Another thing dieters and those struggling to loose weight look into are diet supplements and products that are sold in stores and on the internet. With over 400 products on the market it is very difficult for a person to decide which is the one that is right for them. So many of them sound promising but do not actually live up to their claims. You have to really do your homework to find a possible supplement that is right for your weight loss and health needs. When looking at supplements here should be the considering factors
- · Safety
- · Side effects
- · Weight Loss Potential
- · Metabolism Enhancement
- · Appetite Suppression
- · Mood Enhancement
- · Long Term Results
- · Ingredient Quality
- · Company Reputation
- · Value
- · Consumer Testimonials
- · Reorder Rates
When looking for herbal, natural or any type of over the counter diet supplement make sure the FDA has done some type of investigation on the ingredients in the product. Find out which products are on the banned list and read the fine print and warnings on the label.
When used with awareness diet products and supplements may help you burn more calories in your weight loss battle. They should also be Ephedra or Ma Huang free. As you know Ephedra or Ma Huang has been linked to negative health side effects including death, so make sure you know what you are taking.
Your first consideration should be safety; how safe is the product for you. Realistic weight loss potential is also key in you picking a supplement for you. What are the products long term results? Does the product suppress your appetite? How does the product affect mood? Some people have reactions to certain ingredients. How does it effect your metabolism? When your metabolism is affected it can effect things resulting in a nervous or anxious feeling, heart palpitations and things of that nature. You want to look at the quality of the ingredients.
Check the company you are purchasing the product from to see if they are reputable or not as well as consumer testimonials too for the product of your interest. Some companies offer good values and reorder deals that may be worth your while to look into also.
Diet pills such as prescription diet pills are designed to be taken under the care of a medical professional. They are for the most part meant for those sufferers of obesity who have a difficult time loosing weight on their own and not for quick fix for all weight loss.
It has been shown thru various clinical trials and studies that pills and other weight loss medication don’t magically melt away one’s fat and fix their weight problems magically. They work for the short term or to quick start a diet and exercise regimen, but are not the total cure. Diet pills and supplements are used as part of a comprehensive weight loss program not as the weight loss program in and of itself.
You have to be careful of over the counter weight loss products. Since they are not regulated, you have to be sure of whats in the product, if it is actually effective in weight loss and how safe it is to use. This includes those products saying natural and herbal, herbs can be potent and can be damaging to one’s health as well if you do not know what you are taking.
Be careful with fat burners, make sure the ingredients are safe. The best way to raise one’s metabolism is to take things that are known to be safe thru documented studies. There are a couple herbal alternatives such as cayenne pepper that have been shown to raise the metabolism which helps increase the burning of calories. Here are some of the safer Herbal supplements that one can consider to use in addition to their diet and exercise regimen.
Cayenne (The red pepper) – Acts as a thermogenic. It speeds up the metabolism and breaks down foods with the saliva. It also makes one sweat out the excess water and toxins in the body
Green tea – Although it has caffeine, it does not have as much as coffee. It contains EGCG a powerful antioxidant. Also considered a thermogenic, it speeds up the metabolism by 4% as well as helping to control glucose levels. It also contains vitamin C and flavinoids
Chromium Picolinate – Has mixed reviews….some say its pros out way its cons. It is a synthetic compound sold in health and vitamin shops. According to the FDA the rumors that is causes cancer is not substantiated. It actually helps reduce blood sugars as well as burn carbs and fats effectively. The dosage that is recommended is not to exceed 10 mg. Per day.
Sea weed – is a natural thyroid stimulant. It contains chromium and iodine which affect weight loss. It can be bought in capsules at health and vitamin shops.
Acai Berry – Has a lot of beneficial health properties. It has many vitamins that can benefit muscle development and fiber.
Apple Cider Vinegar – has been shown to slow the rise of blood sugar after eating. It reduces the amount of insulin needed to process sugar in our bodies after eating which helps aid in weight loss. It has been shown to reduce glucose levels in the blood by 3 and 4 %
Caffeine – As we all know caffeine is a stimulant. It raises the metabolism which is why it is used in weight loss, it also has a diuretic effect. Therefore caffeine intake has to be balanced with rehydration and plenty of water. But it can also be addictive so it has to be used wisely.
Garcinia Cambogia – Is a pumpkin like fruit that grows in South Asia and Central Africa. It has been used to burn carbs because it inhibits and enzyme that turns excess carbs into fat. It also works to help suppress the appetite. There is evidence that it does have adverse effects on the body including liver damage with long term use.
Gymnostema Pentaphyllum/Jiogulan/ Southern Ginseng – gives energy reduces stress and helps maintain normal cholesterol levels
Gymnema Sylvestre: Is grown in Southern India. It has been used for approximately 200 years to treat diabetes. It suppresses the urge to take sugar but only but the supression lasts for only about 15 minutes
Hoodia Gordonii: Grown in South Africa and Namibia definitely suppresses the appetite. But is also shows the side effect of liver damage.
Senna: is used in all types of diet and weight loss supplements and teas. It is a herbal laxative which stimulates colon evacuation. Prolonged use can damage the colon and can affect the process of normal bowel evacuation.
These are just a few of the more popular herbal ingredients that are used in herbal weigh loss aids. Like anything else the results and effects vary according to the person. One should always consult their Dr. to see if these types of products are right for them.
