The Effects of Herbal Weight Loss Programs

The Effects of Herbal Weight Loss Programs

There are countless weight loss options available today, so if you have exhausted a number of plans, then it might be time to try something different. Herbal weight loss programs are popular, especially among people who prefer natural products. They are viewed safer than drugs and sometimes offer fast results. Although herbal alternatives are based on natural products, you still need to consult a doctor or nutritionist before going on this diet. They are not intended to be used alone, but some herbal products can be used to aid you in your weight loss progress.

Laxatives 

Some herbs that are used for weight loss can have a laxative effect on the body. However, not all of these herbs are safe for use. If it has not been deemed safe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) then do not use it. Cascara is one herb that many have used over the years and is administered by the FDA for use as a laxative. However, you must consult a medical practitioner before using it in your weight loss plan because, if used in excess, it can lead to health problems. It can also cause problems if mixed with certain types of medications or certain minerals in the body.

Herbal Fat Burners

Some herbal products claim to be natural fat burners or appetite suppressants, but none has been shown to conclusively help you to lose weight. This is why it is advised that you try an herbal option to supplement your weight loss plan, but not as your main weight loss plan. Green tea is one of the most popular herbal options popularly used with many of the juice diets. It is reported to inhibit appetite and increase metabolism. 

Diuretics

There are certain herbal weight loss programs that use plants and different types of herbs that have a diuretic effect. One of these is dandelion, which has been claimed to aid in the loss of water weight. The problem with diuretics is that it cannot be a long term solution to weight loss because water weight returns in a day or two. Since diuretics do not work on body fat, it cannot be used as a long-term weight loss program because the body needs to lose body fat in order to lose weight. Also, they can have an adverse effect if used with certain types of prescription medications so it does require doctor’s permission in order to try this option.

Stimulants

There are also weight loss programs that use herbs that have a stimulant effect on the body. Unfortunately they can lead to a wide variety of problems including heart issues and high blood pressure among other problems. They can also cause problems if used with other medications. One example is ephedrine, which was banned from sale in dietary supplements by the FDA, and yerba mate, or Paraguay tea, that may be linked to cancer of the esophagus.

Think Healthy 

If you are going to embark on a weight loss program, you need to ensure that it is done in a healthy way. Most people think that because herbal products are natural, they must be healthy. This is not the case at all. You can use some herbs to help you in your efforts to lose weight, but they should never be used as the main component of a weight loss program. Before you decide on trying herbal supplements to aid weight loss, you must first consult a doctor. Only a medical professional will be able to know if a particular program will interact with any medications you are taking. Do your research and make sure that you understand the pros and cons before you make any decisions.