by Valerie Brooks

What’s New in Diet Supplements

A number of natural (and not so natural) supplements are gaining press in the new technology arena for weight loss. Most diet supplements fall into one or more of these categories: appetite suppressants, metabolism enhancers, fat burners, colon/liver cleansers, diuretics (water weight loss) and kidney cleansers. And remember, if a diet product is considered a “supplement,” then it’s designed to add to, enhance, or otherwise facilitate a primary diet and exercise program…in other words, to supplement it. Supplements are not meant to be the only component of your weight loss program, but additions to it.

Here is a listing of the more popular weight loss supplements to take note of:

• Guarana –- This caffeine-packed herb hails from Brazil, and can be found in teas and some soft drinks. It claims to have metabolic benefit in addition to surpassing the caffeine amounts found in coffee. If used carefully, it can increase metabolism and suppress the appetite without the jittery effects of other caffeine sources.
• Green Tea –- This super food continues to amaze at every turn with its myriad health benefits, but it’s also showing up in diet products, from pills to powders, and now even patches, like the Super Green Tea Patch. It not only packs its punch in antioxidants, it can aid in weight loss because of its natural caffeine and appetite suppressant qualities.
• Hoodia –- this South African herb is a tried and true appetite suppressant. To make sure you are buying the authentic product, check that it was sourced from the stem, not the root of the plant. You can also check for the “certified authentic” label or just purchase from reputable companies.
• Hydroxycut –- Best used alongside a solid diet and exercise routine, this natural supplement no longer contains FDA-banned ephedra. It claims to work by increasing metabolism and controlling appetite.
• EcoSlim –- From NativeRemedies, this herbal formula contains licorice, guarana, ginger, dandelion, and a number of other lab-tested herbs that are gluten and animal-product free for natural weight loss. It’s a healthy product along with being a weight loss supplement.
• XPel –- This is an herbal diuretic, which aids in weight loss by eliminating excess water through urination. This product contains caffeine. The company was founded by a physician.
• DieuTone –- Attacking bloated areas by eliminating water, this diuretic will give you the appearance of a flatter tummy, while temporarily relieving swelling and water weight gain.
• Goji Berries -– Rich in chromium and fiber, these Himalayan berries aid in weight loss by increasing metabolism, controlling appetite, and fighting abdominal fat.
• Cleanse RX –- This particular colon cleanse product is enjoying a lot of endorsements. It acts as a two-part system that eliminates built-up waste and then flourishes your digestive system with enzymes and probiotics.
• Power Flush 500 –- Also a colon cleanse, in addition to flushing toxins, removing build-up, and relieving constipation and bloating, the company promotes the idea that it may help in reducing the risk of colon cancer.
• Alli –- The newcomer on the block, this is the first FDA-approved diet pill available over the counter. It’s a chemical product that works by suppressing the body’s ability to absorb fat.
• Acai Berry –- This small Amazonian berry is centuries old and works as an appetite suppressant, provides natural energy and increases metabolism. Many Acai products are accompanied by guarana.
• Puristat’s Liver Cleanse –- The liver’s main function is to rid the body of its toxins. An optimally functioning liver will improve metabolism and help burn excess fat. A liver cleanse supplement is a natural complement to the colon cleanse supplement.

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Blends

One of the more exciting new trends taking place in diet supplements is the arrival of the “blend.” A diet supplement blend is a product that contains several ingredients that supplement your weight loss program on several fronts at once. These will often be herbal mixtures and include appetite suppressants, fat burners, metabolism enhancers, and diuretics all together. Some even include nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids that help satisfy your body’s craving for fuel, thus feeding your body and making you less hungry over time. Some include:

• Green Drinks – Many green drink formulas are designed for assisting in weight loss, such as Udo’s Green Blend.
• Red Berry Drinks – Some red drink formulas are optimized for weight loss.
• Energy Bars – You’ll find a lot of protein bars (also known as food bars or granola bars) that combine ingredients for weight loss supplementation.
• Herbal Supplement Blends – Herb blends are usually in capsule or tablet form and combine many of the same ingredients found in the green drinks and energy bars. The EcoSlim product mentioned earlier is an example of this.

Caveats

Since diet supplements are generally not regulated by the FDA, consumers should know that there are some diet supplements that are simply placebos or even harmful. It is advisable to supplement pills with a healthy diet and exercise routine, and to consult your healthcare provider before taking them, especially if you are on any medications…and especially if they are chemical, rather than “natural” products. Buy only from reputable, long-standing companies, and be particularly on guard when buying from China. Ask a trusted nutrition expert about product and ingredient recalls. (A recent one is bumetanide, found in StarCaps, Sliminate, Superslim, and Slim Up.) Inquire about side effects.

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