- Food intolerances are “by far the most common cause of weight gain.”
- Everyday foods like wheat, corn, milk, and eggs are the most common culprits.
- Eliminating potential “problematic” foods could also alleviate disorders like headaches and low mood.
- Losing weight by counting calories is a strategy that “constantly fails millions of people.
Why My Diet Isn’t Working
Be it low-fat, low-carb, or low-glycemic – most of us have tried and failed to lose weight at some point in our lives.
Now, an important doctor suggests that the problem might be much more rooted – and food intolerance could be the cause.
If the body is “bothered” by a food, it can cause sensitivity and weight gain, says Dr. John Mansfield, a pioneer in the field of allergy and nutrition.
Weight Gain and Food Intolerances
In fact, he asserts that food intolerances are “by far the most common cause of weight gain,” rather than too many calories or lack of exercise.
“One of the most successful weight loss secrets is finding out if you’re sensitive to any everyday foods like wheat, corn, eggs, yeast, or milk.”
Discovering Sensitivities and Losing Weight
“Food sensitivities, which vary considerably from person to person, have been the main cause in over 70 percent of the patients I’ve treated over 31 years in clinical practice, specializing in allergy and nutritional medicine.”
He adds that many of us have no idea we’re sensitive to certain foods because we eat them regularly, enduring symptoms like headaches or fatigue without realizing our diet’s impact.
“Obesity and weight-related issues have reached epidemic proportions in the Western world over the last thirty years, with more and more people struggling to reach their ideal weight.”
Counting Calories Isn’t the Weight Loss Solution
Dr. Mansfield also dismisses the theory that calorie counting and low-fat diets lead to weight loss.
Fats in the Diet for Weight Loss
“Low-fat diets don’t work because we need fats to regulate our appetites. If you’re not eating enough fats, your appetite isn’t satisfied, and you’re constantly hungry, thus eating more.
“The repetitive mantra of doctors, dietitians, and governments is to reduce calorie intake and increase physical activity. Yet, this approach hasn’t produced the desired results.
“Despite mounting evidence against it, experts are stuck in the one-way conceptual rut of calorie control, a strategy that consistently fails millions of people.”
Food Allergies and Weight Gain
Instead, Dr. Mansfield advises checking health issues that may affect weight, such as a thyroid problem (an overactive thyroid can lead to weight gain), and identifying food sensitivities that inflame the body and contribute to weight gain.
The theory is that an allergic-type reaction caused by food sensitivities interrupts a feedback mechanism in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. After eating, this receives signals from the gut that body fat stored has increased, making us feel less hungry.
“When this mechanism works well, body weight remains constant despite a fairly wide calorie intake from day to day,” Dr. Mansfield stated.
Find Out if You’re Intolerant to Any Foods
However, the adverse reaction caused by regular consumption of foods you’re sensitive to sets the ‘constant’ weight level permanently at an incorrect, higher level.
“This is why you can’t lose the pounds no matter what you eat.”
Elimination Diet
In order to understand which foods might impact your health, he recommends following an “elimination” diet and gradually reintroducing potential “problematic” foods like milk, eggs, and yeast.
The elimination diet allows you to eat as much as you want of foods identified as “low sensitivity” foods, such as turkey, lamb, various types of fish, lentils, vegetables like green beans and avocado, and fruits like apples.
Through this process of eliminating “weight-gaining foods of high sensitivity,” you quickly reach this within the first seven days.
However, the overall aim of this diet is to introduce a wide range of foods into the diet that don’t negatively impact weight or induce other symptoms like headaches and fatigue.
Slowly Reintroduce Suspect Foods
The process takes an average of up to six weeks to reintroduce foods into the diet, but in reality, you can know the foods you can consume in quantity without affecting weight or how you physically feel.
You should never feel hungry following this diet. If you do, you’re not eating enough of the allowed foods.
Many of us might be sensitive to foods like coffee, wheat, and eggs, which could hinder weight loss.
The Top 20 Suspected Foods Causing Allergy and Weight Gain
- Wheat
- Corn
- Corn flour
- Milk and dairy products
- Eggs
- Yeast (used in many products like bread, vinegar, and alcohol)
- Cane sugar
- Coffee
- Oats
- Barley malt
- Beet sugar
- Tea
- Potatoes
- Soy (frequently used in processed foods)
- Lemons
- Cocoa beans (chocolate)
- Oranges
- Beef
- Pork
- Onions