up tired in the morning and lacking energy.

Sleep Deprivation / Poor Sleep Quality

Those who are sleep deprived or have poor quality of sleep, may also be drinking several diet or regular sodas during the day (or sweetened tea, “energy drinks,” or other sugar laden drinks). They may not even know they are doing this for energy. Their poor sleep quality is a major cause of their fatigue or low energy. This in turn leads to increased weight, particularly around the middle.

When you are sleep deprived, your cortisol rises — and so do all its harmful effects, including brain damage and dementia, weight gain, diabetes, heart attacks, high blood pressure, depression, osteoporosis, depressed immunity, and more. In more severe instances, this can result in adrenal fatigue.

Classic symptoms of adrenal fatigue include (1) wake up in the morning tired, (2) need a stimulant (could be coffee) to get you  going, (3) have difficulty performing  daily functions and  (4) have very low energy. See upcoming article on adrenal fatigue.

The reality is that most of us need at least eight hours of restful sleep a night. We may be able to function on more, but less is not healthy.

The Sleep Cure?

Unfortunately, there is not magic sleep cure. However, at the Lifetime Health Weight Loss and Hormone Centers, we have seen great success with the use of natural products, used singularly or  in combinations. These might include a protein product that works to lower stress (very high success rate for improving sleep), natural magnesium that helps calm the body before sleep, and  biodientical hormones in appropriate cases. We have found that even the “mother’s remedy” of Epsom Salt baths can help.

Hormone deficiencies or imbalances are an underlying cause of many sleep issues. It may be as simple as adding the correct level and type of melatonin to the night time regimen. Thyroid issues can lead to sleep issues. Low progesterone levels is a significant cause of poor sleep quality in women.

Since sleep issues to not respond to a one size fits all program, we examine and test each client to ensure that he or she is receiving the proper natural remedy to ensure success. Diagnostic testing can pinpoint many problems including sleep apnea. Sometimes, there may be a short trial and error period with our natural products. Our goal is not only a good night’ sleep but to eliminate the need for sleep medications (that often cause serious side effects).

If you are still having trouble sleeping, you may be evaluated for other problems that can interfere with sleep, including food sensitivities, menopause, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, heavy metal toxicity, and, of course, stress and depression. Also, testing for sleep disorders such as sleep apnea may be appropriate.

To learn more, read Dr. Hyman’s article “Sleep Tips: How To Sleep Better, Lose Weight, And Live Longer”.

Can a High-Protein Diet Help You Lose Weight?

Can a High-Protein Diet Help You Lose Weight?

Low-carb diets are last year’s news, but high-protein diets are emerging as the latest aid in weight control. That’s because emerging research has hinted that protein may be able to satisfy hunger better than either fats or carbohydrates. Our clinical experience has verified that protein is best at satisfying hunger cravings. It  also helps build lean muscle.

What Studies Show

Participants in a study recently published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported greater satisfaction, less hunger, and weight loss when fat was reduced to 20% of the total calories in their diets, protein was increased to 30%, and carbohydrates (GOOD) accounted for 50%. The study participants ate some 441 fewer calories a day when they followed this high-protein diet and regulated their own calorie intake. REMINDER: Good carbohydrates include primarily vegetables and whole grains.

Another study, reported in the Journal of Nutrition, showed that a high-protein diet combined with exercise enhanced weight and fat loss and improved blood fat (lipid) levels.

“Our research suggests that higher-protein diets help people better control their appetites and calorie intake,” says researcher Donald Layman, PhD, a professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

“Diets higher in protein [and] moderate in carbs, along with a lifestyle of regular exercise … have an excellent potential to reduce blood lipids [and] maintain lean tissue while burning fat for fuel without dieters being sidetracked with constant hunger.”

HFCS (High-Fructose Corn Syrup)

A bit of information:

The consumption of HFCS increased more than 1000% between 1970 and 1990, far exceeding the changes in intake of any other food or food group. High-fructose corn syrup now represents greater than 40% of caloric sweeteners added to foods and beverages, and is the sole caloric sweetener used in soft drinks in the United States.

The Weight Loss Cure

We recently published an article in Austin Fit Magazine about the results we have seen with our HCG patients.

Click here to download a PDF of the article.

“The Weight Loss Cure –

The Revolutionary Plan That Reshapes Your Body

Gets Rid of Abnormal Fat, Increases Your Metabolism
Eliminates Hunger And Food Cravings

Does It Really Work?

BY: Mike Clark, Clinic Director, NBH Lifetime Health

The “Weight Loss Cure ‘They’ Don’t Want You to Know About” was the title of a bestselling book published in the year 2007. After its publication, our clinic staff began receiving phone calls asking about the “cure.” We read the book and were skeptical. The supposed “cure” was based on the use of a natural hormone, Human Chorionic Gonatropin (HCG), combined with a low calorie diet (500 calories).

The book’s PROMISE was: “Lose 1 pound of body fat a day and cure obesity for life.”

The author touted the Simeon Protocol, stating that it “had been used and tested for over thirty years by over 100,000 people with virtually 100% success.” The author further stated that it was the “greatest medical discovery relating to obesity and weight loss of all time.”

For more than ten years, our clinics have offered medical weight loss and bioidentical hormone therapy to thousands of clients in Texas. Therefore, we were hesitant yet excited at the prospect of offering a new weight loss program that allowed people to lose weight quickly, safely and effectively — and keep it off. After studying the science, we decided to offer the program with some practical modifications by our medical staff. We started a pilot program in 2008 and treated patients with success. In 2009, we began treating100’s of clients. Our experiences are shown herein. The conclusion is that a calories restricted diet with HCG is a very effective weight loss program when conducted properly.

Experiences (after treating more than 1000 clients in 2009):

• Women can lose up to 20 to 30 pounds in 40 days.
• Men can lose up to 30 to 40 pounds in 40 days.
• Men and women can lose up to 100 lbs. and more with multiple rounds.
• Cholesterol Profiles are improved as verified by Lab tests (part of the program).
• Hypertension is frequently eliminated or improved as verified by blood pressure readings.
• Clients with sleep apnea or less severe sleep issues reported they were sleeping well.
• Most clients maintained or even increased their skeletal muscle mass and basal metabolic rate. (See graph. Measurements verified with the In-Body Analysis Machine).
• Clients lose fat not muscle and feel better while they are dieting.
• No loss of skin elasticity. Skin stays firm and often gains a healthy glow.

Importance of Findings: Unlike most calorie restricted diets, HCG preserves lean muscle mass even while on a calorie restricted diet (See Graph) and maintains the basal metabolic rate. Therefore, the result is significant fat loss as well as total weight loss. Clients lose several inches off  their waists (and other areas where fat may be stored – hips, buttocks).

“I have lost 44 pounds, accomplished in two HCG rounds with a 4 week break in between.  My loss after the first round was 27 pounds.  Ordinarily, I would have been thrilled with that amount of weight loss and would have been delighted to stop right there.  But the protocol was so easy to follow and I felt so great on it, that I decided to go for a second round.  After two rounds and a total weight loss of 44 pounds, again I am making the decision to go forward for another round because it is not hard to follow and I feel my health has been so greatly improved by the weight loss and healthy eating.” S.G., Austin

The Weight Loss Cure Claimed “1 lb. per day and virtually 100% successful.”
Our findings were that the majority of clients achieved their weight loss goals. However, there were some exceptions. Unusual stress, unresolved hormonal issues and lack of commitment can prevent success. Further, women can expect to lose ½ lb. to ¾ lb. per day instead of 1 lb. per day. Men can lose up to 1 lb. per day but ¾ lb. per day is a more realistic goal.

The Weight Loss Cure Claimed It Could “Cure obesity for life.” Most of our clients have maintained their weight loss by continuing to eat healthy and exercising. At our clinics, we address any hormonal deficiencies to ensure  long term success.  We do not have enough long term data yet to support the “Cure obesity for life” claim even though our clients have experienced success. It should be noted that some have regained some weight after completing the program. A follow-up program is necessary in most cases.

Hormones – A Significant Factor in Weight Loss. It has been our experience that hormonal deficiencies or imbalances are a significant factor in the inability to lose weight or keep it off.
In women, hormonal issues can range from an underactive thyroid, hysterectomies,
peri-menopausal difficulties, menopause, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), birth control devices or surgeries, and the use of synthetic hormones. In men, it includes low testosterone, low DHEA, and andropause. These factors play an essential role in permanent weight loss.

Note: The Calorie Restricted Diet is a medical program that requires an experienced Medical Doctor to direct and supervise. A 500 calorie diet with HCG can be very successful. However, it can also lead to medical problems if not properly directed.

To ask questions, or to obtain more information, visit www.nbhlifetimehealth.com.

Questions or comments can be sent to our blog sites at www.WeightLossForLiving.com.
For hormones, visit www.TruthAboutHormones.com.

Call 512-266-6713 for a free consultation and learn how you can lose unwanted body fat and gain health.

Note: HCG is not FDA approved for the treatment of weight loss or obesity. It is used in our clinics in conjunction with a calorie restricted diet for the purpose of aiding in the preservation of muscle and basal metabolic rate and its help in reducing hunger.