You might feel the temptation to accelerate weight loss with an herbal slimming tea. After all, the word “herbal” makes the product seem healthy, and you will take all the help you can get to shed those unwanted pounds! Unfortunately, the promises that you want so desperately to believe with these teas are too good to be true. According to most labels, the ingredients in these weight loss teas suppress appetite and boost metabolism. The truth of the matter is herbal teas do not magically promote permanent fat loss and are never a good substitute for a healthy diet and consistent exercise regimen.
What are in Weight Loss Teas?
Well, it is not a coincidence that drinking weight loss teas can send you hopping to the bathroom. Many formulas out there contain a laxative or diuretic. These increase urination and/or defecation. You notice a drop in the scale after drinking these, but weight loss tea is merely expediting weight loss, not fat loss. Also, some diuretics and laxatives react adversely to certain medications and physical conditions. It is particularly risky when the teas don’t disclose that they contain laxatives or diuretics. Consult with your doctor before taking a diuretic, including one in a weight loss tea.
Over-consumption of weight loss teas with diuretics and/or laxatives can lead to dehydration. It can also result in a deficiency in electrolytes and minerals that promote healthy heart functions. Long-term use of a tea with a laxative effect can interfere with colon function, causing cramping and bloating. Your colon can even become dependent on a laxative, resulting in painful bowel movements without one.
Metabolism-Boosting Ingredients
Some weight loss teas contain ingredients that supposedly boost your metabolism. Studies have found that caffeine, guarana, capsaicin from hot peppers, cinnamon, and green tea have properties that can potentially increase metabolism. Ultimately, though, the net effect on your daily caloric burn is negligible. A slight boost in metabolism lasts a very short period after ingestion and is unable to provide a steady enough help to noticeably alter your weight. Research on these ingredients is limited, and you should be wary of trying any products before consulting a physician.
Herbal Tea as Appetite Suppressants
Various ingredients in herbal slimming teas, such as guarana, caffeine and bitter orange, do help suppress the appetite slightly. You might be prone to eating less and losing a little weight. Extended use of products containing these ingredients, though, is not recommended; there are adverse reactions associated with their long-term use. Teas that contain a concentrated amount of stimulants (i.e., caffeine and guarana) can seriously interfere with sleep and cause a jittery feeling. Bitter orange is found especially unsafe by the National Institute of Health due to its ability to induce an elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of stroke and heart attack.
Some ingredients in weight loss teas encourage production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain, which tells the body that it is full. St. John’s Wort is one of these “herbs.” It often appears as one of several ingredients in weight loss teas, and it is known for its capacity to raise serotonin levels. St. John’s Wort can have contraindications with medications. These include prescription antidepressants, anesthesia, and cough medicine. St. John’s Wort causes blood pressure spikes, dizziness, anxiety, and nausea in some people.
Sensible Practices for Slimming Down
The sound of an herbal weight loss tea may sound like a reasonable weight-loss tool, but the classic approach is tried and true. Exercise and healthy eating habits effect change throughout the body. Consuming 500 to 1,000 fewer calories than are burned daily will help you lose 1 to 2 pounds a week. Keep in mind, many weight loss teas and supplements include a recommended diet and exercise plan. Which one is really creating a significant change with long-term results?
Tea is a refreshing drink. It has beneficial properties. Green tea, especially matcha green, has a noteworthy benefit: it contains catechins. This type of antioxidant may help detoxify the body, reduce body weight, accelerate recovery time after a workout, and significantly reduce free radical damage.
The bottom line is that weight loss teas are not effective and can actually be detrimental to your health. If you are looking to get healthier and leaner, you need to exercise and eat a well-balanced diet. Customize a regimen that works for you. At Illuminari MedSpa, we will explore your specific needs and lifestyle goals to establish a weight-loss approach that will leave you looking and feeling revitalized!
If you want more information on how proper nutrition and exercise can lead to a more beautiful you, call Illuminari MedSpa. We serve clients in Agoura Hills and the surrounding areas.