Are Weight Loss Herbs Safe To Use?

weight loss

Herbal weight loss products are very popular and many people have the idea that they are safer than over the counter or prescription diet aids. Some of them are fairly safe, but some can be harmful. You have to bear in mind that many of these products are not regulated by the FDA. Some of them do not come under scrutiny until they have adverse effects in significant numbers, so talk to your doctor when considering using any weight loss herbs.

Some weight loss herbs are simply thermogenic. They may contain caffeine and speed up your heart rate, respiration, and digestion. They may get you up and keep you moving which will aide in weight loss. Herbs like green tea, nettle, and dandelion are very safe. Other herbs like Buchu and uva-ursi act as diuretics ridding your body of excess fluid. This weight is water only and once you stop taking these products your weight will rebound.

Some herbal weight loss products can be very dangerous and should be avoided. Herbal laxatives are usually sold as diet tea and may include senna, buckthorn, aloe, and rhubarb root. These can cause severe abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and when overused cause your bowels to cease functioning without a laxative. Ephedra or ma huang should not be used. The FDA reports a large number of side effects from these products. In high doses, they can raise blood pressure, increase, heart rate, and overstimulate the central nervous systems. Reported side effects include heart palpitations, seizures, stroke, chest pain, and heart attacks. Two deaths have been reported. Ephedra is also the main ingredient in herbal fen-phen and has been shown to be ineffective in weight loss and has the same side effects as ephedra.

A few safer options include cayenne, green tea, and seaweed. If you are not bothered by spicy food, a sprinkle of cayenne on your food stimulates digestion and raises metabolism at a safer level. Green tea is another natural stimulant that acts much like coffee but has the added benefit of vitamin C and antioxidants. It does come in capsule form, but is said to work better when taken as tea. You can regulate the strength by steeping the tea bags longer. Seaweed contains chromium and iodine and is a natural thyroid stimulant. It I usually formulated in kelp capsules. Keep in mind that if you are being treated for or suspect a thyroid condition, you should check with your doctor before using this product. These weight loss herbs may help you with your diet, but you will still need to eat a healthy diet and exercise for best results.

 

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