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When I met Ariella, I saw how much she was struggling and I knew exactly where we needed to look to solve her health mystery. 

Before we review Ariella’s case and introduce you to our guest expert, I know some of you have come here looking for the link to Ignite+!
 
Here is the link: https://completenutritionandwellness.com/shop/ignite.html 

I hear about the struggles of weight management from my Hashimoto’s and hypothyroid clients all the time so I know how frustrating it can be because it is so much more complicated to navigate. That’s why I was excited to connect with Michael Antonelli. He is a leading expert in functional nutrition and wellness, with a wealth of knowledge in the realm of thyroid health. He is also the founder of Healthgevity, a nutraceutical company. He has a passion for uncovering effective strategies for metabolic optimization so I knew he was the perfect person to discuss Ariella’s case with.

The battle against weight gain with Hashimoto's extends beyond thyroid support. Slow metabolism, hormonal imbalances, water retention, fatigue – each a piece of the intricate puzzle. If you find yourself ticking off these challenges, you're not alone. Michael Antonelli sheds light on the complex web of factors, from blood sugar intricacies to the downstream effects on adrenal glands. It's not just about shedding pounds; it's about unraveling the complexities and finding personalized solutions. Understanding these nuances empowers you to reclaim control over your well-being.

Balancing blood sugar is a cornerstone in our journey toward better health. I often encounter people who've heard about blood sugar but might not grasp its significance fully. It's more than just a buzzword; it's a vital component of our well-being.

Michael Antonelli sheds light on the importance of maintaining blood sugar levels within a specific range. Think of it as orchestrating a symphony—timing and balance matter. For those practicing intermittent fasting or relying on small meals throughout the day, the goal is to keep glucose levels steady. This steady supply fuels our bodies optimally, ensuring they perform at their best.

But what causes blood sugar spikes, and why are they problematic? Michael explains that these spikes can result from various factors, such as skipping meals or consuming high-sugar or high-carb foods without adequate protein or fat. The body responds with insulin production to lower the elevated blood sugar. While this might provide a temporary energy boost, it initiates a cascade of metabolic challenges, contributing to weight gain or resistance.

Many people don’t realize that there are different types of fat and that each plays a different role in weight gain and weight loss. 

Brown Fat: This is the active player, a metabolic powerhouse buzzing with mitochondria. Think of it as the body's go-to for sustainable energy. Activating brown fat is so much more than weight loss as it influences everything from clarity of thought to overall vitality.

White Fat: On the flip side, we have white fat—a storage unit designed for emergencies. The challenge with white fat is convincing the body to part ways with this resilient fat. White fat is what we are targeting with weight-loss practices like cold exposure, intermittent fasting, exercise, and calorie restriction. What we’re really doing is trying to awaken the elusive brown fat and restore metabolic equilibrium.

In short, brown fat is the energetic performer, which contrasts sharply with the emergency reserves of white fat. We can reprogram the body's response system through movement and diet so that it releases excess fat stores, paving the way for a harmonious equilibrium. 

Understanding and managing the two types of fat isn’t just about weight loss, it provides a more holistic way to reclaim mental clarity, reduce fatigue, and even improve our mood. 

Insulin resistance is a term that a lot of people use without a clear understanding. What’s important for people with Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism to note is that they can be susceptible to insulin resistance. In this episode, Micheal and I get back to the basics and look at the impact it has on those with hypothyroidism. 

Insulin's Role: Insulin, the blood sugar maestro, orchestrates glucose entry into cells. However, in conditions like clinical hypothyroidism, this harmony falters. Reduced sensitivity to insulin results in elevated blood sugar, paving the way for weight gain and metabolic challenges.

The Hypothyroid Connection: Literature suggests a strong link between hypothyroidism and insulin resistance. Understanding this connection is pivotal. Hypothyroidism hampers insulin's effectiveness, creating a domino effect that extends beyond mere blood sugar regulation.

Metabolic Health: It's not just about insulin; it's a symphony of hormones—leptin, ghrelin, adiponectin—each playing a crucial role in metabolic health. Navigating these intricacies is key to unlocking the secrets of optimal well-being.

When most people think about insulin resistance, they go to the standard advice of "just avoid carbs". It’s not that simple. Michael and I break down this common recommendation, exploring the nuances and offering a more comprehensive perspective on managing insulin resistance. It's time to empower ourselves with knowledge and embrace holistic solutions for lasting well-being.

Leptin and ghrelin are hormones that often hold the key to weight management because they control appetite and satiety. Leptin, produced by fat cells, regulates weight, energy, and even influences insulin sensitivity. Balancing leptin levels is crucial for metabolic and reproductive health (especially for those navigating fertility challenges with hypothyroidism).

Ghrelin, another player in appetite and energy balance, influences growth hormone release, fat storage, and stress response. Lifestyle choices can have a big impact on these hormones. Opt for a high-fiber, low-glycemic diet, balance healthy carbohydrates and fats, and consider small, frequent meals. Exercise is also key as it contributes to hormonal harmony. Supplements play a role and when combined with exercise and healthy eating, they form a powerful approach to help you reach and maintain your health goals.

In the world of nutrients, peptides emerge as potent influencers for critical hormones like leptin and ghrelin. Peptides (small amino acid chains) activate cells, giving them a pivotal role in activating the leptin and ghrelin hormones.

The DNF-10 peptide matrix exhibits impressive effects on ghrelin and leptin. Short-term use modulates ghrelin, while prolonged application improves leptin levels, aiding appetite control and encouraging healthier food choices.

Michael shared that in one study, a daily 500-milligram dose led participants to consume 600 fewer calories daily over eight weeks. He used the analogy of these peptides acting like a Roomba vacuum cleaner, addressing specific needs without unnecessary intervention. They jumpstart positive changes, fostering better food choices, and increased energy levels.

Peptides offer a short-term, high-impact approach, but also move people toward healthier habits and sustained well-being. The aim is not prolonged reliance but to instill confidence in the body's optimal function through improved lifestyle choices.

I know that when most people think about weight loss, they’re focused on that number on the scale. But it’s important to look at the big picture and also consider fat loss. Specifically, targeting stubborn white fat and distinguishing it from essential muscle and water weight. One pivotal player in this process is AMPK, or AMP-activated protein kinase.

AMPK is an enzyme that helps with energy  utilization and metabolic regulation. It aids in glucose regulation, lipid metabolism, and protein synthesis, promoting energy homeostasis. Activating more AMPK becomes a key way to enhance longevity and overall health.

There are herbal and nutrient supports that boost the effectiveness of AMPK. Bitter melon, particularly the trademarked Factor 21, stands out for its ability to regulate fibroblast growth factor 21 and activate AMPK. Additionally, compounds like Actiponin and INU-slim further contribute to appetite regulation, calorie balance, and glucose control.

Another potential addition to the arsenal is L-BAIBA, a metabolite of L-Valine which is typically produced during intense workouts. Acting as an exercise mimicker,  L-BAIBA enhances the positive effects of exercise, facilitating white fat reduction and increasing thermogenesis. Michael explained that synergizing these elements in proper therapeutic doses creates a powerful combination, offering a comprehensive approach to sustainable weight management.

Berberine, once famed for its gastrointestinal (GI) health benefits, has become a standout in blood sugar regulation. However, its efficacy often comes at the cost of GI upset due to the conversion to dihydroberberine in the gut. This led to the exploration of dihydroberberine as a more potent and gut-friendly alternative.

Michael shared how dihydroberine proves superior on multiple fronts. It boasts five times greater absorption and twice the half-life compared to standard berberine. This means longer-lasting effects without the need for higher doses, sparing individuals from potential GI discomfort. He says the ideal dose of dihydroberberine falls between 100 to 300 milligrams, with 200 milligrams emerging as an effective sweet spot.

Choosing dihydroberberine over traditional berberine not only ensures better absorption but also sidesteps common issues associated with GI complications. This makes it worth consideration for those seeking optimal blood sugar support without compromising digestive comfort.

Navigating a sea of supplements can be overwhelming, often leading to compliance challenges. Recognizing this, I’m always looking for solutions that are simple, easy to stick to, and effective for those with Hashimoto’s and/or hypothyroidism. I found that Ignite+ is a comprehensive solution that combines all of the ingredients we talk about in this episode, in precise dosages for optimal metabolic support. Plus, if you know me then you know I’m all about the scientific proof and this product has done the research, addressing body composition, blood glucose levels, insulin resistance, ghrelin, leptin, AMPK activation, and thermogenesis.

Now, I’m personally using it and many of my clients have also gotten good results but you need to consult with your doctor to determine if this is the right option for you. 

If you decide to give it a try, you can enhance your experience by paying attention to your body's signals. Whether you're aiming to reduce cravings, increase energy, or stabilize glucose levels, listen to what your body tells you. Experiment with dosages and consider the timing based on your health goals.

Navigating weight management with thyroid conditions requires a nuanced approach. In our conversation, we touched upon the challenges of fatigue and anxiety, common concerns for those with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's. Whether aiming to shed a few pounds or embark on a larger transformation, Ignite's synergistic blend offers a holistic solution. But remember, it's not just about the weight you lose; it's about supporting your body's metabolic health for sustained well-being. Remember, consult with your healthcare provider before introducing any new regimen.

For Ariella, we needed to take a holistic approach to support her body’s ability to burn fat and lose weight as well as enhance her metabolic markers and overall well-being. I knew that the first place to start was to support her for her thyroid type. To determine that, I ran detailed blood work. She was the unavailable thyroid type which meant that she had enough thyroid hormones but her body wasn’t able to properly use it. 

Next, we looked at her Hashimoto’s triggers and discovered that several had not been addressed. We needed to calm her immune system down to stop the attack on the thyroid. Through her bloodwork, we also discovered she had Epstein Barr Virus (EBV), Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), and some overgrowth of Candida in her gut. 

Recognizing that results would take time, I wanted Ariella to experience immediate benefits. Introducing dietary changes for effective fat burning, I incorporated the Ignite+ supplement, as discussed with Michael. Unlike quick fixes or diet pills, Ignite stands out by balancing various metabolic pathways, fostering genuine weight loss, and curbing cravings.

Within days, Ariella noticed a significant reduction in cravings and enhanced satiety after meals. This positive shift allowed her to adhere easily to the plan. The energy boost from Ignite propelled her workouts, leading to weight loss rather than gain. She lost 10 pounds within a month. We plan to continue with Ignite for 3-4 months alongside ongoing support for her Hashimoto's triggers, aiming to reach her goal weight by shedding the remaining 25 pounds.

For Ariella, we were able to find that missing piece of the health puzzle and help her regain her health. Could this be the missing clue for you or someone in your life? 

Resources mentioned

Thanks to my guest Michael Antonelli. You can connect with him through his website or on Instagram.  

If you like what you heard, please rate and review this podcast. Every piece of feedback not only helps me create better shows, it helps more people find this important information.

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All information, content, and material on this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider.

Some of the links provided are affiliate links. This means we may make a very small amount of money should you choose to buy after clicking on them. This will in no way affect the price of the product but it helps us a tiny bit in covering our expenses. 

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