Are you trying to lose weight?

Exercise and a balanced, healthy diet are key to losing weight. And there are some vitamins and herbs that can help you too. But with so many vitamins and herbs out there, it can be difficult knowing which ones are the most useful.

1. Chromium Picolinate

Chromium boosts insulin which is a hormone that helps turn food to energy among other things. It’s suggested chromium supplements can:

  • Lower appetite

  • Aid calorie burning

  • Reduce body fat

  • Increase muscle mass

It’s recommended that you do not exceed 35 micrograms per day. A higher dose could lead to:

  • Lack of concentration

  • Insomnia

  • Headaches

  • Irritability

In very rare cases, it has caused kidney damage. If you have problems with your kidneys then you should avoid taking it.

2. Chitosan

This is a type of sugar found in the outer layer of shellfish. It’s said by proponents to block your body from absorbing cholesterol and fats.

But not there isn’t enough research to come to a conclusive answer. Some people swear by it, while others are on the fence.

If you’re taking Chitosan, you shouldn’t see any side effects. On a rare occasion, it can cause constipation and stomach upset though. You should also note if you have a shellfish allergy, you should avoid taking this.

3. Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)

This supplement is a popular one, containing chemicals found in linoleic acid. It’s claimed that it can reduce body fat and help you stay feeling fuller for longer. It can even help build muscle.

But some researches warn against the long-term use of CLA, especially if you’re obese. It can increase insulin resistance and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. It could also lower good cholesterol, which increases the risks of heart issues.

Some people might also experience side effects like:

  • Nausea/stomach upsets

  • Fatigue

  • Diarrhea

4. Glucomannan

Glucomannan comes from the konjac plant. It acts like most other dietary fibers by blocking your body from absorbing fat. Again, it’s one of those supplements some people swear by while others want more evidence.
The tablet form of this supplement has shown an increased risk of blockages in the:

  • Throat

  • Esophagus

  • Intestines

So, it’s regarded as safer to take it as a capsule or powder. Glucomannan can also give your body difficulty absorbing other supplements. You want to take other meds either 1 hour before or 4 hours after using glucomannan.

5. Green Tea Extract

Green tea extract works by reducing appetite and increasing your metabolism. This will help you eat less and burn what calories you do take in faster. But there are some side effects to consider like:

  • Nausea/vomiting

  • Bloating/gas

  • Diarrhea

  • Insomnia

  • Dizziness

 

6. Green Coffee Extract

As above, the green coffee extract has shown some early promise in aiding weight loss. It may also help lower blood pressure and maintain blood sugar levels.

Side effects are rare, but the caffeine it contains might cause:

  • Headaches

  • Stomach upsets

  • Nervousness

  • Insomnia

  • Abnormal heartbeats

7. Garcinia Cambogia

Garcinia Cambogia is a small yellow-green fruit from India. Its peel has an active substance that makes it an effective weight loss supplement.

Garcinia Cambogia supplements, as they are known, contain very high levels of hydroxycitric acid (HCA). HCA is believed to suppress appetite, and cause people to produce less fat from the sugar they eat. As you can imagine, this makes it an excellent weight loss aid.

8. Hoodia

Hoodia is a plant native to Africa which grows in the Kalahari Desert. The stem of its root helped Bushmen reduce hunger and thirst during long journeys. Now, it’s branded as an appetite suppressant.

 

It contains P57, which it’s thought should reduce appetite by making you feel fuller.

9. B Vitamins

B vitamins are a group of essential vitamins which include:

  • Thiamine (B-1)

  • Riboflavin (B-2)

  • Cobalamin (B-12)

  • Pyridoxine (B-6)

All the B vitamins play a key role in maintaining a healthy, functioning metabolism. Their main role is to help metabolize fat, proteins, and carbohydrates. They also help your body use stored energy.

 

B vitamins are in supplement form and daily food sources. Good options include:

  • Beans

  • Lentils

  • Milk

  • Eggs

  • Lean meat

  • Bananas

B-12 is more difficult, as it isn’t found in any plants. So it isn’t easy to make sure you are getting the right amounts. Also, some people have a type of anemia that makes absorbing B-12 difficult. It’s better to boost this with a supplement or in patch form.

10. Vitamin D

We know that vitamin D plays a critical role in maintaining a healthy immune system. But studies have also shown that overweight adults taking supplements lost more stomach fat than those not taking it.

It’s also thought that good vitamin D levels help reduce depression. A positive mind is key for any successful weight loss attempt.

The link is not known yet, and it requires more research but some people are swearing by it. Vitamin D is hard to get in the right amounts from food, but you can get it from:

  • Cod liver oil

  • Sardines

  • Tuna

  • Salmon

  • Egg yolk

  • Fortified milk/yogurt

  • Fortified cereals

It’s recommended that if you spend a lot of time indoors, you should consider a vitamin D supplement.

Vitamins and Herbs for Weight Loss That You Should Know About

So there you have it! These vitamins and herbs for weight loss may be the key to helping you beat that target weight goal.

You might not realize it, but getting the right amount of your natural vitamins can go a long way to helping you lose weight. And including herbs like green tea into your diet will give your body’s natural metabolism a helpful boost.

But you should remember that each body is different and so are its needs. You should consult with your doctor before taking any new supplements.

If you’re looking to boost your weight loss journey, shop today to see how we at Patchmd.com can help.

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