Gillian McKeith's Food Bible (345 page)

Overactive thyroid. The thyroid controls our metabolic rate. If it is overactive, calories will be burnt up faster than
normal and weight loss is likely. Other symptoms include feeling hot, insomnia, irritability, nervousness, increased bowel movements, and fewer or lighter periods.

Food allergies (see page
178
), intolerances, and celiac disease (see page
231
). These can all affect digestion and absorption and should be investigated.

Serious illness. Any sudden or dramatic weight loss should prompt investigation into potential underlying causes. Diabetes, AIDS, cancer, and trauma can all cause dramatic weight loss.

Medical treatments. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery may all cause weight loss and loss of appetite.

Action plan

Obviously, action taken should be dictated by the underlying causes. These will all need to be addressed in order to achieve a healthy weight.

EAT/DRINK

Alfalfa sprouts—these are incredibly high in bioavailable vitamins and minerals. A good all-round tonic.

Whole grains. Include brown rice, oats, millet, quinoa, rye, and buckwheat. These are a great source of B vitamins needed for proper metabolism. To increase nutrition, stir a teaspoon of olive, hemp, or flax seed oil into the grains after cooking.

Freshly pressed fruit and vegetable juices—these are especially good where absorption is poor or in illness or recuperation. They are great for increasing nutrient levels without putting a strain on the digestive system.

Essential fats. These are found in oily fish, nuts, seeds, avocados, and cold-pressed oils. Eat foods from this list daily. They are needed for energy, metabolism, nutrient absorption, and hormone balance.

AVOID

Caffeine from chocolate, coffee, tea, and colas. Coffee can speed up the metabolic rate and deplete nutrient levels.

HERBS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Take digestive enzymes with meals to aid absorption of nutrients from food. These would particularly be recommended where digestive symptoms are present.

Sprinkle lecithin granules onto food—lecithin aids fat digestion.