Exercise Advice

Exercise advice for serious athletes and fitness enthusiasts

Herbs For Weight Loss

Everyone hears the media talk about the ‘obesity epidemic‘ that’s sweeping across the Western world and even starting to encroach on the emerging world. Many people reading this will have faced the ‘battle of the bulge‘ themselves, and will know just how difficult it can be to shed those unhealthy or unwanted pounds. We know what we need to do, but it’s never easy. Recent studies indicate that some components of the complex problem we describe as “obesity” are genetic in origin, while others are behavioral. When trying to lose weight, people often look for help in the form of drugs or surgery, but if that’s not for you, perhaps herbal remedies can help.

It’s important to check with your doctor before taking many herbs; it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about your weight problem and seek her advice before embarking on any serious course of action designed to cause weight loss. It’s important to remember that these herbs probably won’t help you lose weight if you don’t make any other changes to your life. Exercise, proper diet, and stress reduction are the cornerstones of healthy weight loss. Again, your doctor can recommend appropriate courses of those activities. Once you have those activities working in your favor, perhaps some herbs will make the process easier for you.

If your obesity is stress related or depression related, St. John’s Wort might help. If you’re taking any drugs designed to treat psychiatric conditions, however, make absolutely certain your doctor approves of you taking St. John’s Wort, as it can interfere with the function of other SSRI (serotonin re-uptake inhibitors) drugs. If you’re not taking any other drugs, St. John’s Wort might help you control your stress, and in doing so, help you control your weight.

Kelp (or Seaweed) may help stimulate the thyroid and contribute to weight loss by improving your energy level and stimulating your metabolism. The thyroid has a lot to do with your metabolic processes, and it cannot perform its normal function in your body without iodine. Kelp contains iodine, but appears to buffer the absorption such that it normalizes thyroid function. It’s important to note that if your thyroid is working properly, kelp won’t make much difference in your body’s metabolism.

Several studies involving green tea have shown promise for its usefulness in weight loss. Chemicals called “epigallocatechins”, contained in green tea, appear to reduce fat under the skin and inside the abdomen. Other studies have suggested that it may help with controlling the metabolism of glucose and lipids, which would also be beneficial for anyone seeking to lose weight. You can try extracts of green tea, available in most stores that carry food supplements, or through just drinking green tea.

Natural fiber, such as psyllium, add bulk without adding calories. This helps some people feel full and helps control their snacking between meals. It is important to drink a lot of water when taking fiber, to help avoid unwelcome digestive problems such as flatulence and constipation. In addition, fiber is generally recommended for intestinal health by the medical community.

Cayenne and Ginseng are believed by many to stimulate the metabolism and contribute to weight loss. They are referred to as “thermogenic” herbs, a generic term that means they are believed to increase the metabolic rate.

Many doctors are offering ‘integrative medicine‘ in their offices today. This means they collaborate with practitioners of ‘alternative medicine‘ in treatment of patients, and this often includes someone specifically trained to recommend herbs. If you want to try herbal medicinals as an aid to weight loss, it would be valuable to seek out such a doctor. Always remember, however, that every body is unique, and what works for one person may not for another, and vice versa. But no matter how you go about it, weight loss is difficult; if you decide to try herbs for help, good luck and good health!

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