5 Natural Weight Loss Supplements

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A good deal of media coverage has been given to the epidemic of obesity in America, and it is now estimated that well over half of Americans remain overweight or obese. However, as anyone who had tried to lose weight knows, achieving the ideal weight can seem difficult or impossible. The supplements listed below, though, might help that battle a little easier to fight.

Milk Thistle

Many people do not realize that the liver plays an important role in successful weight loss. Linda Page, a naturopathic doctor and author of several books on natural healing, notes that “The liver is your body’s chemical plant for fat metabolism”. Milk thistle helps with weight loss by removing toxins from liver and support healthy and efficient liver function. This means that fat will be metabolized more readily and those unwanted pounds will be easier to shed. 200 mg daily is the recommended dose.

Green Tea

Green tea is well-known for its anti-oxidant, anti-aging properties and for its ability to boost the immune system and make it easier to fight off illness. However, increasingly it has also been valued for its ability to aid in weight loss. It contains compounds which are thermogenic boosters, stimulating the metabolism and allowing it to more easily burn off fat. The Clinical Guide to Herbs from the American Botanical Council suggests supplementation with 250mg three times a day with meals.

Calcium

This mineral has mostly been marketed for women to help them retain bone strength and health and to prevent the development of osteoporosis, especially after the onset of menopause. However, while the link is not yet entirely clear, researchers have discovered that calcium can also help achieve an optimum body weight. Scientists out of the University of Tennessee found that women who both consumed dairy products and supplementation of 1,000mg of calcium citrate daily experienced an accelerated weight loss.

Fish Oil

Many people take fish oil because it is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids which contribute to cardiac health and can ease the pain and stiffness of arthritis. However, recent researcher is increasingly linking it to more efficient weight loss due to its ability to change the way the body utilizes fat. The fatty acids encourage the body to burn it rather than store it as fuel. When combined with three brisk walks a week, the fish oil was even more effective as a weight loss tool and 1,000-2,000 mg daily is recommended for weight loss.

Reishi Mushrooms

Either cultivated or harvested in the wild, this mushrooms have long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and it is believed that they aid weight loss indirectly by increasing strength and fighting fatigue. Someone who has adequate energy levels and strength will be more likely to carry out a regular exercise program to help reduce weight. It has the added benefit of being able to reduce blood pressure and the optimum dosage is around 600mg daily.

Weight loss is never easy. However, taking advantage of the natural and potent properties of the herbs listed above may make the battle to shed pounds a little bit easier.

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Mayimina
Mayimina has written articles on most health-related topics, including traditional medicine, alternative and naturopathic and natural treatments, wellness, medical marijuana, diets and fitness.