Thirty Days To A Slimmer You

Herbal weight loss supplements are very popular. The idea of taking a natural supplement in order to drop pounds is very appealing. However, just because a product is labeled as natural, doesn’t mean it is safe to use. But don’t lose hope: Here are some herbal supplements you can use safely and effectively.

Caffeine: Probably the most popular ingredient in herbal weight-loss supplements, caffeine helps suppress the appetite, burn calories and increase your urine output. It is generally safe but it should be taken in modest amounts to avoid irritability, insomnia and that jittery feeling.

Cascara Sagrada: This is a very strong laxative, so effective that it is best to take it with marshmallow or chamomile. It’s safe to use, but for no more than one week or you’ll risk becoming dependent on it.

Dandelion: This is another laxative and diuretic that not only boosts your metabolism, it also has been shown to remove fatty acid and cholesterol from the blood stream. It’s considered to be the safest herbal diuretic available.

Garcinia cambogia: This appetite suppressant also stimulates the metabolism and helps you to burn fat. Further, it does not seem to have any known side effects, therefore this herb (a small fruit found in India and Asia), is found in many herbal weight loss supplements).

Licorice root: While many of us think of licorice as candy, people who eat one to two sticks a day have reported fewer cravings for sweets. Don’t eat more than that amount, however, as eating too much licorice root can raise your blood pressure and deplete your body’s potassium supply. If you have heart problems, you may go into cardiac arrest.

St. John’s Wort: Well known as an anti-depressant, those who take St. John’s Wort regularly report less overeating because they feel satisfied quicker. It’s generally safe but it should be taken with food so as to avoid an upset stomach.

Senna: Another laxative/diuretic that’s safe to take for brief periods (that is, less than a week).
These are the herbal weight loss supplements that are considered to be the safest. However, as each person is different, it is best to do some research before trying them. You need to consider how each herb will interact with any other food or medications you take and what the appropriate dose is.

When buying herbal supplements, you need to do further research. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has very loose rules for dietary supplements: Manufacturers don’t need FDA approval to market such a supplement (although they do have to meet certain quality standards). While the FDA can remove a supplement from the market if it is found to be unsafe, they do not monitor whether a supplement actually contains the listed amount of the herb nor whether the product really does help with weight loss.

Herbal weight loss supplements can help you safely if you take them consistently and as directed. However, they are intended to support your sensible diet and exercise efforts, not replace them. Try herbal supplements today and wake up thinner tomorrow.