Diet Pills and Herbal Supplements

Herbal diet supplements can be found in many health food stores and

are sold over the counter. Many can be purchased on the internet. Well

known supplements include ephedrine, ephedra, guarana, St. John's Wart

and Senna. These are fat burners that work by boosting your metabolism.

For the short term many of these are helpful for losing weight.

Just like pharmacuetical diet pills, not all herbal supplements are created

equal. The problem with herbal weight loss supplements does not lie with

their effectiveness. The problem is with their side effects. As with medicine,

some herbal supplements produce drastic side effects including increases of

blood pressure and heart problems.

For example, as most of us have already heard, ephedra causes some serious

side effects. These include high blood pressure, seizures and even strokes.

Conversely, it is also true that some products touted as being effective for

weight loss have no real effect at all. Presently, there is a very popular black

tea advertised under the name of Wu Yi. While it is true that it is tasty and

soothing, Chinese doctors will tell you that it produces no weight loss effects.

When reading about this product online, one can surmise why it seems to

work at all. The advertising states that this product works very well when

combined with a healthy diet and an exercise program. Perhaps the nicest

thing to say about Wu Yi is that it causes no harm.

Still, it is important to be diligent when using any type of supplement, whether

it is medical or herbal. It is important to do your homework before purchasing

or using any of these supplements.

The following are some of the things to look for (especially when buying online).

1/ Check the ingredients. The literature or advertising should tell you what the

product contains. Go on the internet and do your research. Find out for yourself

whether the ingredients are healthy or harmful.

2/ The company that you purchase your product from should have contact information.

The more the better. Your looking for name, address, phone number and an email

address.

3/ Make sure that the seller of the product has a refund policy, especially one with

no questions asked.

4/ Try to talk to someone who has used the product. Since this is not always possible,

at least check the testimonials. You want to see if these people have similar experiences

to your own.

5/ When you do purchase any product, whether it is medicinal or natural, do not exceed

the recommended dosage.

6/ Last but not least, if you have any medical condition whatsoever or are under the care

of a physician, consult with your doctor first.

While it is true that some of these products work well enough on their own, it is always

best to change your diet and to exercise. Believe it or not, your primary consideration is

to become healthy and happy. Weight loss is the by product of changing your habits

and improving your lifestyle.

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