Weight Loss Powder

We are all looking for that magic pill. You know - that we can take and lose weight without really trying!

What would you give to be thin? What is your health? Well, some of the methods of weight loss may cost you exactly that. Before you decide that the way to lose weight is to follow one of the diagrams below, take a second look. Do your research and be sure you understand the risks.

Consider yourself one of these dangerous methods of weight loss?

* Prescription diet pills

Amphetamines are available only by prescription, and most doctors are reluctant to give these days. While they do suppress appetite, you learn nothing about healthy eating, you do not change your eating habits, and you're likely to gain weight back when you stop. In addition, they can be addictive. Side effects, including hypertension, cardiac arrhythmia, insomnia, hallucinations and delusions.

* Ephedra

This plant is quite natural to Asia is in many herbal remedies and weight loss powders. It has a powerful appetite suppressant, but was involved in more than 70 dead.

* Phentermine Fenfluramine-phentermine (fen-phen)

Fen-phen was a popular supplement for weight loss in 90 years until he was involved in deaths due to heart valve damage. Phentermine alone is still sold in many aids to weight loss. Side effects include headaches, dizziness, cardiac arrhythmia, hypertension and insomnia.

* Laxatives

One of the popular home remedies, used for purging. Regular use and abuse of laxatives can cause low potassium, arrhythmia, and pancreatic damage.

* Artificial sweeteners

Aspartame, the artificial sweetener most commonly used, has been involved in several lawsuits alleging damages that include blindness, seizures and brain damage.

* Smoking

Afraid you'll gain weight if you stop smoking? The National Institute of Diabetes says that you would have to win 100 to 150 pounds to match the health risks you invoke by smoking. Instead, develop sound strategies to help you cope with cravings and land cigarettes.

* Purge

Like laxatives, purging by forcing oneself to vomit or taking emetics can have very adverse effects on health. Depletion of nutrients like potassium and vitamins, lesions of the esophagus and stomach acids, the esophagus and rupture are all possible side effects.

* Diuretics

Taking diuretics encourages your body to rid itself of fluids - including vital electrolytes. The depletion can lead to dehydration and cause your body to start retaining water, starting a vicious circle. The repetitive or prolonged use of diuretics can cause kidney damage and serious electrolyte imbalances, which can lead to kidney or heart.

* Herbal Remedies

We have a tendency to equate 'herbal' with 'harmless', but say nutritionists, this is not always the case. Remember that many medicines are derived from plants, and because of the lack of regulation, dosages of active ingredients can vary considerably from one manufacturer to another. Here is a list of some of the most common ingredients in the herbal powder weight loss, as well as warnings about their effects in certain conditions.

Ephedra (ma huang, ephedrine, ephedra extract, epitonin, ephdra sinica and Sida cordifolia) should not be taken by people with heart, thyroid or kidney disease or hypertension

Cascara and Senna should not be taken by people who take diuretics (both are often found in herbal weight loss)

Selenium and Capsaicin should not be taken by people with bowel or digestive disorders

Kava should be avoided by people with mood disorders who take psychotropic drugs, and people with Parkinson's disease.

Gingko biloba, licorice root, dong quai and should not.