Natural Weight Loss Supplements Treat Obesity

(Article first published as Natural Supplements That Fuel Weight Loss by Switching Obesity Genes on Technorati.)

Our genes are continually in a state of flux and are regulated or switched by our food, physical activity and the environment in which we live. All of these factors play a part in how our metabolism is directed to burn calories as fuel or store them in our fat reserves.

To an extent we may inherit a predisposition to store calories as fat more quickly than others, but research with identical twins provides evidence that our destiny is not set in stone. Identical twins share the same DNA yet often will display very different body weight depending on external influences, stress, and diet. We are able to influence our own weight despite a genetic predisposition which encourages overweight or obesity.

Controlling Your Genes to Achieve Weight Loss

DNA is the building block of life and our genes play a critical key role in determining our health and how we store weight as well. According to information from a study published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, as many as 13 individual genetic alterations have been identified which predispose an individual to obesity from early childhood. These changes don’t actually alter the DNA sequence itself, but act to switch gene patterns on or off depending on external influences.

Environmental and Household Toxins Directly Influence DNA

While food has a significant influence on gene regulation, the environment can also weigh heavily on how our genes are switched toward weight gain or loss. Household chemicals, toxins and even personal hygiene products and cosmetics infiltrate our body through contact with the skin and exert a negative influence on our DNA. Fortunately, in addition to healthy diet there are several powerful nutritional supplements which have been shown to regulate the switching activity of our genes toward natural weight loss.

Supplement with Vitamin C

Everybody knows that a small amount of Vitamin C is required to prevent rickets, but few people understand the essential role this vitamin plays to stabilize blood glucose and metabolism. As blood sugar control begins to deteriorate with increasing body weight and poor diet, our Vitamin C reserves are reduced.

Information published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition demonstrates that individuals with sufficient Vitamin C burn 30% more fat when exercising than those with the lowest levels. Vitamin C is a catalyst which is needed by the body to burn fat and works by influencing our DNA at the genetic level. Many people are deficient in Vitamin C and need to supplement to reach optimal blood levels.

Pour a Cup of Green Tea

Green tea increases metabolism and promotes fat oxidation by influencing the genes which control our sympathetic nervous system. This means that we burn more calories when at rest, an important feat when trying to lose weight. This doesn’t mean that we should eat more to compensate, but it can provide a significant boost to dieters who may have reached a plateau or just need some additional help burning away extra fat.

Nutritional researchers have been able to reach a deeper understanding about how our diet, environment and essential nutrients impact DNA since the advent of genetic mapping over a decade ago. We now understand that our genes are continually being changed and that we have much more control over the deck of genetic cards we’ve been dealt. Natural supplements have been shown to boost fat metabolism and provide necessary support for weight loss management.