Category: thermogenic fat burners

CoQ10 for weight loss

MANUFACTURERS/BRAND NAME: Natrol, Carlson Labs, Schiff, Twinlab, Futurebiotics, among others.

WEIGHT LOSS PILL TYPE: Thermogenic agent. Coenzyme Q10 (or ubiquinone) is a fat-soluble compound produced by the body and a potent antioxidant. It is found in cells all over the body.

SOLD AS: Capsules, softgels, chewable wafers, sublingual lozenges, 20 to 100 mg.

BACKGROUND/RESEARCH: Levels of CoQ10 decline with aging, and that fact has led a lot of professionals to think that using Coq10 supplements may help in anti aging. Consequently, much studies have been dedicated to the impact of CoQ10 supplementation on decreasing the chances of heart attack, lowering blood pressure, boosting the immune system, slowing Alzheimer’s disease, and other facets of aging.

Hardly any research has been done on CoQ10 for weight loss, despite the fact that a tremendous amount of research has been done in regard to its advantages in heart disease, periodontal disease, hypertension, and diabetes. A study carried out in the 1980s discovered that individuals who had a family history. of obesity had a 50 percent decreased capacity to burn calories after eating a meal and also had low CoQ10 levels. This led the researchers to advise that supplementing with the enzyme could help with losing weight.

One physician who thinks there is a link between CoQ10 and obesity is Melvyn Werbach, M.D., author of Healing with Food. Another is Julian Whitaker, M.D., author of Dr. Whitaker’s Guide to Natural Healing, who thinks that low levels of CoQ10 may be a considerable aspect in poor thermogenesis in people who are obese.

WHAT IS IT SUPPOSED TO DO: Some specialists suggest supplementation with CoQ10 for overweight people since they accept it speeds up fat metabolism, and a few obese people have low levels of the enzyme. Nevertheless, it is unknown what quantity of overweight people have low levels of coenzyme Q10 or how efficient it could be for losing weight.

HOW TO TAKE IT: Dr. Whitaker recommends taking 20 to 30 mg CoQ10 thrice daily, while Dr. Werbach suggests a similar amount: 50 mg 2 times daily. Always take CO QI0 with food. For optimum absorption and effectiveness, take it with food which has some fat, for example almonds, peanut butter, or vegetables served with extra virgin olive oil. It is also crucial that you consume enough vitamin E when taking CoQ10, since vitamin E energizes the natural output of the enzyme. Take 400 to 800 IU vitamin E daily. Should you be taking blood thinners, speak to your doctor before taking vitamin E.

SIDE EFFECTS: No negative effects have been reported.

PRECAUTIONS: Do not take CoQ10 if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. If you’ve got heart problems, talk to your doctor prior to taking this supplement.

Pyruvate

MANUFACTURERS/BRAND (S): Natrol, Bodyonics, Kaizen, Twinlab, among others.

WEIGHT LOSS PILL TYPE: Thermogenic agent. Pyruvate is an acid that plays an important role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

SOLD AS,: Capsules, tablets, available in 500-, 750-, and 1,000-mg potencies.

BACKGROUND/RESEARCH: Research demonstrates that pyruvate brings down cholesterol in individuals who eat a high-fat diet. It also enhances cardiac function and boosts workout performance largely by improving the transport of glucose into muscle cells. One examiner accounts that pyruvate elevated energy levels by 18 percent and reduced fatigue by 71 percent, two scenarios which help .in weight loss.

In a 6-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of twenty-six overweight adults, those who took 6 g per-day of pyruvate and exercised 3 days per week lost substantially mare body fat than persons who took placebo and also worked out. Over the 6-week period, the individuals lost an average of 4.8 pounds of body fat, however their excess weight did not alter as they gained lean body mass. The study stresses that “the real enemy is body fat and not just weight.” This is a notion that serious weightlifters and athletes more commonly recognize than those who want to lose weight and not simply body fat.

There are statements that pyruvate inhibits fat regain and the yo-yo effect whereby those on a diet lose and get back weight again and again. This claim is dependant on one particular study that was carried out in a highly controlled environment where contributors lost weight when placed on a 310-calorie-a-day starvation diet. This radical decline in calories was followed by a highcalorie diet formulated with 15 g pyruvate and 75 g dihydroxyacetone (a substance made by the body that it then converts into pyruvate). The individuals who obtained the health supplement gained less weight (36 percent less, or 3.96 pounds) and less fat (55 percent, or 1. 76 pounds) than the unattended group. The remarkable conditions of the study and the fact that dihydroxyacetone was added make it hard to see whether pyruvate alone had a role in the amount of weight regained. It also must be observed that most research on pyruvate and weight loss has been done by one research team.

PRODUCT CLAIMS: Pyruvate is the product of a procedure in which pyruvic acid, a volatile substance, is stabilized by conversion into a salt called pyruvate. This conversion process comes about when producers of pyruvate combine the acid with calcium, sodium, potassium, or magnesium. Pyruvate stimulates metabolism and the utilization of fat. Although the reason is not entirely clear, pyruvate also seems to prevent the “plateau” that often occurs after people have been dieting for several weeks. In order to avoid that plateau, it is crucial to boost the normal daily dosage by about four times.

HOW TO TAKE IT: Studies suggest that pyruvate should be taken before you eat or before exercise sessions. In accordance with a University of Kansas study, two 15-minute exercise sessions per day better help individuals shed weight than one 30-minute session. This is simply because there’s an improvement in excess post-exercise oxygen consumption, which results in more calories burned after each short session than after one long session. Even though this research did not particularly point out the use of pyruvate, some specialists are convinced that using this supplement before every exercise session can raise the quantity of calories burned.

SIDE EFFECTS: No side effects have been noted when pyruvate is taken as directed.

PRECAUTIONS: Megadoses (more than ten times the recommended dose) have been shown to cause diarrhea and flatulence.

Weight Loss Products containing Pyruvate

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Kola nut

MANUFACTURERS/BRAND NAME(S): Zand, Herb Pharm, Nature’s Answer.

WEIGHT LOSS PILL TYPE: Thermogenic agent and diuretic. The kola nut is the seed kernel of the African kola tree. It’s also referred to as bissy nut.

SOLD AS: Capsules, extract.

BACKGROUND/RESEARCH: Proof that kola nut supports weight loss is basically anecdotal. One animal study discovered that excess weight decreased in rats that had received 18 weeks of kola-nut supplement. Scientific studies in human beings, nevertheless, are lacking.

PRQDUCT CLAIMS: Kola nut contains caffeine, theobromine, and tannins, which spark the metabolism and urinary excretion.

HOW TO TAKE IT: To use the extract, specialists advocate adding 10 to 15 drops to water and taking it 2 to 3 times a day. Package directions usually suggest taking 1 to 2 capsules daily.

SIDE EFFECTS: Because kola nut contains caffeine, insomnia, tremors, heart palpitations, and nervousness may occur.

PRECAUTIONS: Do not take kola nut if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Before taking kola nut, consult your doctor if you are taking any medications or have high blood pressure, heart or thyroid disease, or a nervous disorder.

Weight Loss Products containing Kola nut

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Guggul

MANUFACTURERS/BRAND (S): Nature Care, Frontier, Enzymatic Therapy, Natrol, among others.

SOLD AS: Capsules, tablets.

WEIGHT LOSS PILL TYPE: Thermogenic agent. Guggul is the purified and standardized resin derived from the mukul tree, which grows in India.

BACKGROUND/RESEARCH: Guggul is an Indian Ayurvedic herb which has been employed for weight-loss for more than 2,000 years. The majority of the research regarding its usefulness to lose fat is anecdotal and steeped in Ayurvedic tradition. During the 1960s, however, a researcher named G. V. Satyavati studied the herb substantially for two years and published her findings to what was then the College of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University. Along with Professor C. Dwarakanath, she performed trials in rabbits and found that guggul considerably reduced the amount of fats, which includes cholesterol, in the bloodstream and decreased body weight. Next studies in obese adults also decreased cholesterol levels. Chemists later recognized two components in guggul that appeared to provide the most benefit, E-guggulsterone and Z-guggulsterone. However, guggul also includes a number of other compounds, including lignans, sterols, and fatty acid alcohols, and several research workers feel each of them works together to produce its various benefits.

WHAT IS IT SUPPOSED TO DO: The guggulsterones in guggul boost the release of thyroid hormone in rats and improve the ability of the gland to absorb iodine. Iodine is important for the production of the thyroid hormone. Stimulation of the thyroid aids the body allowing to burn fat more effectively and thus plays a part in weight loss.

HOW TO TAKE IT: Herbalists suggest looking for· extracts that contain 5 to 10 percent guggulsterones. The suggested dosage of guggulsterones is 25 mg 3 times daily. Do not use guggul for more than 6 months.

SIDE EFFECTS: Guggul is thought to be very safe and secure when used as instructed. Nevertheless, if it does work by revitalizing the thyroid gland and so the metabolic process, this can have dangerous results, especially in people who have coronary disease. Guggul also may result in mild abdominal pain in some people who use it long term.

PRECAUTIONS: Since safety of guggul in those that have severe liver or kidney disease hasn’t been recognized, speak to your physician before using guggul if you have either of such conditions.

Weight Loss Products containing Guggul

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Guarana

MANUFACTURERS/BRAND NAMES(S): Natrol, Nature’s Answers, among others.

WEIGHT LOSS PILL TYPE: Thermogenic agent. Guarana is a creeping shrub that grows in the Amazon. It bears small, bright red fruit that contains a black seed, which is the part of the plant used for medicinal purposes.
SOLD AS: Powder, syrup, capsules, tincture.

BACKGROUND/RESEARCH: Almost all the proof that guarana supports weight reduction is anecdotal. Many South American Indian tribes, particularly the Guaranis, for whom this plant is named, use guarana as a stimulant. It is the major component in a popular Brazilian beverage called Guarana Soda. Scientific studies in animals and in humans have proposed that guarana raises actual physical stamina and memory, and that it has antibacterial features. ‘

WHAT IS IT SUPPOSED TO DO: Guarana seeds consist of a number of ingredients that seem to be accountable for its weight-loss properties. One is tetramethylxanthine (present at a level of up to 5.8 percent), an ingredient that is very similar to caffeine. When ingested, this caffeine like compound is discharged slowly in the body over 4 to 6 hours, so the energy enhancement it gives is not like the striking quick peak caffeine brings about. Substances called saponins appear to be one reason guarana has this long-lasting effect.
Two other stimulating ingredients found in guarana, but in smaller amounts, are theobromine and theophylline. Theobromine is the stimulant found in chocolate, and theophylline is a related compound. It is just slightly stimulating and is used to treat asthma. Together these three compounds stimulate the body’s metabolic process. .

HOW TO TAKE IT: To use the tincture, producers advise adding 1/2 to 1 mL tincture to water 2 to 3 times a day. For capsules (usually 200 mg), the standard dosage is 1 to 2 once a day with water, either before breakfast or before lunch. Guidelines for preparing powders and syrups vary by manufacturer. Avoid taking guarana late in the day, as it may cause insomnia.

SIDE EFFECTS: When used as advocated, no serious side effects have been reported. Since it has caffeinelike qualities, guarana may cause insomnia, trembling, anxiety, urinary frequency, and heart palpitations. Long-term use could cause a decline in fertility and cardiovascular disease.

PRECAUTIONS: In 1998, the FDA conducted a test of fourteen over-the-counter products that claimed to contain guarana. The agency reported that “a number of these products may not contain authentic guarana as an active ingredient or contain less than the declared quantity of guarana.” If you plan to purchase guarana, look for a reliable, well-established manufacturer.  Guarana is not recommended if you are pregnant, as it may harm the fetus, or if you have heart disease.

Weight Loss Products containing Guarana

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DHEA Dehydroepiandrosterone

MANUFACTURERS/BRAND (S): Twinlab, Doctor’s A-Z, Enzymatic Therapy, Ultimate Nutrition, Schiff, Kal, Body Ammo, Natrol, among others.
SOLD AS: As a synthetic or as an animal extract in capsules, sublingual capsules, and tablets, usually 25 mg.

WEIGHT LOSS PILL TYPE: Thermogenic agent. DHEA is a weak androgen, or male hormone, that is present in both sexes. It is produced by the adrenal gland and manufactured from cholesterol, and it is the most abundant hormone in the human bloodstream.

BACKGROUND/RESEARCH: Many studies have been done on the anti-aging outcomes of DHEA, but very little has been carried out in the region of weight reduction, except in rats. There are reviews that it could assist with losing weight, improve sexual energy, reduce memory loss, and treat cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease, even though none of these claims has been shown in humans. Researchers have discovered, on the other hand, that the amount of this hormone is highest in adolescence and young adulthood but declines steadily thereafter. This is the primary reason it has acquired a status as an anti-aging compound.

WHAT IS IT SUPPOSED TO DO: DHEA has the capacity to encourage the burning of fat and to increase muscle mass. It does this in a roundabout way by protecting against the act of an enzyme that is required in the course of fat production. The degree of DHEA in the body peaks at about age twenty then routinely diminishes. This decrease of DHEA has encouraged many specialists to advise that people take a supplement not merely due to its fat-fighting and musclebuilding abilities, but as it also seems to be helping slow the aging process. A number of specialists declare it also guards against cancer and heart disease and enhances the immune system, however these claims have not been proven.

HOW TO TAKE IT: The manufacturers proposed dosage ranges from 5 to 25 mg daily. Some experts recommend having your DHEA levels checked (your doctor can do a blood or saliva test) before you take DHEA supplements.

SIDE EFFECTS: DHEA can cause insomnia; acne; fatigue; irritability; and oily skin; and in women it can also cause facial hair ‘growth and deepening of the voice. Some men report breast enlargement when taking DHEA. Doseshigher than 25 mg can cause heart palpitations in some people. The long-term effects of DHEA supplementation are unknown, but may include cancer as discussed below.

PRECAUTIONS: Because DHEA is an androgen, or male sex hormone, a person with a personal or family history of hormonerelated tumors, such as breast, endometrial, or prostate cancer, should not take it. Supplemental DHEA could stimulate the growth of breast and prostate tumors. In fact, studies show high levels of DHEA in women with breast cancer and endometrial cancer. Generally, healthy people younger than forty should not take DHEA because it can hinder the body’s ability to produce the hormone naturally. If you are taking estrogen, your dosage may need to be- modified if you decide to take DHEA.

Weight Loss Products containing DHEA

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Creatine monohydrate

MANUFACTURERS/BRAND NAME(S): Prolab, ISP Powder, Ultimate Nutrition, Source Naturals, Prolab Nutrition, Twinlab.: among others.

WEIGHT LOSS PILL TYPE: A naturally occurring chemical in the body found mainly in the liver, pancreas, and kidneys. It concentrates primarily in muscle, including the heart.

SOLD AS: Powder, capsules, tablets, wafers, gum.

BACKGROUND/RESEARCH: A lot of controlled studies indicate that taking 20 grams of creatine monohydrate daily for 5 to 6 days can enhance efficiency in inactive or mildly active people when they take part in high-intensity activities for instance sprinting and weight lifting. Nevertheless, creatine doesn’t help endurance and also promotes rather than hinders weight gain.

WHAT IS IT SUPPOSED TO DO: Research proposes that the key advantage of creatine supplementation is that it enhances the intensity, strength, and endurance of athletes by updating the creatine that is used up during exercise by the muscles. Although it also helps burn fat, creatine is used primarily by athletes who want to build lean muscle mass while losing body fat; hence at this time there is no net weight loss.

HOW TO TAKE IT: Specialists report probably the most advantage with regards to strength gains and fat burning comes when taking 5 grams 4 times a day for up to 6 days, then halting. In addition they suggest using creatine with at least 8 ounces of water, and drinking at least 64 ounces of water per day;

SIDE EFFECTS: Creatine frequently disrupts the body’s ability to sweat, so bloating is a typical problem. Regrettably, there are no dependable research on the long-term outcomes of creatine use. Anecdotal reviews have connected creatine use with renal failure, muscle cramps, and muscle strains.

PRECAUTIONS: Use creatine at your own risk and only under the supervision of a doctor: Stop taking the supplement if you experience muscle cramps, muscle spasms, pulls, or strains.

Weight Loss Products containing Creatine

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CLA (conjugated linoleic acid)

MANUFACTURERS: Twinlab, Doctor’s A-Z, Wellness for Women, Natrol, among others.
WEIGHT LOSS PILL TYPE: Thermogenic agent. CLA is an essential fatty acid (an omega-6) that is found naturally in dairy products, beef, poultry, and corn oil.

SOLD AS: Softgel capsules, usually 600 to 1,000 mg.

BACKGROUND/RESEARCH: Scientific research on animals demonstrate that CLA may reduce body fat, but so far handful of human studies happen to be done. Within the animal research, CLA was handed to laboratory animals for 6 weeks. After 6 weeks, the CLA group had 4.3 percent body fat in comparison with the untreated group, which had 10.1 percent. One more animal study studied the quantity of lean mass and discovered that CLA caused a better development of lean mass in animals that received CLA than in those that did not. In one more study, scientists at the University of Georgia think their outcomes reveal that the loss in fat mass brought on by CLA is the consequence of a decrease in the size of the fat cells as opposed to a alternation in the number of fat cells.

With a couple of human studies accomplished, researchers at the University of Wisconsin’s Food Research Institute gave volunteers CLA for 3 months. The individuals lost 20 percent body fat and improved their lean muscle mass.

WHAT IS IT SUPPOSED TO DO: Some scientists believe CLA connects by itself to the cell membrane, adjusts metabolism, and reduces the fat trapped in the cells. Right up until additional research is done, the actual mechanism of action will remain uncertain.

HOW TO TAKE IT: A number of scientists suggest taking 3 to 5g daily to lose weight. Nevertheless, other people think that right until sufficient scientific studies in humans have been accomplished, the correct amount to take continues to be unknown and so the supplement is best avoided.

SIDE EFFECTS: Because very few research has been done in humans, the side effects are not known. However, one unpublished human study reported a few cases of gastrointestinal disturbances.

PRECAUTIONS: CLA is believed to increase production of prostaglandins, which may increase blood circulation. Therefore, consult your physician before taking CLA if you are also taking anticoagulants.

Weight Loss Products containing CLA

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