Weight Loss – Buyer Beware

Greetings folks.

Stimulants, including some herbs, can boost a sluggish metabolism by stimulatimng the adrenal hormone production, supressing appetite, increasing heart rate, improving blood flow to muscles and fat – all activities related to a preocess called theromgenesis. Thermogenesis is the process by which the body generates a heat energy that burns fat. The best known therogenic herb is Ephedra or Ma Huang. Studies show that Ephedra stimulates therogenesis. These findings led to many people abusing and over using over the counter weight loss products resulting in deaths and heart attacks. Because of the concern about over use and misuse and the resultant health risks, you may find that most reputable health food stores refuse to sell such products these days. It is my recommendation that you steer clear of them and anyone who prescribes the use of the herb.

Other thermogenic herbs include Cordyceps, Yohimbe and Bitter Orange – all should be treated with as much caution as Ephedra and most good herbalists will advise against it’s use unless professionally prescribed by a qualified herbalist or naturopath.

Here are some tips to help you avaoid potential danger zones in weight loss products:

Avoid Stimulants & Laxatives

These include Senna, Buckthorn, Cascara Sagrada and Aloe Vera. These herbs will help with the occassional short term bout of constipation but they won’t help reshape your body and long term use can cause serious health problems.

Realize That You’re a Guinea Pig

Very few weight loss products, including those found in pharmacies, have undergone rigorous scientific research and most don’t have a long tradition of use for weight loss so you are experiementing on yourself using them. Look out for Guarana containing products and other stimulants as these are to be approached with caution.

Buy Carefully

If you must use weight loss supplements then use professionally prescribed ones and do not self medicate with over the counter drugs or products. Some or most of the pharmaceutical kind have amphetamines in them and the less recognized may contain stimulants.

Basically folks like I have said in previous posts on the topic, you’re just wasting your money. The equation is a simple one and it is here for you to read. There are some great products on the market these days that are safe and effective and well worth your time to investigate so now that you have some insight go get to it!

Have a great day!

Craig Hitchens. B.HSc.