5 Signs that Acidosis is Sabotaging Weight Loss
Acid-base homeostasis is crucial for healthy endocrine system function. The endocrine glands produce wide-ranging hormones which regulate the body’s metabolism and are highly sensitive to imbalances such as chronic metabolic acidosis (CMA). CMA is characterised by a minor but insidious decrease in blood pH. Balancing the pH of the body has been shown to improve metabolic markers and support weight loss.
Why is it so hard to lose weight?
Despite a rapidly increasing global need and desire to lose weight, most individuals fail in their attempts to do so. While the reasons for this are multifactorial, acidosis is emerging as a major barrier to successful weight loss.
Below are 5 signs to help you determine whether CMA may be impeding your ability to shed excess weight.
1. Elevated cortisol levels.
In the presence of CMA, there is a subsequent increase in the pituitary stimulation of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), the hormone responsible for producing cortisol. In excess, cortisol has been demonstrated to encourage the accumulation of fat cells and promote weight gain.
2. Impaired liver health and function.
CMA is correlated with insulin resistance, hyperglycaemia, and increased inflammation. These factors are known to contribute to hepatic insulin resistance due to impaired fat metabolism, increasing the risk for obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
3. Impaired physical performance and muscle loss.
The primary mechanism of muscle loss in CMA is attributed to elevated cortisol which increases protein breakdown, inhibits protein synthesis and causes the elimination of amino acids via the urine. Reduced musculature is associated with body composition challenges which may result in weight gain.
4. Reduced thyroid function.
CMA has been shown to alter thyroid hormone secretion, generating a mild form of primary hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism has long been associated with reduced thermogenesis, decreased metabolic rate, higher body mass index (BMI) and obesity.
5. Insulin resistance.
The contribution of CMA to insulin resistance is partially due to alterations in cortisol output. Acid-base imbalance is purported to play a significant role in certain cardio-metabolic abnormalities, including type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Supporting healthy pH
Alkaline mineral supplementation improves weight loss. Obesity and abdominal adiposity are risk factors for metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and many other chronic health conditions. Novel research demonstrates that the benefits of weight loss strategies being significantly increased with alkaline mineral supplementation.
Contact us at True Medicine to arrange a personalised assessment by calling 0468 774633.
