Most of us are aware of toxins to which we are exposed in our food, water and air; however our own body produces toxins too. If you do not consume enough antioxidants to neutralize the effect of toxins you are likely to have difficulties losing weight.
What are toxins?
The word “toxin” refers to poisonous substance produced within living cells or organisms and to man-made substances created by artificial processes. Quite obviously we suffer from both. What you probably don’t know is that when you are trying to lose weight toxins, namely free radicals, are formed at increased rate.
How toxins slow weight loss…
Free radicals are dangerous by-products of normal bodily functions, such as breathing and eating. If free radicals are not removed from the body, they tend to accumulate and damage body tissue and destroy cells. When it comes to weight loss, toxins can slow down how quickly you convert what you eat into energy. This happens because toxins reduce the activity of many enzymes that convert one sustenance to another, effectively interrupting the flow of energy production. This of course can make it hard to lose weight.
What to do?
When you are doing one of these extreme low-calorie diets (including those that are supposed to detoxify your body) chances are you do not consume a sufficient amounts of protein, antioxidants, B vitamins and other nutrients to deal with increased levels of toxins. In all likelihood free radicals will be liberated into circulation, causing your body harm and slowing your weight loss. You need to make sure that you are eating enough of protein and high-quality carbohydrates to make the most of your diet.
Basically, the recommendation is still the same:
- Eat a good protein-to-carbohydrate balanced diet.
- Practice weight training to maintain muscle mass.
- Manage stress to avoid high cortisol levels
(see Stress and Weight Gain: How Stress Makes You Fat)