A warning about HCG hormone for weight loss

By Jonathan Evans Herbal Information Specialist /Business Representative for the Herbarium Special to PRIME It's that time again. Back to school, back to the regular schedule, and back to sharing germs with everyone in the classroom and office. The advent of the swine flu this past year seemed to heighten people's awareness about the importance of maintaining a strong immune system. There are some very simple ways to keep yourself healthy and strong. Make sure to add vitamin D to your daily diet. As I have written in the past, vitamin D does a lot more than help you build strong bones. Herbs such as Astragalus, Echinacea, Olive leaf, and Oregano have great antiviral and anti-bacterial properties along with immune system enhancement. Let us not forget vitamin C, of which I have written extensively in the past. Another direction to take is mushrooms, specifically Reishi, Maitake, Shitake,and Cordyceps. These are some of the most potent medicinal mushrooms available. And remember the importance of probiotics to boost the good bacteria in your gut. Some combinations that can really be of benefit include Buried Treasure's Prevention ACF , which contains a great mix of vitamins, herbs and mushrooms. They also have a children's ACF formula that is very effective. Herb-Pharm's Immune Defense Tonic, along with Herbarium's Mushroom Master, and Immuno-Well Rx can really give your immune system the edge it needs. A week doesn't go by without at least three or four calls and questions about HCG or Human Chorionic Gonadatropin. Since I have been asked my opinion on this weight loss program, I will share it with you.

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Everyone who has called me has a friend who has tried it and, yes, they have lost weight, but at what risk? Have they considered the long-term effects? The possibility of tumor growth?

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Please, please do not do it! This is a hormone, mostly used to cause the dropping of testicles in little boys or women with ovulation problems. It is given by doctors by prescription for very specific conditions and situations. Do not believe the hype on the websites that are selling the stuff. I saw sites claiming this to be perfectly safe, no side effects, no worry of overdosing and you will lose weight rapidly along with a 500 calorie diet. Everyone who has called me has a friend who has tried it and, yes, they have lost weight, but at what risk? Have they considered the long-term effects? The possibility of tumor growth? If you check some of the other websites, you will find that one of the people behind this program has been found to be a fraud, and a thief. These people are unscrupulous liars and worse. If you won't take my word for it, check out WebMD.com. This is not approved or suggested for weight loss. It can be dangerous. Please think this through. If you want to lose weight safely, try this: hire some unemployed person to smack you upside the head every time you reach for a snack or eat too much. Believe me, you will lose weight, your reaction time will improve and you will be addressing the unemployment problem in the country. My idea may be a bit different but it is a whole lot safer than fooling around with non- prescription hormones, if it really even is HCG these shysters are selling. -Jonathan Please send your questions on botanical remedies to Natures Rx : Jonathan Evans via e-mail at info@theherbarium.com, or by regular mail at The Herbarium, 264 Exchange Street, Chicopee, MA 01013. If you are requesting additional information from Jonathan, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope.