Safe and Dangerous Weight Loss Supplements
Weight loss supplements can be dieter’s friend or foe. When used properly, they can greatly aid in your weight loss goals. Not all health supplements available on the market are safe to consume. The reason for this is because weight loss supplements are poorly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.
Thermogenic herbs are used as weight loss supplements because they increase the blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and the overall athletic performance of a person. The most dangerous is probably ephedra. Ephedra has long been used by the Chinese as a cure for respiratory ailments. In the 80’s it was even used as a weight loss supplement. The FDA has banned this drug since 2006 for its’ links to hypertension, heart attacks and strokes. As a weight loss supplement it was effective for only a few months, the weight lost by the user would eventually return, causing rebound weight gain.
Laxative weight loss supplements such as aloe, senna and cascara prevent the proper absorption of nutrients by inducing diarrhea. Once laxative usage passes the first week, the user will find it hard to return to normal bowel patterns. The constant expulsion of nutrients and fluids will result in dehydration, fatigue and irritability. The user will also have a very emaciated appearance. Chronic abuse of laxatives increases the risk for colorectal cancer due to chronic constipation.
Diuretic weight loss supplements such as uva-ursi and buchu aggressively pull water out of the body. Constant dehydration will decrease the blood pressure to the point where it cannot be measured. Water is required to regulate body temperature, if water is depleted, the temperature rises, if the body temperature exceeds 41.7 C, brain damage occurs. Diuretics as weight loss supplements are useless as the weight will quickly return once you stop taking the pills.
Safe weight loss supplements come from herbs and spices usually found in the kitchen.
Cinnamon is a spice often sprinkled on top of desserts like apple pie and cookies. Research has now proven that when a person consumes 1/2 – 2 teaspoons a day cinnamon, their blood sugar and bad blood cholesterol decreases. Insulin, the hormone responsible for controlling blood sugar was also elevated. Cloves have the same effect as cinnamon when it comes to insulin regulation and decreased blood sugar levels.
Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin that boosts your metabolism. Black pepper stops hunger pangs from occurring by naturally relaxing the stomach. It also increases the metabolism of fat, and increases overall body metabolism.
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