Natural Weight Loss Supplements and Products
By Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN
updated on 11/19/2007 at 03:05PM
Choosing from Among Natural Weight Loss Supplements and Products
There are a number of natural weight loss supplements and products available on the market. But, just because a product is labeled as natural, it isn’t necessarily effective or even safe for you to use. So, how are you supposed to choose from all of the natural weight loss supplements and products that are available? The first step is getting to know a little about each of the different of natural weight loss products that are available.
Ephedrine Based Natural Weight Loss Supplements and Products
There are a number of natural weight loss supplements and products that utilize ephedrine as their main ingredient. Although some people have successfully lost weight using these products, it’s important to note that ephedrine is very similar to methamphetamine – commonly known as speed. In addition, many of these products combine ephedrine with caffeine in order to increase the effect.Ephedrine and caffeine are both appetite suppressors. But, as you may guess, they also have several negative side effects. Including insomnia, nervousness, tremors, high blood pressure, irregular heart rates, strokes, heart attacks, and in extreme cases even death. The more serious side effects of these natural weight loss supplements and products are rare, but they do occur. In addition, it’s easy to become dependent on these products.
Weight Loss Patches
There are several different weight loss patches on the market, but most are made with sea kelp. Sea kelp has iodine in it, which is absorbed by the skin. Once absorbed, it increases thyroid activity and helps increase metabolism. In turn, this breaks down fatty tissues at a faster rate.Critics of the weight loss patch maintain that there is no proof that the iodine is absorbed through the skin. They also say it would not increase thyroid activity unless there was already a deficiency and, in fact, iodine can lead to enlarged thyroid glands. The makers of these products, however, have conducted testing that shows weight loss patches are both effective and safe. Just to be on the safe side, it’s best to consult a doctor before using weight loss patches to ensure your health isn’t at risk.
Natural Weight Loss Supplements and Products Containing Fiber
Natural weight loss supplements and products with fiber can help make you feel fuller. This is accomplished by encouraging the intestines to contract and by adding extra bulk to food. Fiber also helps encourage the emptying of the bowels. The combined emptying and full feeling can help with weight loss. Ingesting concentrated forms of fiber over a long period of time, however, can lead to cramping, diarrhea, and nausea. It can also cause your bowels to become dependent upon the extra fiber in order to have proper, regular movements. Therefore, you should use these natural weight loss supplements and products with care.Natural Weight Loss Supplements and Products with Collagen Hydrolysate and Aloe Vera
Some natural weight loss supplements and products contain a combination of collagen hydrolysate and aloe vera. The idea behind these products is to build muscle with the collagen while creating a laxative effect with the aloe vera. While aloe vera is very good for the skin and has many health advantages, it should not be used as a laxative under any circumstance. Losing weight from diarrhea is not a healthy option. Furthermore, it doesn’t provide long term results.Meal Replacement Dietary Aids
There are also a number of natural weight loss supplements and products that are meant to be used as meal replacements. Often, these replacements involve drinking some form of shake for breakfast and lunch and then having a healthy dinner. These products work primarily by decreasing the number of calories you ingest. Therefore, they can possibly decrease your lean muscle mass and can cause you to feel light-headed. Care must be taken to ensure that you’re consuming the proper amount of nutrients while using these products.Natural Weight Loss Supplements and Products with Herbs and Minerals
Perhaps the healthiest natural weight loss supplements and products are those that contain herbs and minerals, and do not contain ephedrine. Products such as Slimirex™ contain nothing but natural ingredients which don’t have the negative side effects associated with many other natural weight loss supplements and products.The downside to many natural weight loss supplements and products is the fact that they are either designed to increase your heart rate or to cause you to have more frequent bowel movements. Increasing your heart rate has a number of potentially dangerous side effects, including death. Increased bowel movements are generally achieved by causing diarrhea, which will ultimately dehydrate the body. In fact, much of the weight loss case by these products is due to the water lost from the diarrhea, not because of true fat reduction.
It’s best to stick with those natural weight loss supplements and products which provide your metabolism – not your heart – with a little boost while decreasing your appetite and regulating your blood sugar levels. In this way, your body will become as healthier as it sheds weight.
