Ayurveda and Herbal Supplements for Weight Loss
- Are you aware that more than 1 billion individuals are over-weight or obese globally?
- According to the statistics reported in 1995 (by US Food and Drug Administration), more than $30 billion are spent each year on weight management products or weight loss programs.
- Surprisingly, in only a small period of 2 decades, the market size of weight loss products, which includes supplements, diets, and beverages, has doubled (i.e. has crossed $60 billion) according to a new report.
Effective Weight Loss Solutions:
But here are a few mind-boggling questions!
- After trying these weight loss products, how many people tend to maintain normal body weight for longer than 6 months?
- What are the hazards of long-term weight loss solutions?
- Can you consume weight loss supplements and beverages for the rest of your life?
Unfortunately, the answer to most of these questions is rather disappointing. In simple words, most conventional weight loss solutions are impractical, too dangerous, or very costly for long-term use. This leaves us with natural remedies that are comparatively less harmful (even if used over a long period of time.
The most popular natural weight loss solutions are:
- Ayurveda
- Herbal supplements
- Hypnotherapy
- Acupressure and Acupuncture
- Yoga
Natural Weight Loss Solutions:
Let’s discuss these natural weight loss solutions in more detail:
Ayurveda:
This form of natural or complementary therapy originated in India but has then spread to Central and Latin America, Far-Eastern countries, African and European countries. Ayurveda is one of the oldest system of healthcare systems that aims at targeting the entire body and focusing on creating a balance between the mind, soul, and body. Ayurveda practices include a healthy mix of:
- Yoga
- Exercises
- Dietary changes
- Use of specific herbs
- Meditation
It is a popular choice for weight loss in different parts of the world and can be effectively used by individuals who are suffering from systemic diseases or metabolic syndromes. Various studies have demonstrated the efficacy and benefits of Ayurveda care in the long term.
Herbal Supplements:
Use of nutritional supplements and certain herbs in recommended doses has been known to improve the metabolism and calorie expenditure. Most pharmacies in the US are fully equipped with herbal supplements that are enriched with vitamins minerals, proteins, and trace elements to ensure weight loss with minimal risk of adverse effects. Several studies have been conducted to explore the mode of action, effective dose, and risk of adverse effects of these herbal supplements.
Some statistically proven herbal agents that are known to promote weight loss (with minimal risk of adverse effects are):
- Green tea extract
- Garlic extract
- Ginseng
- Guggul Herb Extract
- Grapefruit seeds
- Ma Huang
- Guarana
- Kelp seaweed
- Coleus Forskohlii
You can also speak to a recognized herbalist to prepare a specific weight loss formulation for you by combining effective herbs. Herbal tea blends, antioxidants, and vitamins have their effects on the metabolism of the body and can be incorporated in the everyday diet for long periods of time. However, if you are pregnant, breast-feeding or planning to conceive, make sure to discuss this with your primary care provider before initiating any herbal regimen.
References:
- Blanck, H. M., Serdula, M. K., Gillespie, C., Galuska, D. A., Sharpe, P. A., Conway, J. M., … & Ainsworth, B. E. (2007). The use of nonprescription dietary supplements for weight loss is common among Americans. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 107(3), 441-447.
- Rioux, J. (2014). Whole-Systems Ayurveda and Yoga Therapy for Obesity: Complete Outcomes of a Pilot Study. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 20(5), A145-A146.
- Braun, T. D., Park, C. L., & Conboy, L. A. (2012). Psychological well-being, health behaviors, and weight loss among participants in a residential, Kripalu yoga-based weight loss program. International journal of yoga therapy, 22(1), 9-22.
- Pillitteri, J. L., Shiffman, S., Rohay, J. M., Harkins, A. M., Burton, S. L., & Wadden, T. A. (2008). Use of dietary supplements for weight loss in the United States: results of a national survey. Obesity, 16(4), 790-796.
- Boozer, C. N., Nasser, J. A., Heymsfield, S. B., Wang, V., Chen, G., & Solomon, J. L. (2001). An herbal supplement containing Ma Huang-Guarana for weight loss: a randomized, double-blind trial. International journal of obesity and related metabolic disorders: journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity, 25(3), 316-324.
Image References:
1. http://axiomayurveda.com/
2. http://www.nootropicmind.com/5-herbal-supplements-for-anxiety-treatment/
3. http://www.footandhandreflexology.com/page/herbal-and-nutritional-supplem
