by Andrew Pacholyk

This month we will be keeping tabs on your New Year’s Resolutions, in order to empower you, help you to stay on track and give you some great tips for keeping your promise to yourself.

Empowering Resolutions: Weight Loss and Herbal Supplements

Herbs used in the treatment of weight loss are utilized in many different ways. Dietary supplements and thermogenesis or “fat-burning herbs” are stimulants that reduce appetite and speed metabolism.

Thermogenesis is the process by which the body generates heat or energy, by increasing the metabolic rate above normal. This rise in metabolic rate is referred to as the thermogenic effect, thermogenic response, or specific dynamic action (SDA).

Thermogenesis is activated by a few different mechanisms, including supplements, nutrition, exercise, and exposure to cold. The herbs below are to help in systemic problems, which can slow down the process of weight loss.

Bladder wrack is also a natural source of iodine, it has been found to promote a healthy thyroid and stimulate blood circulation, and is used to treat obesity, goiter, and kidney dysfunction.

Cayenne Pepper aids digestion. It also eases muscle pain, relieves cluster headaches, reduces arthritis pain, lowers cholesterol, fights shingles pain, prevents heart disease, and treats diabetic foot pain.

Corn silk is very beneficial in treating urinary tract infections and helps to pass urinary stones. It is a soothing diuretic for kidney and bladder problems.

Dandelion Root is a mild herb laxative, especially effective in cases of chronic and age-related constipation and water retention.

Holy Basil is a cortisol modulator, supports normal blood sugar and promotes a healthy inflammation response. A gift from the Ayurvedic system of medicine, Holy Basil is the ultimate adaptogen. Holy Basil helps support blood sugar levels already in the normal ranges, supports detoxification, promotes healthy gastric tissue, encourages healthy immune function, and is radioprotective. It contains several biologically active compounds found to support a healthy inflammation response, including eugenol, apigenin, and ursolic acid.

Kelp is a significant source of iodine. Studies show that iodine stimulates the thyroid, boosting the body’s metabolism rate, allowing the body to burn calories more quickly.

Marshmallow Root is a natural herb that is effectively used to assist in stimulating and cleansing the kidneys and bladder.

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Peppermint has a relaxing effect on the digestive system muscles, combats flatulence, and stimulates bile and digestive juice flow.

Spirulina, a type of algae, is a rich source of protein, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. In one double blind study of sixteen overweight individuals, ingestion of 2.8 grams of spirulina three times per day for four weeks resulted in a small, but statistically significant weight loss.

It is my recommendation that any herbal program should be utilized along with proper nutrition and exercise. It is also important to add herbal supplements to your regime when under the supervision of a qualified herbalist, holistic doctor or Chinese medicine practitioner.

Remember, there are no quick fixes or magic bullets for losing weight, only discipline and hard work in order to achieve your goal!

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