Our February special… will surely make you and a friend feel special. Bring in a new patient on your next visit, and get both adjustments combined for only $80! If you have a friend or loved one who has been thinking about trying chiropractic, there has never been a better time.
Building on the fundamentals of diet that were introduced last month... I would now like to provide a summary of some supplements that aid weight loss. Some of the ways they can help include speeding up the metabolism, decreasing appetite, blocking absorption of food in general, or increasing fat burning. It is tempting to use dietary aids when trying to reach a weight loss goal. The ones with two stars** are worth trying in my opinion.
Garcinia cambogia extract: Studies claim it helps decrease cravings by helping the body increase serotonin production while also decreasing fat producing enzymes, helping people lose two pounds in several weeks. This extract comes from a small green fruit with skin that contains the main active ingredient, hydroxycitric acid (HCA). In the same category are brindle berries, which have HCA derived from salt found in the rind of a dried fruit. It is a traditional Indian folk remedy. This ingredient is often found in combination with other diet aids and usually includes caffeine, but there is no research on the effectiveness of these combinations. Possible side effects are mild digestive problems, anxiety, tremors, nausea, jitters, irritability, or diarrhea - which are similar to the side effects of caffeine.
Caffeine**: Studies show modest help with weight loss by increasing fat burning by 29%, and boosting metabolism by 3-11%. Caffeine is addictive and can reduce sleep quality. In addition to coffee, caffeine is also found in black or green tea, and all three contain anti-oxidants (think anti-rust). The side effects of too much caffeine are similar to HCA. Withdrawal from caffeine can cause headaches, irritability, muscle stiffness, cramping, and concentration problems which can last a couple of days but is fairly harmless.
Raspberry ketones: No research has been done on humans, only rats. These ketones break down fat in fat cells and increase levels of a hormone called adiponectin which is related to weight loss. It may cause burps that smell like raspberries.
Green coffee bean extract: Several human studies claim it helped subjects who were given the extract lose approximately five more pounds than the placebo group. This caffeinated chlorogenic agent is high in anti-oxidants. It may lower blood sugar levels and could also help decrease blood pressure. The side effects are the same as HCA and caffeine, and some people are allergic. The research was funded by the industry.
Glucomannan**: A root found in the elephant yam (aka konjac), it absorbs water and becomes gel-like as it sits in the gut, promoting a feeling of fullness. Three human studies say it helped subjects lose eight to ten more pounds (in five weeks) than the placebo group. It has ‘friendly’ bacteria and fiber. It can lower blood sugar, decrease constipation, lower cholesterol and lower triglycerides. Possible side effects are bloating, flatulence, soft stools and interference with some medicines if taken at the same time. It must be taken thirty minutes before a meal with a full glass of water.
Mango seed: A fiber from the African mango tree. It is both a weight loss aid and a natural antibiotic (see Meratrim, below).
Ashwagandha: This supplement helps the thyroid and adrenal glands. It is an adaptogen, which means it helps the body adapt to stress, restores energy, protects the nervous system, and helps depression. An Indian Ayurverdic, it is a tonic similar to ginseng. Other names are winter cherry or poison gooseberry. It is a nightshade in the Solanaceae family and is related to peppers, potatoes, and tomatoes. It can be used externally for wounds, back pain, boils, and tumors. When taken orally, it helps brain function and alertness and is used to reduce levels of fat and sugar in the blood (but can make it too low if used with certain medicines). It does not mix well with prescription drugs, and interacts with benzodiazepines like Valium, Ativan, Xanax, increasing their sedative effect. It also interacts with immune suppressant medications, so there could be an adverse effect for those with auto immune conditions. It can affect hormone levels and is not good for children or pregnant women. A possible side effect is irritation of the stomach lining.
Camu camu berry: This vitamin C packed super food has been called “the world’s most potent vitamin C fruit”. It helps the immune system, the liver, the eyes, heart, and gums, decreases inflammation, and has a mood balancing effect. Containing potassium, calcium, protein, beta carotene, amino acids, and phytochemicals, it aids weight loss and slows aging.
Orlistat (Alli) (also called Xenical): An over-the-counter drug, it inhibits absorption of fat. Studies showed a six pound increase in weight loss when compared to the placebo. It can decrease blood pressure slightly, and decrease the risk of developing diabetes Type II by 37%. The digestive side effects are oily loose stools and flatulence. It can lead to deficiencies in vitamins A, D, E, and K. A low-fat diet is required to minimize these effects.
Meratrim: A product that uses two plant extracts, Sphaeranthur indicus and Garcinia Mangostana, that help block fat from being stored and also helps fat cells burn stored fat. One study involving one hundred obese people compared the effects of 400 mg. of Meratrim twice a day to a placebo group. Both groups
were on a two thousand calorie daily diet that included three miles of walking each day. The Meratrim group lost eleven pounds on average, while the placebo group lost on average, a little over three pounds. The Meratrim group also claims they lost abdominal fat.
Contrave: A prescription weight-loss medicine currently being advertised on TV, it must be used along with diet and exercise. It claims to reduce cravings by affecting the brain. It is not known if it is safe when taken with other medicines. The side effects are enough to scare me off; it may cause seizures, severe allergic reactions, liver damage or hepatitis, manic episodes, visual problems, eye pain, swelling or redness in or around the eye, increased risk of low blood sugar, opioid overdose, suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, irritability, aggression, anger or violence, nausea, constipation, headache, vomiting, dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth, or diarrhea.
Sermorelin: This anti-aging and weight loss product stimulates the production of more human growth hormone (HGH). HGH is a controlled substance that must be administered by a doctor, using injections that can be uncomfortable at best and dangerous at worst. Sermorelin acetate is not HGH; it is a growth hormone that releases the hormone GhRh and it is legal. It claims to stimulate the pituitary gland to produce more HGH. Proponents believe the endocrine system won’t allow overproduction, so overdose isn’t possible. Risk of side effects were said to be minimal. Hormones are powerful molecules in very tiny amounts, and I have seen the endocrine system behave in ways that give me great caution on this idea.
Have a heart and help others… come to our fundraiser Saturday, February 24th, 9am to 1pm. Receive a chiropractic adjustment in exchange for the donation of your choice. All proceeds benefit Choices Pregnancy Center.
Building on the fundamentals of diet that were introduced last month... I would now like to provide a summary of some supplements that aid weight loss. Some of the ways they can help include speeding up the metabolism, decreasing appetite, blocking absorption of food in general, or increasing fat burning. It is tempting to use dietary aids when trying to reach a weight loss goal. The ones with two stars** are worth trying in my opinion.
Garcinia cambogia extract: Studies claim it helps decrease cravings by helping the body increase serotonin production while also decreasing fat producing enzymes, helping people lose two pounds in several weeks. This extract comes from a small green fruit with skin that contains the main active ingredient, hydroxycitric acid (HCA). In the same category are brindle berries, which have HCA derived from salt found in the rind of a dried fruit. It is a traditional Indian folk remedy. This ingredient is often found in combination with other diet aids and usually includes caffeine, but there is no research on the effectiveness of these combinations. Possible side effects are mild digestive problems, anxiety, tremors, nausea, jitters, irritability, or diarrhea - which are similar to the side effects of caffeine.
Caffeine**: Studies show modest help with weight loss by increasing fat burning by 29%, and boosting metabolism by 3-11%. Caffeine is addictive and can reduce sleep quality. In addition to coffee, caffeine is also found in black or green tea, and all three contain anti-oxidants (think anti-rust). The side effects of too much caffeine are similar to HCA. Withdrawal from caffeine can cause headaches, irritability, muscle stiffness, cramping, and concentration problems which can last a couple of days but is fairly harmless.
Raspberry ketones: No research has been done on humans, only rats. These ketones break down fat in fat cells and increase levels of a hormone called adiponectin which is related to weight loss. It may cause burps that smell like raspberries.
Green coffee bean extract: Several human studies claim it helped subjects who were given the extract lose approximately five more pounds than the placebo group. This caffeinated chlorogenic agent is high in anti-oxidants. It may lower blood sugar levels and could also help decrease blood pressure. The side effects are the same as HCA and caffeine, and some people are allergic. The research was funded by the industry.
Glucomannan**: A root found in the elephant yam (aka konjac), it absorbs water and becomes gel-like as it sits in the gut, promoting a feeling of fullness. Three human studies say it helped subjects lose eight to ten more pounds (in five weeks) than the placebo group. It has ‘friendly’ bacteria and fiber. It can lower blood sugar, decrease constipation, lower cholesterol and lower triglycerides. Possible side effects are bloating, flatulence, soft stools and interference with some medicines if taken at the same time. It must be taken thirty minutes before a meal with a full glass of water.
Mango seed: A fiber from the African mango tree. It is both a weight loss aid and a natural antibiotic (see Meratrim, below).
Ashwagandha: This supplement helps the thyroid and adrenal glands. It is an adaptogen, which means it helps the body adapt to stress, restores energy, protects the nervous system, and helps depression. An Indian Ayurverdic, it is a tonic similar to ginseng. Other names are winter cherry or poison gooseberry. It is a nightshade in the Solanaceae family and is related to peppers, potatoes, and tomatoes. It can be used externally for wounds, back pain, boils, and tumors. When taken orally, it helps brain function and alertness and is used to reduce levels of fat and sugar in the blood (but can make it too low if used with certain medicines). It does not mix well with prescription drugs, and interacts with benzodiazepines like Valium, Ativan, Xanax, increasing their sedative effect. It also interacts with immune suppressant medications, so there could be an adverse effect for those with auto immune conditions. It can affect hormone levels and is not good for children or pregnant women. A possible side effect is irritation of the stomach lining.
Camu camu berry: This vitamin C packed super food has been called “the world’s most potent vitamin C fruit”. It helps the immune system, the liver, the eyes, heart, and gums, decreases inflammation, and has a mood balancing effect. Containing potassium, calcium, protein, beta carotene, amino acids, and phytochemicals, it aids weight loss and slows aging.
Orlistat (Alli) (also called Xenical): An over-the-counter drug, it inhibits absorption of fat. Studies showed a six pound increase in weight loss when compared to the placebo. It can decrease blood pressure slightly, and decrease the risk of developing diabetes Type II by 37%. The digestive side effects are oily loose stools and flatulence. It can lead to deficiencies in vitamins A, D, E, and K. A low-fat diet is required to minimize these effects.
Meratrim: A product that uses two plant extracts, Sphaeranthur indicus and Garcinia Mangostana, that help block fat from being stored and also helps fat cells burn stored fat. One study involving one hundred obese people compared the effects of 400 mg. of Meratrim twice a day to a placebo group. Both groups
were on a two thousand calorie daily diet that included three miles of walking each day. The Meratrim group lost eleven pounds on average, while the placebo group lost on average, a little over three pounds. The Meratrim group also claims they lost abdominal fat.
Contrave: A prescription weight-loss medicine currently being advertised on TV, it must be used along with diet and exercise. It claims to reduce cravings by affecting the brain. It is not known if it is safe when taken with other medicines. The side effects are enough to scare me off; it may cause seizures, severe allergic reactions, liver damage or hepatitis, manic episodes, visual problems, eye pain, swelling or redness in or around the eye, increased risk of low blood sugar, opioid overdose, suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, irritability, aggression, anger or violence, nausea, constipation, headache, vomiting, dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth, or diarrhea.
Sermorelin: This anti-aging and weight loss product stimulates the production of more human growth hormone (HGH). HGH is a controlled substance that must be administered by a doctor, using injections that can be uncomfortable at best and dangerous at worst. Sermorelin acetate is not HGH; it is a growth hormone that releases the hormone GhRh and it is legal. It claims to stimulate the pituitary gland to produce more HGH. Proponents believe the endocrine system won’t allow overproduction, so overdose isn’t possible. Risk of side effects were said to be minimal. Hormones are powerful molecules in very tiny amounts, and I have seen the endocrine system behave in ways that give me great caution on this idea.
Have a heart and help others… come to our fundraiser Saturday, February 24th, 9am to 1pm. Receive a chiropractic adjustment in exchange for the donation of your choice. All proceeds benefit Choices Pregnancy Center.
