Energy and Weight Loss Supplements: Weight Loss Herbs, Part I
Learn more about today’s energy and weight loss supplements topic; can herbal supplements help you lose weight?
Today’s energy and weight loss supplements topic; herbs that facilitate weight loss. For centuries, herbs have been used to facilitate weight loss. However, some herbs are better for weight loss than others. For example, hoodia gordonii is technically a plant and classified as a herb. Hoodia gordonii creates a feeling of fullness which suppresses the body’s appetite.
A weight loss herb can be thermogenic which accelerates some body functions (digestion, heart rate, breathing). Thermogenic herbs usually contain natural caffeine, green tea, dandelion, and nettle. Herbs classified as diuretics create weight loss through the excretion of water. Dandelion, buchu, birchbark, and uva ursi are classified as diuretic herbs. These herbs are great for water retention problems but once this supplement is discontinued you will gain back the weight once the body re-hydrates.
Certain herbs should be avoided because of the serious side effects. These herbs have serious warnings issued for your safety from the FDA. Herbal laxatives are usually sold as senna, buckthorn, aloe, rhubarb root, and diet tea. Why are these herbs worth avoiding? These herbs can cause cramping and diarrhea. Long term use can cause dependence in which the intestines will be unable to move food through without the use of these herbs.
Ephedra is another weight loss herb that should be avoided. Ephedra was banned by the FDA but recently allowed for over the counter sale in smaller doses. However, ephedra (ma huang or herbal phen phen) can cause over stimulation of the central nervous system along with an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Other side effects associated with ephedra include chest pain, stroke, dissociation, anxiety, depression, mood swings, impulsivity, distractibility, psychosis, heart attack, dehydration, seizures, heart attack, heart murmurs, and heart palpitations.
Today’s energy and weight loss supplements topic will be continued . . .
by Kristy Haugen
- Read more energy and weight loss supplements from this article-Herbs Used For Weight Loss.
Energy and weight loss supplements encourages you to learn more about herbs that can be used for weight loss.
