Herbal Weight LossThere are 5 categories for herbal weight loss. We also have included information on safe herbs and specific ones used as weight loss supplements.
Thermogenic HerbsThese herbs speed up the body's functions, which translates to a faster metabolism. This means your body burns more calories at rest than it did before the herbal diet supplement.The formulas contain substances like caffeine that specifically impact the cardiovascular system. Their effects may get you up off the couch and keep you moving. Many homeopathic practioners claim green tea, nettle, and dandelion are safe as, or safer, than prescription and over the counter weight loss drugs. Although, no significant findings have ever been reported. Diuretic HerbsDiuretics (water reducers) cause water loss. This will drop your weight in the short term, but weight returns quickly.Even though some can be very beneficial, others can be potentially dangerous and even toxic. Buchu and uva-ursi are two examples of these herbal diet supplements. Herbal LaxativesHerbal laxatives, or any laxatives for that matter, are not recommended. Laxatives used as a weight loss supplement are dangerous and should be avoided.Why are they dangerous? Abuse of laxatives can cause a dangerous loss of salts and minerals. Things like heart palpitations and kidney disease can result if you use laxatives to lose weight. Herbal Appetite SuppressionHoodia is an appetite suppressor that lessens your appetite. It is effective for suppressing the appetite, boosting the metabolism, burning fat and enhancing energy levels.Hoodia is a relatively new weight loss supplement. Although the initial results have been excellent, it needs to be rigorously studied before any claims can be substantiated. All indications so far are that it works well, and is safe. If you are thinking of trying Hoodia, it is important to know that many companies have been selling counterfeit Hoodia products that do not contain enough or any Hoodia Gordonii to be effective. As a result, not all Hoodia pills are effective. (At the end of this page we have a link to a reliable source for this weight loss supplement). Dangerous HerbsThe FDA (Food and Drug Commission) has linked the following herbs to serious side effects and even death. Simply, avoid these herbal diet supplements.Herbal Laxatives - Usually sold as a diet tea, cascara, senna, buckthorn, aloe and rhubarb root. These herbs can cause cramping, diarrhea, and if overused, could cause your bowels to no longer function without laxative stimulation. Ephedra - Also known as ma huang, in high doses can raise blood pressure, increase heart rate, and over stimulate the central nervous system. The FDA reports more than 800 reports of side effects linked with the use of ephedra, including heart palpitations, seizures, stroke, chest pain, and heart attack. This herb has caused at least two deaths. Herbal fen-phen - Ephedra is the main ingredient in the version of the dangerous diet drug known as fen fen. Herbal fen-phen has not been shown to even work in clinical trials, but we know its misuse is associated with sever side effects, from heartbeat irregularities to death from heart attack and stroke. What is Safe?Cayenne - If you aren't plagued by spicy food, try sprinkling a dash of cayenne on your food. It contains an ingredient called capsaicin that stimulates saliva, stimulates digestion and accelerates your metabolism at a safer level.Green Tea - This tea is a natural stimulant that behaves much like coffee but with the added benefit of vitamin C and flavoniods (compounds that are antioxidants). You can regulate the strength of this herbal diet supplement by steeping the tea quickly or for a long time. It can be purchased in a tea bag, or loose. It also is available in capsules, but is said to be better assimilated as a liquid. Seaweed - A good source of trace minerals such as chromium and iodine, seaweed is a natural thyroid stimulant. It is usually contained in kelp capsules or tablets. Specific Herbal Weight Loss Supplements
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