Weight loss Supplements

 

      I have chose to focus on these supplements because of their safety profile if taken correctly and the scientifc data to back them as a good option to assist with weight loss. I recommend first to change eating habits by adding foods rich with these nutrients. I also recommend seeing a health professional to determine which of these supplements are appropriate for you if you chose to try one. Please email me if you would like an  appointment.  

       The scientific data supporting the effect of EGCg the chemical in green tea that is not a stimulant that works for weight loss. Its effect on increasing fat loss is solid, including quantitative results reported by Dr. Abdul Dulloo, one of the eminent researchers in the field. In a carefully controlled study, providing a green tea extract (50 mg caffeine/90 mg EGCg) with breakfast, lunch and dinner, the total number of extra calories burned daily increased by about 80 calories. A later review of several studies showed average daily increases in calorie burning of ~110 calories, resulting in the additional loss of 12.2 grams of fat daily. In addition to the control group in Dulloo’s study being given a placebo, a second group was given 50 milligrams of caffeine with meals and did not show a significant increase in metabolism; only the green tea group did. While 80 calories is not much, it is a step in the right direction and over the long term, can support the fat-loss effect of exercise and diet. In fact, green tea consumption was shown to aid in both weight loss and weight maintenance over the long term.

    EGCg passes through the liver prior to entering the bloodstream. In “natural” concentrations, the liver handles this well. However, much like many common nutrients (e.g., iron, alcohol) and drugs (e.g., acetominophen), toxic concentrations result in molecular and cellular damage; even organ failure and death in extreme cases. EGCg acts as an antioxidant in low concentration (e.g., drinking green tea) but in toxic dosing becomes a pro-oxidant, which can cause cell injury and death.10 In the presence of another toxic chemical (e.g., acetaminophen), EGCg may actually increase the damage, possibly by depleting intracellular stores of the antioxidant glutathione.11 This is a confusing issue, as EGCg has also been proven to protect against certain types of liver damage; dosing needs to be considered in cases.  The liver utilizes the slow and continuous intake of green tea components to improve the health of the individual. However, when a flood of EGCg enters, the processing mechanisms are overwhelmed and the liver responds as though it has been “poisoned.” Liver enzymes can rise dramatically, and cellular death can occur, leading to acute liver failure. One should not feel discouraged against consuming green tea- it is a healthy nutrient that our bodies have adapted to over millennia. However, if considering an EGCg supplement, moderation is key if safety is a concern- and safety should always be a concern. Consuming over 400 milligrams of EGCg overwhelms the elimination pathways and leads to unexpectedly high blood concentrations. If consumed with certain other drugs or supplements that are harmful to the liver, EGCg can increase the amount of harm done synergistically. Green tea extracts should be avoided when taking acetaminophen products (e.g., Tylenol). Further, the informed consumer should weight the risk-to-benefit when considering EGCg-based products with over 200 milligrams of EGCg content. 

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 Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)
Alpha lipoic acid, often referred to as ‘the universal antioxidant,” is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory found naturally inside of the energy producing portion of the cell known as the mitochondria. Alpha lipoic acid enhances our ability to metabolize food into energy. ALA is a unique antioxidant because it is both fat and water soluble. This means it can go to all parts of the cell, including the lipid (fat) portions such as the cell plasma membrane, as well as the interior of the cell (known as the cytoplasm) where water soluble chemicals reside.

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 DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol)
DMAE is a naturally occurring nutritional substance with powerful anti-inflammatory properties; it is found in fish including wild Alaskan salmon, anchovies and sardines. DMAE is important in the production of neurotransmitters, which are essential in the communication from one nerve to another and between nerves and muscles. Taking DMAE as a supplement will not only improve your cognitive function by improving memory and problem-solving ability, it will help increase skin firmness and muscle tone — important for anyone on a weight loss or anti-aging program.

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Glutamine
Glutamine is the body’s most abundant amino acid. It plays an important role in keeping the muscles functioning properly and helps reduce muscle deterioration. Glutamine literally drives muscle-building nitrogen into the muscle cell where it is synthesized for growth. It is also converted into glucose when the body needs more energy. When the body is in a highly inflammatory state, it breaks down our muscle tissue to get the extra glutamine needed, resulting in muscle mass loss.

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 Acetyl L-carnitine
Acetyl L-carnitine acts as an antioxidant, a natural anti-inflammatory that enhances the affects of the other antioxidant systems within the body. These anti-inflammatory properties protect the cell plasma membrane (the cell’s first line of defense) and prevent the conversion of arachidonic acid into pro-inflammatory chemicals. Although exercise will naturally increase our levels of acetyl L-carnitine, if we are obese, over thirty or have other health problems, it will not raise them to therapeutic levels, therefore supplementation is necessary.

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Coenzyme Q - 10
Coenzyme Q-10, also called ubiquinone, is a powerful antioxidant/anti-inflammatory with many benefits for treating and preventing obesity. It acts similarly to acetyl L-carnitine in that it assists in energy production within the mitochondria. CoQ10 enhances the metabolism, giving us greater energy and endurance, a greater ability to lose body fat, preventing the energy decline seen in aging cells. CoQ10 also maximizes the burning of foods for fuel, helping to normalize fats in our blood.

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Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)
Conjugated linoleic acid is a fatty acid found in many of the foods we eat. At one time, beef and lamb were exceptional sources; however when their diet was changed from grass to grain, levels of CLA dramatically decreased in the meat and dairy products. CLA has powerful antioxidant/anti-inflammatory activity. It decreases body fat, especially in the area of the abdomen and helps block the absorption of fat and sugar into fat cells (adipocytes). It also helps the insulin receptors remain intact, thus increasing insulin sensitivity.

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Chromium
Because Chromium is an essential nutrient for normal sugar and fat metabolism, it is critical in our effort to control and reduce excess body fat. Chromium supplementation effectively lowers blood sugar and insulin levels and can also increase levels of the ‘good’ HDL cholesterol. This lowers total cholesterol and triglycerides, thus playing a key role in regulating appetite, reducing sugar cravings, and lowering body fat.

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Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA)
Gamma linolenic acid is an important omega-6 essential fatty acid. The average American diet causes a deficiency of GLA because of the large amounts of trans fatty acids, sugar, red meats and dairy products. The body rapidly converts GLA into dihomo-gamma-linoleic acid, the precursor of prostaglandin E1, a powerful anti-inflammatory hormone-like compound that helps to regulate inflammation, blood pressure, and many other bodily processes.