Supplements, Vitamins and Minerals for Weight Loss: Essential Tips to Treat Obesity Naturally

In a recent study conducted on evaluating the effects of chromium picolinate on weight loss, it was observed that individuals who consumed 400 mcg of the supplement for three months, showed an average weight loss of six kilograms, as against the control group. All the weight was lost in the form of body fat. This study reiterates the role of supplements and nutrients in management of obesity. Purchasing supplements from reliable sources plays a crucial role in enhancing health.

 

Dietary Supplements in Weight Loss: Treating Obesity with Minerals and Vitamins

Though supplements don’t provide magical solution to the problem of weight gain, some supplements play an effective role in suppressing appetite and regulating metabolic activities.

• Chromium works towards stimulating the body to use its fat reserves to generate energy and also aids in the process of muscle development. A dosage of 200 mcg twice a day is recommended just prior to exercising.



St.John's Wart manages
Depression

• Chitosan, is a linear polysaccharide which is synthetically prepared from the exoskeleton of crabs, shrimps and certain type of fungi. Recent scientific studies have pointed out the the regular consumption of Chitosan supplements, can help reduce weight as it slows down the process of absorption of fats by the intestine.
• St John’s Wart (Hypericum) has been shown to have beneficial effect on improving the serotonin level which in turn helps fight depression. Depression is often linked with obesity and use of this supplement is considered to be beneficial. 300 mg per day is considered beneficial.

Fad diets are rarely beneficial. However, inappropriate dieting techniques tend to increase the risk of developing deficiencies of essential nutrients and vitamins namely iron, calcium and vitamin B 12. This may manifest in the form of muscular pain, osteoporosis and brittle bones and neuropathies. Including these supplements in your diet, especially when you make a conscious effort to lose weight is always beneficial.

Supplements can
assist in Weight loss

Precautions while Using dietary supplements to Treat Obesity

While there are several dietary supplements that can help in the management of obesity, there are certain precautionary measures that are important,

• Chitosan interferes with absorption of fat soluble vitamins and essential fatty acids and hence supplements containing these vitamins and fatty acids need to be taken separately at different time during the day.
• Chitosan should be avoided if the individual is allergic to shell fish or sea food in general.
• Use of St. John’s Wart is only on the advice of doctors, as it is associated with increased risk of glaucoma, heart disease. It may also result in escalation of anxiety attacks and insomnia.

Lose Weight Naturally: Essential Tips for treating Obesity

It should always be remembered that supplements can only assist in the process of weight loss and dietary restraint and regular exercise regimen are indispensible in treating obesity. Here are some simple tips to remember,

• Avoid watching Television for more than half an hour a day. Studies have shown a strong positive correlation between time spend in watching television and Obesity. Instead spend time on doing something that you like.
• Increase the intake of fresh fruits, fresh Vegetables, low fat diary products, whole grains and legumes. Avoiding meat and poultry can have beneficial effect and aid in weight loss.
• Regular exercise for about half an hour a day, five days a week, protects your body from common disease and also controls your weight
• Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly. Chewing food helps improve digestion while eating slowly gives your brain enough time to send signals when the stomach is full.