| 8/12/10 As we all know there is an obesity epidemic in the United States. Perhaps you are one of those of the many millions who are victims of this plague. On this site we will explore many of the potential reasons for this explosion in weight, but in the meantime try to learn how to enjoy being a little bit hungry. Don’t eat everything on your plate especially if you’re at a restaurant. Don’t snack unless you’re really starving. Eat what you want but go light on the breads and potatoes. Use water instead of soft drinks to fill your stomach between meals. If you do these simple things you will begin to lose weight and enjoy being a little bit hungry. Possible villains in the rise of obesity: Hypothyroidism: The percentage of the U.S. population with hypothyroidism has been on the rise for decades. The condition causes a lower metabolism and a greater propensity for weight gain. The thyroid gland produces hormones called Thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These are the primary hormones for regulating metabolism. The thyroid gland must have iodine to manufacture them. Iodine belongs to a group or family of elements called halides. The halides in ascending atomic weight are Fluorine, Chlorine, Bromine, and Iodine. Of the four elements Fluorine is the most chemically reactive. Bromine in the form of potassium bromate is widely used in the bread industry to make the breads more elastic. It is also known to be a carcinogen. In the human body chlorides and bromides can serve the same functions; so, bromine is generally believed to be unnecessary for life. Fluoride is not an essential nutrient. Now to the theory. Some theories propose that fluorine or bromine in their ionic states displace iodine in the thyroid; thus, creating a state of hypothyroidism. This is not a proven set of theories. More to come: High fructose corn syrup: A sedentary life style: Junk and fast foods in general: Aspartame and weight gain: |