We are back for part II of my weight gain/loss series! In my previous blog, I talked all about how hidden bacteria and toxins, stress, low DHEA, and low vasopressin may be causing you to gain weight (and also preventing you from being able to lose it). In part II, I want to really focus on the surprising link between joint pain and weight gain, how low testosterone can prevent you from losing weight, how your emotions can actually be what is causing you to gain weight (even when you are doing everything else right), and one of my favorite botanicals for weight loss. So, let’s dive in!
Hear me out on this one! There is something that most people never consider: toxins love to live in your joints and locomotor system—the tissues that help you move. These areas are often under stress and offer a “safe” environment for pathogens and toxic buildup.
What happens when the body can’t properly detoxify? It tries to dilute toxins in fat tissue. This is one reason people hold on to stubborn fat and deal with aches and pains at the same time.
If you’ve been feeling inflamed and sluggish, this could be why.
Listen up ladies, this is not just a guy problem! Women also need healthy levels of testosterone too, especially for libido, energy levels, lean muscles, the ability to burn fat, and keep the brain fog at bay.
Testosterone is a vital hormone not only for reproductive health but also for overall metabolic function, mental clarity, and physical performance in both men and women. When testosterone levels are low, the body often experiences a cascade of symptoms such as brain fog, poor sleep, difficulty building muscle, a sluggish metabolism, and a noticeable drop in motivation or drive. One of the key consequences of low testosterone is weight gain, especially around the midsection, due to impaired muscle growth and reduced fat-burning capacity. Supporting healthy testosterone levels naturally involves a multifaceted lifestyle approach. Short bursts of exercise, like HIIT or intervals, can stimulate testosterone production while improving insulin sensitivity. Reducing chronic stress through mindfulness, breathwork, or adaptogens like ashwagandha and ginger tea helps prevent cortisol from suppressing testosterone. Deep, restorative sleep—ideally 7 to 8 hours per night—is essential for hormone balance and recovery. Additionally, nutrients like vitamin D (from sunlight or supplementation) and L-carnitine (which aids fat metabolism) are crucial in supporting the body’s natural hormone production and energy levels.
One question that I often get asked is if weight gain can be linked back to our emotions. And the answer is YES! Weight gain isn’t always just about calories or exercise—it can often be deeply emotional. Unresolved emotional trauma, chronic stress, or feelings of unworthiness can disrupt the mind-body connection, leading to patterns of emotional eating, hormonal imbalances, and metabolic sluggishness. The Brain Scan from CBH Energetics is a powerful tool that helps uncover emotional blocks that may be impairing the body’s internal communication pathways. When the nervous system is overwhelmed or disconnected, the body can struggle to regulate hunger, metabolism, and energy storage properly. These emotional imprints can act like static in the system, clouding the body’s ability to receive clear messages, which may ultimately manifest as stubborn weight challenges. Addressing these hidden emotional patterns is often a missing—but critical—piece in identifying the root causes of weight gain and restoring healthy body connectivity and function.
One of my absolute favorite botanicals for people who are struggling to lose weight is berberine. Berberine is such a powerful botanical compound that supports the body on multiple levels, making it a valuable addition to a daily supplement routine. Known for its ability to promote metabolic health, berberine helps regulate blood sugar, support insulin sensitivity, and encourage healthy fat metabolism—key factors in maintaining balanced energy and weight. Beyond its metabolic benefits, berberine also supports the body’s natural detoxification pathways by aiding liver function and promoting a healthy gut microbiome, both essential for clearing toxins and reducing inflammation. When used consistently, berberine can help bring the body back into balance, making it a foundational tool for those looking to optimize digestion, energy, and overall wellness from the inside out.
If you’ve been spinning your wheels—eating clean, trying to exercise, but still feeling off—it’s time to stop blaming your willpower and start digging deeper because there is always a root cause. While your symptoms may tell you that you are struggling with low testosterone or hidden bacteria or infections, it really is best to test to see what those hidden bacterias, infections, and toxins are to then properly treat those and get rid of the root cause issue.
If any of this resonates with you and you are ready to dig deeper and start feeling your best, schedule a free 15-minute discovery call with me and let’s see what’s going on.