By Mila McManus, M.D.

Many of you may be wanting to clean up your diet and perhaps shed a few pounds. Needless to say, eat healthfully, eat less, and move more are top three foundational steps to weight loss and weight management. You may be interested to know that there are several supplements that also support weight loss and weight management!  If you are deficient in them, your battle of the bulge may be an uphill one. Consider adding these to your weight loss strategy. 

Collagen[1] – The most abundant protein in the body, collagen makes up the majority of your muscles, ligaments, tendons, and skin.  As we age, we produce less of it, resulting in sagging skin, achy or swollen joints, less energy, and a decline in muscle mass. Adding collagen can help support appetite suppression, satiation, increased lean muscle mass, and improved metabolism.

Curcumin[2] – Found in the Indian spice turmeric, curcumin is an anti-inflammatory agent, and obesity is considered a low grade inflammatory disease. In fact, over-eating causes inflammation. Curcumin also helps to regulate metabolism by increasing a hormone called adiponectin. In one study of 1600 people, curcumin helped reduce weight, inches in the waist, and over all body mass index. Curcumin also helps liver detoxification, and increases fat burning, which in turn boosts weight loss.

5-htp – Naturally occurring in the body, this amino acid derivative is a precursor to serotonin. Serotonin is produced in the intestinal tract and brain and is important for mood, promoting calmness, and sleep.  It can also be helpful with reducing carbohydrate cravings and supporting healthy eating patterns.  (stress eat much??)

Hepatothera[3] – Successful dieting and detoxification require support for the liver to perform its many duties.  This Klaire Labs product is designed to support cellular levels of glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and super oxide dismutase (SOD) – the crucial antioxidants that protect hepatocytes and help detoxify everyday foreign substances helping to strengthen the liver against every day challenges.  Moreover, some studies suggest that, because toxins are stored in our fat cells, the more toxins we carry, the more fat the body wants to make to sequester them.

Fiber – Essential to good gut health, fiber cleanses the intestinal tract.  It is essential to keeping bowels moving, assists with feelings of fullness, and feeds your favorable gut bacteria. It is important to drink plenty of water when taking fiber.

L-Tyrosine – This amino acid helps to boost chemicals in the brain that affect energy, mood, and appetite.  It is also a precursor to thyroid hormone.

So eat healthfully, eat less, move more,  and consider complementing your efforts with one or more of these supplements, all available in our office. Cheers to better health!

[1] https://www.naturalhealthynews.com/4-of-the-best-supplements-for-weight-loss/, published Saturday, December 12, 2020

[2] https://www.naturalhealthynews.com/4-of-the-best-supplements-for-weight-loss/, published Saturday, December 12, 2020

[3] https://klaire.com/hep-hepatothera, accessed on 12/16/2020