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Diet Pills - Help or Hazard?

© Gretchen Malik

Just because something says "natural" does not mean it can't hurt you. The very same applies to these multitudes of "natural" diet pills on the market. Most diet pills are not safe to use for the short period of time they promise it takes to lose weight. Most of these pills contain items that should never be used daily.

An extremely valuable healing herb is being used in countless weight loss combinations on a daily basis. I am speaking of Ephedra, also known as Ma Huang or Mormon Tea. This herb is used for lung congestion, for helping those suffering an acute asthma attack, and for treating respiratory difficulties that come with allergy attacks. It is used for the short term only because it is strong, and a small amount is usually all that is needed to alleviate the difficulties. Other herbs are then used to repair and rebuild the body. Responsible herbalists and naturopathic doctors do not use Ephedra for those who have heart disease or heart problems, kidney problems, or adrenal problems.

Anyone with heart problems or kidney problems of any kind should not take ephedra in any form unless under the guidance of a medical professional. Andyou should also not use any product with Ephedra if you are pregnant or nursing.

If your diet pill has in its list of ingredients Ephedra, Ephedrine, Guarana, Caffeine, Coffee, Ma Huang, or Mormon Tea, then you need to discontinue use of that product.

While these items may indeed increase your metabolism, the effects over the long term are negative. Your weight loss will cease after a few weeks. If you have a pre-existing condition, you could end up with a heart attack or renal failure. Even if you don't have a pre-existing condition, you can still suffer from adrenal or renal stress due to the constant metabolic stimulation from Ephedrines and caffeine. Your thyroid processes could also be adversely affected.

The only thing that truly works for weight loss is a proper, natural diet, coupled with adequate and proper exercise. No diet pill or diet shake can substitute for these. If you would like to use herbs to lose weight, there are some safe herbs you can utilize to help your body return to a healthy state, such as chickweed, spirulina, kelp, and others, but they are not going to give you overnight results. Nothing in this world can guarantee you fast results on a permanent basis. You have to be an active participant in your weight loss and health programs for them to work.

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