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Herbal Remedies For Weight Loss

Herbal Remedies For Weight Loss

Obesity is one of the fastest growing epidemics in the world today. The way people live is changing rapidly with urban populations preferring to use more and more processed foods. In the developed world, there is no great difference in the lifestyles of rural and urban communities. It is only in developing countries that lifestyles have remained unchanged for decades. In most developed nations, about 25% percent of the population is overweight. Periodically they go on diets which are as harmful as the food they eat when they are not on diet. Many of these diets are the one size fits all kind. But human constitution rarely works like that and we are all very different. There is more and more interest in herbal remedies that can be used in combination to lose weight and keep it away.

How Does The Herbal Medicine Work?

remedies-for-weight-loss

Most herbal weight loss products work by increasing the output of urine or by increasing bowel movements, so that before the food can all be digested and absorbed, it is thrown out. Increased urination will mean that there is less water retained in the body. Some other herbal remedies stimulate the central nervous system as, for example, caffeine does, speeding up physical and mental activity. Yet others increase the production of feel good chemicals like serotonin in the brain which bring a sense of well being that normally follows a meal. As with other weight loss medications, herbal remedies will not bring about permanent weight loss. They may work as long as you are on the medication. But they cannot be taken endlessly. Many of them have serious side effects and toxicities. These are not standardized drugs and not many studies have been done on them.

Verify The Claims Of Manufacturers

If you decide to go for herbal remedies to lose weight, there are a few points to be aware of.  Manufacturers often claim that their products are all natural whereas they do contain substances that are not in conformity with their claims. The FDA often withdraws approval for these medications when the tests they carry out bring in uncertain results. Before you start on a herbal weight loss program do talk to your regular health care provider about your intention to follow one of them. Many drugs interact with other medications either increasing their potency or reducing it. Your regular health provider will be the best person to advise you on them.

Glucomannan

Most herbal remedies contain similar ingredients. Some of the most common are: Glucomannan which is derived from the konjac plant. This is said to work by blocking the absorption of fat in the digestive system. In the stomach and the intestines, it absorbs water adding bulk. It was earlier used to treat constipation by adding roughage. It is believed to retard the absorption of sugar and cholesterol from the intestines. Glucomannan comes in capsule, powder and tablet forms. All of these have to be had with large amounts of water. They are known to cause blockages in the throat or intestines. Glucomannan may interfere with blood sugar control so close monitoring is necessary.

Guarana

A plant that is indigenous to Brazil yields a seed that is a central nervous system stimulant. Its stimulating effect and its diuretic properties makes it a weight loss product. Guarana also contains caffeine so it is implicated in high blood pressure. It is also known to adversely react to medications like Warfarin, an anti-coagulant. The consequences of such adverse reactions are can be life threatening. The known guarana side effects are dizziness, nausea and anxiety. People who are on guarana long term should not abruptly withdraw the medication as it has unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

Guar Gum In Herbal Medicine

The Indian cluster bean is a vegetable that yields guar gum and guar flour. This is a dietary fiber that is extracted from the vegetable and its seeds. Guar gum is often used to thickening agent in the food and drug industry. It is claimed to be useful in reducing cholesterol, managing diabetes and in weight loss. It speeds up the transit of food through the gut delaying the absorption of fat and sugars. The fibers also artificially create a feeling of fullness making the individuals eat less. The presence of concentrated fiber has been implicated in the blocking of the esophagus. This herbal remedy absorbs a large quantity of water in the stomach and gastrointestinal blockages are also known to occur. This herbal medication needs to be discussed with a regular health care giver.

Yerba mate like caffeine is a strong central nervous system stimulant. It speeds up both mental and physical activity. It is implicated in anxiety, high blood pressure and various cancers. There are a few documented cases of poisoning connected with this herbal weight loss supplement. Those who smoke and drink alcohol are particularly vulnerable to serious side effects when yerba mate is consumed. It is also called Paraguay tea. Dandelion is herbal diuretic. It helps to lose weight by producing more urine. Dandelion leaves are brewed like tea. Its extract is also available in capsule form. Individuals who are allergic to marigolds, chrysanthemums and daisies are likely to be allergic to dandelion too. Before consuming dandelion as a herbal remedy, you must discuss the negative impact this could have on your health.

Cascara As A Weight Loss Medication

Cascara is commonly found weight loss products. It is also used as a laxative. This medication is often misused and then it causes major disturbances in electrolytes. Electrolytes have a major role to play in the functioning of the body.  Cascara should never be taken by pregnant women or lactating mothers. Aloe vera works to control weight by causing large bowel movements hindering the absorption of food fully. It falls in the category called internal cleansers. The use of aloe vera results in temporary loss of weight. Taking aloe vera orally is known to cause abdominal cramps, diarrhea and disturbances in electrolytes and loss of potassium. In high doses, aloe vera can be potentially dangerous.

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