Diet Pills - Over-the-Counter and Herbal Remedies

Over-the-counter pills that contain phenylpropanlamine such as Acutrim and Dexatrim effectively suppress a person’s appetite. However, such drugs have been known to raise one’s blood pressure significantly and, in some cases, cause stroke when taken in doses of 75 milligrams or higher in the immediate release form. The FDA has moved to take such products off the market.

Ephedra/Ephedrine

Ephedra, which is known in Asia as Ma Huang, is a 5000 year-old natural remedy. It grows mainly in Mongolia and on the bordering regions of China. It has been used for many years in Chinese medicine and has become a popular diet remedy in the United States. Ephedra is used mainly as an energizer and for losing weight and gaining muscles.

The main active ingredients in the Ephedra plant are called Ephedrine alkaloids. Ephedrine is one of the naturally occurring alkaloids present in the Ephedra plant. Ephedra naturally activates the sympathetic nervous system which increases that amount of food converted into heat, a process called thermogenesis. The potential results of this process are relief of asthma symptoms, allergies, and sinus problems.

The question that has been in the news time and time again is this: Is Ephedra safe to use? Research indicates that Ephedra is a fairly safe remedy so long as it is used within recommended dosage limits. The ephedrine alkaloids in Ephedra act as a mild stimulant and develop effects similar to caffeine.

In February 2004, the Food and Drug administration (FDA) imposed a ban on Ephedra as a diet supplement, but allowed Ephedrine to stay on the market as a remedy for other medical issues. In April of 2005 the ban on Ephedra was lifted after a Utah court ruled that the FDA had overstepped its authority.

Finally, the miracle fat burner is back and available to the public. However, this unparalleled weight loss concerned some people. Ephedra was so powerful that its safety was questioned. When the debate peaked in 2004, it was taken off the market for further study.

Since that time Ephedra has gone through many rigorous tests and passed with flying colors. According to a ruling in Utah, there was never any basis to ban the supplement in doses of 10 milligrams or less. As a result, ephedra is once again approved for public consumption.

Ephedrine is the active ingredient in several over-the-counter diet pills. Brand names of such pills include Metabolife, MeTrim, Herbalife, Adiphen, Thermalean, Lipodrene, Zymax, Genicil, Patent Lean, Thermoslim, Ultra Lipo Lean, Trim Life, Hydroxy Cut, Xenadrine, Herbal Phen-Fen, Shapefast, Thermoburn, Thyro-slim, Trim Spa, Natural Trim, Thermo-Lift, and many others.

While most of these products are reasonably safe, the problem with these pills is that they were not meant to be taken over long term periods or in amounts exceeding the recommended dosage. Exceeding the recommended dosage can significantly raise heart rate and blood pressure, causing problems for individuals who are predisposed to stroke or heart problems. Long term usage creates similar reactions.

The bottom line is that if an individual chooses to use a diet pill or supplement-especially one surrounded in controversy-he or she should fully educate themselves before making a final decision. Ephedra is not a long term solution for anyone who has weight issues but should instead be considered nothing more than “extra help” in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise routine. More often than not, a significant lifestyle change is the only thing that produces lasting results in individuals who want to lose weight permanently.

Synephrine

After the FDA’s 2004 ban on Ephedra, diet pill companies scrambled to come up with a safer alternative that would be just as effective. Their solution was Synephrine, a substance derived from the fruit of the citrus aurantium plant. Other common names for this fruit include bitter orange, sour orange, green orange, and zhi shi. Synephrine acts on the body in nearly the same way as ephedra, but with potentially fewer side effects such as high blood pressure and increased heart rate. Clinical studies so far have shown that synephrine may in fact help reduce appetite and produce a slight increase in metabolic rate, especially when used in combination with other stimulants such as caffeine or white willow. However, individuals with heart issues or high blood pressure should avoid using any of these substances without first consulting their physician.

Caffeine

Caffeine is a common stimulant found in many products consumed daily by people all over the world. Coffee, soft drinks, over-the-counter pain medications, and many other products utilize the properties of caffeine. For those wanting to lose weight, caffeine can slightly increase their metabolism and suppress appetite. Caffeine “hides” in several diet aid ingredients. Some common caffeine-containing substances include Yerba Mate, cocoa extract, white willow bark, gotu kola, and guarana. All of these substances have the potential to raise blood pressure, cause sleep disturbance, and increase heart rates in some individuals.

Bladderwrack

Although it is thought to stimulate the thyroid and thereby increase metabolism, there is absolutely no evidence to suggest that bladderwrack has any such effect on the human body. In fact, bladderwrack contains iodine so using it may actually increase one’s risk of damaging their thyroid gland.

Garcinia Cambogia

Garcinia, also known as hydroxycitric acid, is a natural fruit acid that originates in brindall berries. Experts disagree on its effect on appetite and metabolic rates. Since there are very few side effects, (one of which is nausea), Garcinia might be helpful to some individuals, but there is little evidence that suggests that it would be effective across the board.

Green Tea

Although it sounds too good to be true, in the case of green tea there is evidence to suggest that it is an effective weight loss aid for many individuals. In addition to promoting weight loss the catechins in green tea help decrease one’s risk of getting cancer and developing heart disease. Drinking 4 to 10 cups of green tea daily probably won’t cause negative side effects and it may help to decrease appetite and increase metabolism. Those who are sensitive to caffeine can drink decaffeinated green tea and still experience the same positive results. Individuals who take aspirin regularly or anticoagulants should consult a physician before using green tea as a weight loss remedy due to the fact that it can interfere with blood clotting in some people.

Chromium

Chromium can be a double-edged sword. Up to 90 percent of Americans do not get enough chromium in their diets, and chromium supplementation can help reduce triglyceride and blood sugar levels. Some research even suggests that 400 mcg of chromium supplementation daily can result in improved fat loss. However, when taken in large doses, chromium picolinate is linked with changes in DNA, kidney failure, and muscle toxicity. Considering all these factors, taking 50 to 200 mcgs of chromium per day appears to be safe and may be helpful for some people.

Herbal Phentermine

Herbal Phentermine is a non-prescription appetite suppressant that is relatively safe and 100 percent natural. It is designed to produce the same results as the popular prescription version called Phentermine. Both work to suppress the appetite, increase metabolism, increase energy, and burn calories.

The obvious difference between Herbal Phentermine and Phentermine is that the herbal version is available without a prescription. Therefore no physician’s consultation is needed in order to use Herbal Phentermine. This product is a one-of-a-kind formulation of research-supported botanical ingredients that are designed to support a healthy diet. It contains no Ephedra or any of its derivatives, so the risk of severe side effects is less than that of many other weight loss remedies that are currently available.

Although the makers of Herbal Phentermine claim that it is 100 percent safe with no known side effects, one should always keep in mind that there is scarcely such a thing as a diet pill with no side effects. It’s always a smart idea to get recommendations from individuals who have used the specific product being considered or to consult a physician before making any final decisions.

Exitor

Exitor is an over-the-counter diet pill specifically designed for individuals who only wish to lose an extra 10 to 15 pounds. There is sufficient research that validates the effectiveness of the ingredients in Exitor. Here is what one can expect from this product:

Increased Energy – Exitor contains naturally occurring forms of caffeine, which are safer and more effective than the form found in coffee. Additionally, it is a more potent form of caffeine and it is released into the body at a slower rate resulting in longer periods of energy than coffee or soda can provide.
A Healthier Body – Exitor contains ingredients that can help control and/or reduce what is referred to as “bad cholesterol.”
Burn Fat – Exitor increases the thermogenic activity in an individual’s body which results in fat being burned at a faster rate than normal.

The makers of Exitor claim that research indicates almost zero occurrences of side effects in those who use their product. The product is safe and has real potential for effectively burning fat to help with weight loss. In fact, the makers of Exitor are so confident that people will be satisfied with the results of their diet pill that they offer a risk-free, money back guarantee for those who do not attain the promised results.

Lipitrex

Lipitrex is a 4-in-1 formula that is designed to work with the body’s natural fat-burning processes to help individuals lose unwanted pounds. Lipitrex is an all natural product that curbs the appetite while at the same time inhibiting fat absorption. Additionally, it does not come with adverse side effects like shakiness or nausea. Here is what the 4-in-1 formula is all about:

Lipitrex helps control appetite – The ingredient Pinno Thin, which is obtained from an oriental nut, can help encourage the release of hunger-suppressing hormones, resulting in less chance of feeling hungry. Research indicates that people who took this pill desire to eat and ate smaller portions when they did eat.
Decrease in abdominal fat – Conjugated linoleic acid or CLA is a natural fatty acid and is considered very effective when used for the purpose of shedding excess pounds. It interferes with a specific enzyme that is responsible for storing fat and it helps the body build lean muscle tissue.
Lipitrex helps to increase metabolism – The ingredient Citrus Aurantium Extract or bitter orange extract is a fruit extract that has been linked with increased metabolism and appetite suppression. Another ingredient is chromium which can help to regulate blood glucose levels and may also play a role in the burning off of extra fat.
Lipitrex increases energy levels – Vitamins B-5 and B-6, caffeine, and magnesium all work together to increase energy, burn fat, and build muscle tissue.

The makers of Lipitrex offer a money back guarantee for those who try their product. Anyone who is dissatisfied may return the unused portion of the product for a full refund.

Hoodia

One diet pill that has made a lot of headlines recently is Hoodia. Endorsed by Oprah, Hoodia Gordonii is one of the top five currently most popular diet pills. Hoodia in an unprepossessing African succulent and is surrounded by quite a bit of controversy regarding its safety and effectiveness.

Hoodia Gordonii was approved for sale in the United States in early 2004 and has steadily been making a name for itself as a powerful appetite suppressant ever since that time. Hoodia’s popularity has been boosted by reports on television programs such as “60 Minutes,” “ABC News,” “Oprah,” and “BBC News.”

BBC correspondent, Tom Mangold, traveled to Africa to investigate Hoodia for his report. Mangold and his cameraman, who also tested the plant, both reported feeling “pleasantly full” for nearly 48 hours after eating a piece of the Hoodia Gordonii plant.

Research has identified the active ingredient in Hoodia as P57. Information is still scanty, but does suggest that this ingredient works by tricking the hypothalamus into thinking that there is more sugar in a person’s blood than there actually is. According to Phytopharm, the company who holds the patent on the P57 extraction process, individuals who took Hoodia reduced their caloric intake by as much as 2000 calories per day. So far figures are impressive and the overall result is promising.

So what exactly do the makers of the Hoodia pill claim it will do for people wanting to shed those excess pounds? Their claims are as follows:

Hoodia will decrease appetite almost immediately after only taking a few milligrams.
Hoodia gives an individual control over his or her appetite since it is one of the most effective natural appetite suppressants available.
Hoodia is a natural mood enhancer.
Hoodia will help individuals lose weight by helping to prevent overeating or “boredom eating.”
Hoodia is 100 percent natural and has proven results that will work for almost anyone.

Here is what Hoodia will not do:

Hoodia does not produce shakiness, unlike many other diet pills.
Hoodia will not increase heart rate or cause insomnia.
Hoodia will not make individuals users feel “wired” like many other appetite suppressants.
Hoodia will not raise one’s body temperature, making him or her feel uncomfortable all day long.

The real questions are “Can they really deliver on promises that sound too good to be for real?” and “Is Hoodia safe?” Research is still scarce on the long term effects of Hoodia, but studies do not indicate major complications from short term use of the supplement. There are no known or significant side effects to short- term use when individuals follow the recommended dosage schedule.

However, since Hoodia has been endorsed by major television and news resources, it has become easy for scam artists to take advantage of the not-so-knowledgeable consumer by selling junk under the Hoodia name. A disturbing number alleged of Hoodia Gordonii supplements do not contain Hoodia Gordonii at all! Some even contain dangerous chemicals that have the potential for very serious side effects.

Obviously it is quite difficult, even for the well educated consumer, to distinguish between the imposters and the real McCoy. Here are some tips people can use to protect themselves from scammers:

Consult a trusted physician before taking any Hoodia supplement. This is especially important for those who have been diagnosed as diabetic or pre-diabetic.
Don’t be fooled by a cheap gimmick. Hoodia is very expensive, so it isn’t sold at a peanut price. If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is too good to be true. Also, be cautious when purchasing Hoodia from an online auction site.
Only a few companies are authorized to sell Hoodia and those companies have a certificate to prove they are legit. So check their certificate for validity before buying a Hoodia supplement.
Contact the company’s customer service department. A genuine seller should have no problem answering your inquiries and will be happy to do so.
Genuine Hoodia sellers will offer a risk-free, 30 day money back guarantee. No guarantee means no genuine Hoodia can be found with that seller so move on to the next and wish for better luck.
Genuine Hoodia sellers will not promise results that seem unreal. Genuine retailers are required to remind consumers that exercise is an important factor when using Hoodia and will never claim that Hoodia works effectively without a healthy diet and exercise program.

If a retailer passes all these tests, there is a good chance they are for real. If not, find another Hoodia retailer,

The bottom line is this: Hoodia, like any other diet supplement, is not a lazy person’s miracle pill and will not necessarily work for everyone who tries it. The effects from one person to the next depend on various factors. Again healthy diet and exercise are an absolute must with this product, like it is with many other diet pills. Hoodia should only be used as a short-term weight loss solution and is not a miracle remedy for obesity. No diet pill is a permanent weight loss solution and Hoodia is no exception to that rule.