Weight Loss Supplement information and the proper way to take advantage of these natural pills in order to reduce appetite and shed pounds
You may be surprised to know that there are certain
supplements that help with weight loss. We are very certain of this. Even though
the medical establishment is quite skeptical, if doctors learned more about
these weight loss supplements and actually used them in their practice, they
would soon find out that these supplements are quite effective. There is no
doubt they work in the short term to help people shed a few pounds. However,
what is not fully clear, is whether these natural pills work in the long run or
whether users build a tolerance and they stop working.
There are two ways to lose weight -- either reduce energy intake, or
increase energy use. If you don't have enough will power to reduce energy intake
by eating less, then Diet-Rx, a natural, medical doctor
formulated appetite suppressing
supplement, will
help you control your appetite.
Weight Loss supplements
The following herbs and nutrients are promoted in the natural health
industry as
weight loss supplements. We have listed some of the claims made on TV,
magazines, or on the internet regarding their benefit but not all these claims are necessarily true. Read about each one in the
link
provided and you will find the latest research with each of these weight loss
supplements. We will mention which
of these are effective, and which have no research to support the claims made
below. There are certain formulas on the market that may be tainted with
prescription weight loss medications. See the review later on this page.
Weight loss herbs and the claims
that you will come across
These are not necessarily accurate claims, but you will find them
mentioned by marketers of weight loss products. Click on the links provided to
find out the actual research studies that support or refute these claims.
Acai is promoted as a
weight loss supplement but, as of October 2007, no human research is available
to validate the claims.
Aloe is added to herbal weight-loss supplement products as a strong cathartic response
(producing bowel movements) and many aloe weight-loss products are marketed as
"internal cleansers."
Apple cider vinegar is promoted as a weight loss supplement but as of October
2007, no human research is
available
Banaba leaf is used in Southeast Asia to lower blood sugar and promote healthy
insulin levels that are related to appetite.
Bitter Orange is the same as citrus aurantium
Bladderwrack is a sea vegetable that is an excellent source of iodine.
Caigua has been popular as a weight loss supplement in South America.
Caffeine speeds up body functions like heart rate, digestion, and respiration.
Cascara sagrada (Rhamnus purshiana, Cascara sagrada, bitter bark, chittem bark) - promoted as a laxative and diuretic.
Cascara is a common ingredient used in herbal weight loss supplement products. One of the
few herbs approved as an over-the-counter drug by the FDA, it is a strong
stimulant laxative.
Cassia senna
Cayenne pepper is a thermogenic weight loss supplement that contains a substance known
as capsaicin. Capsaicin that stimulates saliva, stimulates digestion and
accelerates your metabolism.
Cha de bugre is an herb used in South America.
Caralluma Fimbriata extract is being promoted as a weight loss supplement, or
specifically as a cactus or succulent.
Cinnamon herb
Citrus aurantium is the same as bitter orange.
Coleus forskohlii has Forskolin, a chemical that activates the enzyme adenylate
cyclase.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale, lion's tooth): promoted as a gentle diuretic and laxative.
Dandelion may produce weight loss by decreasing body water. However, it can
cause allergic reactions and heartburn.
Ephedra, also known as ma huang, acts as a fat burner, stimulant, appetite
suppressant. Ephedra can raise blood pressure, increase heart rate, increase
body temperature, cause heart palpitations, chest pain, and stimulates the
central nervous system.
Ephedrine is found in ephedra. Ephedrine can cause high blood pressure,
irregular heartbeat, insomnia, nervousness, tremors, seizures, heart attacks,
strokes and even death. In February 2004, the FDA officially banned the sale of
ephedrine in any dietary supplement in the U.S..
Flax, a bulk laxative.
Fucus vesiculosis is a sea vegetable that is a concentrated source of minerals
including iodine, potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron. As a source of iodine,
it assists in the production of thyroid hormones, which are necessary for
maintaining healthy metabolism in all cells of the body.
Garcinia
cambogia is sometimes used in herbal formulas for losing weight but other
herbs are more effective. It is promoted
as appetite suppressant, fat burner, digestive aid. This herb has
a high concentration of hydroxycitric acid, or HCA, which is believed to promote
weight loss by blocking the conversion of sugars and starches into fats.
Ginger
Ginseng
Glucomannan (Amorphophallus konjac fiber) is a dietary fiber source obtained
from the root of the konjac plant. glucomannan is said to contribute to weight
loss by delaying the absorption of glucose from the intestines.
Green tea helps as a thermogenic
weight loss herb Green tea has
EGCG, a potent antioxidant.
Guarana (Paullina cupana, guarana paste or gum, Brazilian cocoa, Zoom): contains
3% to 5% caffeine and may cause high blood pressure. Guarana grows mainly in Brazil.
Guarana has caffeine
combined with other compounds, namely theobromine and theophylline. Guarana is a
nervous system stimulant that may suppress appetite. The people of Brazil chew
guaraná seeds as a source of energy or drink the powder dissolved in water.
Guar Gum (Cyamopsis tetragonolobus, guar, guar flour, Jaguar gum) is a
dietary fiber obtained from the Indian cluster bean. Guar gum has been commonly
used as a thickening agent for foods and medications. Guar gum decrease appetite
by providing a "feeling of fullness."
Guggul is a resin which is produced by the stem of the commiphora mukul tree.
Guggul extracts are approved in India for lowering elevated serum cholesterol
and triglyceride levels.Guggul contains ketonic steroid compounds known as
guggulsterones. Guggul is recommended by Ayurvedic doctors as a weight control
herb.
Hercampuri has been popular in Peru
Hoodia gordonii is one of
the most popular weight loss supplements on the market.
Hydroxycitric acid is found in garcinia cambogia. Citrimax or Super Citrimax is
a treademark extract that has hydroxycitric acid.
Kelp is also known as Laminaria
Kola nut
Licorice root satisfies cravings for sweets
P57 is an appetite suppressing substance found in hoodia
Pomegranate juice extract has been shown to have potent antioxidant activity
protecting nitric oxide and acting as a detoxifier.
Psyllium laxative. Contains mucilage to build mass in the digestive tract and
push waste day, reduces hunger
by providing a feeling of fullness.
St. John's wort herb seems to increase serotonin levels in the brain and
suppress appetite, reduce depression-related overeating.
Seaweed has iodine and is a natural thyroid stimulant. It is normally found in
kelp capsules or tablets.
Senna acts as laxative and diuretic.
White Kidney Bean. Phaseolus Vulgaris, derived from the white kidney bean,
reduces the absorption of calories from a starch source. Many studies have shown
that white kidney bean interrupts the digestive process that converts starch to
sugar.
White willow bark. This herb carries anti-inflammatory properties and increases
norepinephrine levels, which may stimulate fat metabolism, and lead to weight
loss.
Yerba mate is a strong brain stimulant (the doses typically used mimic that of
100 to 200 mg of caffeine). The main side effects of yerba mate are excessive
stimulation and increased blood pressure.
Weight loss supplements
Caffeine is found in guarana seed or kola nut
Carnitine or L-Carnitine is a common ingredient in many diet pills and
supplements
Chitosan, derived from chitin found in crustacean shells, is a positively
charged polymer thought to prevent fat absorption by binding negatively charged
fat molecules within the intestinal lumen. Chitosan also comes from shrimp,
crab, and other shellfish. Promoters say chitosan binds to the fat and
cholestrol in your food before your body has a chance to absorb it. Chitosan
itself cannot be digested, and the body simply eliminates the chitosan and the
fat mass attached to it.
Choline
CLA or Conjugated linoleic acid refers to a family of trans-fatty acids that
have been found to reduce fat deposition in obese mice, possibly through
increased fat oxidation and decreased triglyceride uptake in adipose tissue.
Phenylalanine is an amino acid that may trigger the release of an
appetite-suppressing hormone in the gut called cholecystokinin
Pyruvate - Six weeks of pyruvate, in a dosage of 6 g per day, was associated
with a weight loss of 1.2 kg (2 lb, 10 oz), compared with placebo. Pyruvate is
formed in the body during digestion of carbohydrates and protein from food.
Found in the form of pyruvic acid, pyruvate can be found in various foods
including red apples, cheese and red wine.
Soy Protein
Tyrosine is an amino acid
Yohimbe or yohimbine is an indirect adrenergic agonist. Anxiety, elevated blood
pressure, queasiness, sleeplessness, tachycardia, tremor, and vomiting are
potential side effects related to this agent.
Weight loss hormones
7-KETO DHEA is promoted as a safe hormone to help with metabolism and fat
burning, but we are cautious regarding the use of hormones for this purpose
since hormones can had adverse effects and cause a lot of health problems.
DHEA is an adrenal hormone
that may help with weight loss but side effects occur quite readily
Weight loss vitamins
Pantothenic acid - Although vitamin B5 has been promoted to cause weight loss,
no human trials have been done.
Categories of weight loss
supplements
1. Appetite suppressants reduce hunger by changing neurotransmitter levels.
Hoodia gordonii is one example. Green tea may also have an appetite suppressing
effect. Certain serotonin precursors could also be of benefit.
2. Stimulants increase metabolism to burn more calories. Ephedra is a typical
example but this herb is no longer available over the counter in weight loss
formulas.
3. Diuretics cause the body to excrete water through excess urine. Dandelion is
such an herb.
4. Cathartics or laxatives cause evacuation of the bowels, reduce calorie
consumption by impeding full digestion. Cascara sagrada, bisacodyl, senna,
magnesium hydroxide, and magnesium citrate fall into this category. Oral aloe
produces a strong cathartic response.
5. Fibers absorb water and make the stomach feel more full. Psyllium and guar
gum are examples of this kind of weight loss herb.
6. Fat absorbers such as chitosan. Chitosan supposedly binds to fat in the
stomach and intestines and excretes it.
7. Starch blockers such as white kidney bean extract that blocks carbohydrate
metabolism.
8. Mood lifters, such as St. John's wort, may reduce food consumption in those
whose propensity to overeat is due to low mood.
Tainted Weight Loss Products
reported by U.S. Food and Drug Administration in March 2009
The FDA reports additional weight loss supplement products (Herbal
Xenicol, Slimbionic, and Xsvelten) and new undeclared active pharmaceutical
ingredients (fenproporex, fluoxetine, furosemide, and cetilistat). The current
list now includes the following 72 products:
2 Day Diet
Fatloss Slimming
Slim 3 in 1 M18 Royal Diet
2 Day Diet Slim Advance
GMP
Slim 3 in 1 Slim Formula
2x Powerful Slimming
Herbal Xenicol
Slim Burn
3 Day Diet
Imelda Fat Reducer
Slim Express 4 in 1
3 Days Fit
Imelda Perfect Slim
Slim Express 360
3x Slimming Power
JM Fat Reducer
Slim Fast*
5x Imelda Perfect Slimming
Lida DaiDaihua
Slim Tech
7 Day Herbal Slim
Meili
Slim Up
7 Days Diet
Meizitang
Slim Waist Formula
7 Diet
Miaozi MeiMaoQianZiJiaoNang
Slim Waistline
7 Diet Day/Night Formula
Miaozi Slim Capsules
Slimbionic
8 Factor Diet
Natural Model
Sliminate
Eight Factor Diet
Perfect Slim
Slimming Formula
21 Double Slim
Perfect Slim 5x
Somotrim
24 Hours Diet
Perfect Slim Up
Starcaps
999 Fitness Essence
Phyto Shape
Super Fat Burner
BioEmagrecim
Powerful Slim
Superslim
Body Creator
ProSlim Plus
Super Slimming
Body Shaping
Reduce Weihgt
Trim 2 Plus
Body Slimming
Royal Slimming Formula
Triple Slim
Cosmo Slim
Sana Plus
Venom Hyperdrive 3.0
Extrim Plus
Slim 3 in 1
Waist Strength Formula
Extrim Plus 24 Hour Reburn
Slim 3 in 1 Extra Slim Formula
Xsvelten
Fasting Diet
Slim 3 in 1 Extra Slim Waist Formula
Zhen de Shou
These weight loss supplements adulterated with prescription medications pose a
risk to public health because they contain undeclared ingredients and, in some
cases, contain prescription drugs in amounts that greatly exceed maximum
recommended dosages. On Dec. 22, 2008, the FDA warned consumers not to purchase
or consume 28 different products marketed for weight loss. On Jan. 8, 2009, the
FDA expanded the list of tainted weight loss supplement products to include 41
additional tainted products. The products listed above, some of which are
marketed as dietary supplements, are promoted and sold on various Web sites and
in some retail stores and beauty salons. Some of the products claim to be
“natural” or to contain only “herbal” ingredients, but actually contain
potentially harmful ingredients not listed on the products' labels or in
promotional advertisements. These products have not been approved by the FDA,
are illegal, and include the following undeclared active pharmaceutical
ingredients:
fenproporex – a controlled substance not approved for marketing in the United
States;
fluoxetine – an antidepressant available by prescription only;
bumetanide – a potent diuretic available by prescription only;
furosemide – a potent diuretic available by prescription only;
rimonabant – a drug not approved for marketing in the United States;
cetilistat – an experimental obesity drug not approved for marketing in the
United States;
phenytoin – an anti-seizure medication available by prescription only; and
phenolphthalein – a solution used in chemical experiments and a suspected
cancer-causing agent that is not approved for marketing in the United States.
The health risks posed by these products can be serious and include high blood
pressure, seizures, tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), palpitations, heart attack,
and stroke. Sibutramine, a controlled substance, was found in many of these
products at levels much higher than the maximum daily dosage for Meridia, the
only FDA-approved drug product containing sibutramine. These higher levels of
sibutramine can increase the incidence and severity of these health risks.
Fenproporex, another controlled substance, can cause arrhythmia and possible
sudden death.
What is your opinion and /or position over Lipozene /
Amorphophallus Konjac weight loss supplements?
We can't comment on product names, but glucomannan is a good
pill that has health benefits.