Herbal Remedies for Weight Loss

02 Jul

Posted by Dr John Anne as Weight Loss

Weight loss is a decrease in body weight resulting from either voluntary (diet, exercise) or involuntary (illness) circumstances. Most instances of weight loss arise due to the loss of body fat, but in cases of extreme or severe weight loss, protein and other substances in the body can also be depleted. Examples of involuntary weight loss include the weight loss associated with cancer, malabsorption (such as from chronic diarrheal illnesses ), and chronic inflammation (such as with rheumatoid arthritis).

Weight Loss Herbal Remedy

5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). Found in some over-the-counter weight loss products, this extract from a West African plant seed has replaced tryptophan supplements after the FDA banned sale of tryptophan due to its link to a rare and potentially deadly blood disorder. 5-HTP has not been proven to effectively promote weight loss and is under constant scrutiny for safety. In larger doses, 5-HTP may have a negative effect on the liver.

Chitosan (KITE-o-san). This dietary supplement is made from chitin, a starch found in the skeleton of shrimp, crab, and other shellfish. Chitosan cannot be digested; therefore it passes through your intestinal tract unabsorbed without adding any calories. The chemical nature of Chitosan makes it bind with fatty foods, removing some of the fat from your body as it passes through rather than allowing it to be absorbed. Several studies, however, found no more weight loss from Chitosan than from a placebo (sugar pill).

Green Tea – Green tea has a natural stimulant in it that helps to increase your metabolism. Depending upon how you make it, it can be as strong or weak as you desire. You can steep it into a tea, take it via a capsule, or you can purchase it ready-made.

Seaweed – Seaweed is a thyroid stimulant that includes both chromium and iodine. It is available in capsules and tablets.

Cayenne – Cayenne can be sprinkled on your food. It not only spices up your food, but it can also increase your metabolism and help stimulate digestion.

Usually used as a topical product for wound healing.

Oral forms of aloe are added to herbal weight-loss products. Oral aloe produces a strong cathartic response (producing bowel movements). Many aloe weight-loss products are marketed as “internal cleansers.”

Aloe or aloe containing products should not be ingested orally. Use of this agent orally has lead to side effects such as abdominal cramping, diarrhea, electrolyte disturbances, and decreases in potassium. In addition, due to the side effect profile some significant drug interactions can occur with medications such as digoxin (Lanoxin) and diuretics [i.e. furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide.

Yerba Mate: Also known as Paraguay tea, yerba mate is a strong central nervous system stimulant (the doses typically used mimic that of 100 to 200 milligrams of caffeine). The principle side effects reported are excessive stimulation and high blood pressure. Yerba mate has not been proven to enable weight loss. Some case reports of poisoning (leading to hospitalization) with this agent have been reported, and excessive use has been linked to esophageal cancer.