Are you one of the millions of people looking for a way to lose weight? If you are, then you have probably tried to find out how to use herbs for weight loss. There is a draw to this because it comes across as a healthy way to lose weight. After all, it’s herbs, so it should be healthy, right? Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. While there are herbs used for weight loss that can work and are safe, there are many that aren’t.
What are some herbal weight loss products to avoid?
Chromium Picolinate is found in many herbal weight loss products. It can help your body regulate its blood sugar levels, but it can also cause problems to your chromosomes when taken in high dosages. The dosage in the products should be small to avoid this and other issues, like dehydration.
Senna or any other herbal laxative can cause short-term discomfort like cramping and dehydration. They can also cause long-term problems with your colon, muscles that control bowel movements and can become addictive leading to eating disorders like bulimia nervosa.
St. John’s Wort has an effect on the brain that helps some in weight loss, but like many things, can be harmful in large doses. If too much is taken you can have gastrointestinal problems as well as itching. Some experience fatigue after taking too much so make sure that if you do take this that it is in very low quantities.
Ephedra, Ma Huang, Herbal Phen-Phen, or Fen-Fen, are all related products that can cause problems with the central nervous system and some very harmful side effects resulting in respiratory problems or heart problems and stroke. This should be avoided completely.
How can I use herbs for weight loss safely?
The first thing that you should always check with your doctor to make sure that it isn’t harmful to you. There are some herbal weight loss products that work effectively and safely in some people but are dangerous to others. Make sure that there isn’t going to be any issues for you. Also, use them responsibly and in moderation. Do not go overboard trying to make them work. These products are going to work with your body to speed up weight loss, but won’t cause you to lose massive amounts of weight overnight. If you don’t see results as fast as you expected or were promised, don’t increase the amount you take to speed it up.
When you investigate the herbs you wish to use for weight loss, look into not only how it will interact with your body, but how it interacts with other medications you might be using or supplements you are taking. Take the time to look at the big picture or go talk to your doctor or a herbalist to see if there is anything to worry about. Take all the advice you see carefully. When you look into how to use herbs for weight loss, don’t risk your overall health and well-being so that you can shed a few pounds quickly.
