One of the most practical applications of body typing is weight loss. Imbalances
in the glandular system can cause weight gain. Different body types need slightly different types of nutritional programs
in order to maximize weight loss. Some people fit a body type to a tee. Others may have a combination of characteristics
from two or more body types. By studing this information below you should be able to zero in on your body type
and how to best loose weight.
Pituitary Types
Pituitary type people gain weight all over--a rolly polly
baby fat so to speak. The hands and feet take on excess weight as well as the rest of the body. Usually look young for
their age, having small child like body features. Lots of mental energy.
Over weight pituitary type people should avoid all dairy products, fruits and refined carbohydrates,
while increasing the intake of protein. Digestive enzymes are helpful in digestion of excess protein. Pituitary types need
to make sure to eat a big breakfast. Eat moderate in the middle of the day and light at night. If meal replacement
shakes are used, they should be consumed in the evening. Hot foods work well with pituitary types..
Licorice, slippery elm and marshmallow can help with food cravings. Pituitary types
usually need more sodium in the form of unrefined sea salt. Dandelion can increase sodium levels.
Pituitary types need exercises to strengthen their arms and upper bodies.
Thyroid Types
Thyroid types are usually skinny until
about 35 to 40 and then they develop a spare tire around the mid-section. Love handles. Their limbs usually remain
skinny and have long faces and necks.
Thyroids types for weight loss need to eat more protein and less carbohydrates such
as bread pastries and pasta. Many thyroid types have digestive problems and should take digestive enzymes to aid
in digestion. Also avoid caffeine alcohol and stimulants.
Eat warm foods, not hot. Eat a larger breakfast, moderate lunch and light supper.
(This is usually the reverse eating patterns of thyroid types.) Do not eat heavy foods after 6 pm. If using meal repalcement
shakes, they should be consumed in the evening.
Herbs such as red raspberry, bayberry or bugleweed can be used for cravings. Thyroid
types also need licorice, ginseng and schizandra to strengthen adrenal glands, which tend to be weak. Kelp can also
be taken to strengthen the thyroid gland, which is usually exhausted in overweight thyroid types. Thyroid types also
need more calcium in the diet.
Thyroid types need to exercise the over all body with strength training.
Adrenal Types
Adrenal types have weight problems because of
slow metabolisms due to slow thyroids. They easily gain weight in the stomach and upper body, but usually not in the buttocks,
thighs and legs. Beer Bellies - Dunlaps. Usually have more muscle than other body types.
Adrenal types need to reduce their intake of protein especially red meats and eggs.
They need to increase their intake of complex carbohydrates especially whole grains and vegetables. (Adrenal types usually
crave meat and refuse to eat vegetables.) Adrenal types do well on cold foods. If using meal replacement shakes they
should be consumed for breakfast and/or dinner. Lunch should be the largest meal and the evening meal should be the
lightest.
Usually the salt/ potassium balance is off. Salt should be reduced and potassium should
be increased. Potassium is high in green leafy vegetables. Herbal seasonings are high in potassium and can be
used for salt substitutes.
Adrenal types need herbs such as capsicum, garlic, mustard, pepperment, fennel, and catnip, which
can help reduce food cravings.
Adrenal types need exercise that strengthens the upper body. Their thyroid is usually
low. Kelp, dulse and irish moss can help boost the thyroid.
Reproductive Type
Weight tends to settle in the lower parts of the body, hips
thighs and buttocks. The upper part of the body tends to remain small, pear shaped with wide pelis.
Reproductive types need to avoid rich, fatty, creamy or spicy foods. Diet should be simple
bland fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean meats. Naturally sweetened foods are beneficial. Eat dairy in moderation.
If using meal replacements they should be taken at breakfast or dinner. Lunch should be the largest meal.
Dinner should be alight meal. Cool foods are beneficial for reproductive types.
Bitter herbs can help food cravings for reproductive types, such as Oregon grape, dandelon
and burdock. These herbs also help flush the liver, which is often congested in reproductive types.
They usually need more magnesium as well.
Reproductive types usually have weak pituitary and thyroid glands, which can be
helped with alfalfa, blue-green algae and spirulina. Digestive enzymes are also helpful for reproductive types.
Choose exercises that work the lower body.
References: The Endocrine Symphony by Steven Horne p. 59-64
