By Jonathan Evans
Herbal Information specialist, The Herbarium
Happy spring! Now that the possibility of snow and wintery weather is over ( hopefully), we can turn our attention to other subjects. Winter was mild this year, but sitting around, binging and snacking continued as if we had blizzards all season. Many are now getting lighter clothes out and norticing the battle of the bulge is about to resume.
Searching for that “magic’ weight loss formula
There are lots of programs from GOLO and keto to Jenny Craig to help with weight loss, but for whatever reason people are looking for other alternatives.
The late, great Dr. Oz television show helped introduce people to alternative weight loss products and programs. Oz used to have my respect until I found out he had a private interest in many of the supplements he promoted. I won’t even begin to comment on some of the junk on the internet.
When I worked in radio there were many products that claimed they were all-natural, and usually a staff member would try the product and report to the listeners in the form of a commercial. The products usually worked on the idea of thermogenics – meaning ingredients would produce heat and increase the burning of calories. These products contained caffeine, ephedrine and salicylates. The down side was they increased blood pressure and contributed to jitteriness and sleep problems. And when you stopped, the weight came back with a vengence.
Supplements for weight management
At the Herbarium we have passed out hundreds of what I call my “cheat sheet “of supplements and what they do.
First of all, there is no magic bullet. Different products will work for different people, no one size fits all.
Here are some of the products that we have seen be effective and safe for weight control.
Garcinia cambogia – Inhibits conversion of carbohydrates into fat, helps turn off the hunger signal when combined with chromium, which helps regulate blood sugar.
Green coffee bean extract – Contains very small amounts of caffeine and reduces absorption of fat and glucose in the gut and helps reduce insulin levels.
CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) – Helps reduce body fat, especially in the mid section and is exceptionally helpful for men and helps retain lean muscle.
Forskolin ( Coleus forskolii) – This is an Ayurvedic herb with multiple benefits, it increases the perception of satiety and reduces fat.
Hoodia – A South African plant used by the indigenous peoples for centuries when out on long hunts. It increases the satisfied message from the liver to the brain and cuts cravings. You feel full faster. Less calories are consumed but no hunger feeling.
African mango – This is a soluble fiber that slows digestion and absorption of dietary sugars and helps lower LDL and triglycerides.
Green and white tea – These teas decrease leptin levels, suppress adipose tissue development and stimulate metabolism.
Glucomannan/konjac root – Another water soluble fiber that helps to increase a full feeling
White kidney bean – Reduces starch calories, inhibits amylase – an enzyme found chiefly in saliva and pancreatic fluid that converts starch and glycogen into simple sugars – helps sugar and carbohydrates pass through without breaking down.
Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) – No, it is not the cooking herb. It is an Ayurvedic herb that has several qualities suitable to use in a weight loss program. Holy Basil reduces stress and cortisol levels, the hormone most associated with weight gain around the midsection. It also reduces blood sugar levels and cravings for sweets. It is a mood elevator and inhibits COX-2 inflammatory enzymes.
Ones I don’t trust
Two products I have a problem with are Chitosan and raspberry ketones.
First the ketones. This product was touted as all-natural; it is not. It also came from China – not one of the places I count on having safe products.
Chitosan is interesting. It binds to fat, passing it through the digestive tract. Sounds good except for many people with sensitive digestive systems it can produce loose oily stools ( remember Olestra?).
Lastly I have a great deal of concern with reports of people using the Type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic for weight loss. Yes, according to the commercials, you might even lose a few pounds. That makes sense, considering the side effects listed with the medication include nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain and vomiting. No wonder you lose a few pounds, who wouldn’t? Other listed side effects include constipation, vision changes, pancreatitis, kidney and gallbladder problems.
All this for a couple of pounds?
— Jonathan
Send questions on botanical remedies to: Nature’s RX: Jonathan Evans at Herbarium258@gmail.com or by regular mail to: The Herbarium, 254 Exchange St., Chicopee, MA 01013. If requesting info., please include a stamped, self-addressed envelope
