What is Leptin and Leptin Resistance and How to Deal With It

Leptin is a hormone that comprises fat cells. It serves as a signaling mechanism, that influences the brain, to regulate the amount of fat, in a person’s body. When there is a lack of fat in the body, it generally implies, that leptin levels are low. When body fat is low, then leptin leads to an increase in appetite, leading to more food consumption, which in turn cause the accumulation of more fat, in the body. When a person is already over-weight, the brain may ignore, the appetite suppressing signals, that leptin provides. When this happens, it is known as Leptin Resistance.

When a person is resistant to Leptin, your brain believes you are deprived of food, but this is not the case in reality, and the body has the urge to consume more food, which is a consequence, of a buildup of appetite. When a person has a good appetite, then it generally encourages them to eat food, that is not necessarily healthy and may contain excess fat, that is ingested into the body.

People that are known to be leptin resistant, can have issues with metabolism. It plays a role in a woman’s menstrual cycles, can cause a lowering of testosterone in men, and often leads to other complications, that can lead to thyroid problems and diabetes.

There are ways to counter leptin resistance, which we will be summarized as follows:

1. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, and those with high anti-oxidant content, provides greater benefits. Fruits are a great source of vitamins, useful to our body. The anti-oxidants defend our cells from damage, by free radicals.
2. Do not skip meals. Doing so, will cause you to eat at odd times and perhaps indulge in over-eating and this would not be helpful.
3. Exercise certainly helps in many ways, to stay healthy and fit and will also help reduce, Leptin Resistance issues. Exercise need not be excessive. Brisk walks and stretching exercises can greatly contribute to better health. Consider attending yoga classes or joining a fitness program.
4. Drink plenty of water. It keeps the body hydrated and will boost metabolism. Water helps get rid of toxins. It regulates body temperature, helps maintain levels of blood pressure and boosts skin health. Water helps form saliva and mucus and joint lubrication.
5. Avoid processed foods and processed carbohydrates. Avoid foods that contain lots of sugar or flour. Focus on consuming healthy carbohydrates, found in fruits and vegetables. You will also benefit from the fibers that these fruits and vegetables provide.
6. Incorporate fish in your diet, specially fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Fish is also rich in protein and is not high in saturated fat.
7. Ensure that you get sufficient amount of quality sleep, as well as enough hours of sleep. Experts recommend about 7 to 8 hours of sleep each day for an adult.
8. Avoid Stress and try to stay calm as much as possible. Attend meditation classes. Meditation helps calm the mind and will help the body to relax. Stress often leads to other health problems. Read books on subjects that interest you or take up a hobby that will alleviate stress.

Nature plays a significant role in our health and well being. The closer our lives are in tune with nature, our body will reflect the quality of our health.