Tropical Weight Loss
Photo: Dmitriy Ganin
Many ingredients of natural origin can elicit some pretty hefty side effects and toxicity when taken in excessive doses or for long periods. Some common fat burners ingredients have been found to be particularly harmful for the liver.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: “Calcium and vitamin D supplementation is associated with decreased abdominal visceral adipose tissue...
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7 Fat-Burning Drinks That Stop Cravings Instantly Green Tea. Black Coffee. Apple Cider Vinegar. Celery Juice. Tea. Unsweetened Iced Tea. Water. Dec...
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According the the manufacturer, patients taking Ozempic® who experience nausea should consider the following tips: Eat slowly, and eat smaller...
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The abdominal pannus is the area of excess skin and fat that hangs over the pubic region. The pannus is often described as an apron of lower...
Read More »Yohimbine Derived from the bark of the African evergreen tree Pausinystalia Yohimbe, yohimbine elicits potent hyperadrenergic effects because it acts as an alpha-2 receptor antagonist. In moderate doses, there have been no side effects of safety issues noted. However, in excess—primarily doses larger than 20mg—yohimbine has been noted to cause agitation, anxiety, hypertension, and tachycardia 3. One study has noted that yohimbine ingestion can exacerbate lipopolysaccharide-induced liver injury in mice 4, but this effect is not conclusive in humans. Caffeine Most of us know caffeine as a potent adenosine receptor antagonist that stimulates the central nervous system to increase alertness and energy. For a lot of us, it's a daily lifeline to keep us functioning. In terms of fat loss, caffeine is effective. It inhibits enzymes that breakdown cAMP to increase accumulation and stimulate HSL-driven lipolysis (fat breakdown). It also inhibits lipogenesis, or the formation of new fat cells, to help prevent storage. In general, caffeine has a pretty good safety profile 2. The CNS stimulatory effects are elicited at around 3mg per kg of body weight, and doses of <400mg daily appear to be well-tolerated with little side effects. Acute clinical toxic effects start around 1000mg, while exceeding this level (> 2000 mg) reaches more severe toxic effects manifesting as nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, seizures, and cerebral edema, and can also lead to electrolyte disorders 2. Caffeine doesn't appear to harm the liver when consumed in moderate amounts. However, one study noted that chronic caffeine administration might intensify acute experimental hepatitis, possibly through its antagonism of adenosine 2A receptors 4. But also keep in mind that if you're sensitive to caffeine, these effects can arise from much lower doses, even those considered safe and tolerable for most people. Green Tea Extract Green tea extract is a common ingredient in many natural fat loss supplements. The active components of green tea that its proposed benefits are attributed to are caffeine and catechins, specifically epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Green tea and its components may reduce body weight by increasing energy expenditure and fat oxidation, reducing lipogenesis, and decreasing fat absorption 5, 6. It may also reduce glucose absorption by inhibiting relevant GIT enzymes involved in digestion 2. There are minimal safety risks associated with moderate consumption. Some reports suggest mild constipation, abdominal discomfort, nausea, and increased blood pressure. But it's not small doses we're concerned with. Because GTE contains more than 50% EGCG, large doses can be toxic to the liver and result in liver damage. Consumption of certain green tea extracts—primarily ethanolic extracts of green tea—has been linked to liver damage in at least 50 case reports since 2006 7, 8. Green Coffee Bean Compared to roasted coffee beans, green coffee beans contain higher levels of chlorogenic acid, which is shown to inhibit fat accumulation, regulate adipogenesis, and modulate glucose metabolism, potentially by reducing glucose absorption in the gut 9. It does this by affecting lipid metabolism through activating AMPK, which results in the suppression of fatty acid synthesis; AMPK regulates cellular metabolism and is a key mediator in converting adipocytes from anabolizing to catabolizing lipids 2. Generally speaking, green coffee bean elicits few side effects in doses up to 200mg daily, but some people may experience headaches and UTIs from chronic consumption. As it does contain caffeine, some people may experience adverse effects if they're sensitive to caffeine. Garcinia Cambogia (Hydroxycitric Acid) Extracts of Garcinia cambogia are a common ingredient in a lot of weight-loss supplements due to the presence of hydroxycitric acid (HCA). HCA inhibits the ATP-citrate lyase enzyme, which results in decreased concentrations of malonyl-CoA 2. Malonyl-CoA serves as both a substrate for lipogenesis and as an inhibitor of the CPT-I enzyme. Both actions diminish fatty acid synthesis and increase fat oxidation. Studies show that garcinia cambogia is relatively safe for consumption, but some adverse side effects have been reported; they are generally mild and include headache, nausea, upper respiratory tract symptoms, and gastrointestinal symptoms. However, several cases of liver toxicity have also been reported in higher doses 10, 11.
Specific food combinations Along with carbs rich in fiber, take in more protein. Your body burns more calories when you eat protein than it burns...
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13 Science-Based Ways to Reduce Hunger and Appetite Eat enough protein. ... Opt for fiber-rich foods. ... Drink plenty of water. ... Choose solids...
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Saxenda is a long-acting glucagon-like-peptide (GLP-1) agonist. It regulates your appetite and can make you feel full faster, and prolong the...
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Tips to ease bloating Stay hydrated. Sipping water before, during, and after meals can help reduce bloating by flushing excess sodium, which can...
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Dosage increases: If your doctor started you on 15-mg dose, they may increase your dose based on your weight loss and how well you tolerate the...
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Overall, rice is a low-calorie food. However, most rice types add extra calories to your diet and may even be high on the glycemic index, making...
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