Banish the Quarantine 15

The Covid 19 pandemic has disrupted all of our lives in many ways.  But the most dramatic effect, when we look back on this someday, may be the importance of diet and exercise, and the impact it had on our long term health.

We are spending more time indoors, especially as winter approaches.  Previous activities are either nonexistent or limited and food consumption patterns are changing.  Stir in the approaching nontraditional holiday celebrations we will experience this year, a little stress eating and anxiety and you have the perfect recipe for weight gain and related health risks.

Aside from food choices, high carbohydrate intake, empty calories, loss of inhibition and hang over eating created by alcohol consumption plays a major role in Covid 19 weight gain.  The correlation of excess weight and the severity of the virus is becoming more evident and may ultimately create a significant increased burden on our health and on our health care system.

As we navigate our way through this systemic cultural change in our daily routines, a substantial number of people will most likely emerge heavier.  For those who already struggled with obesity, gaining weight during the COVID-19 pandemic adds even more risk. Elderly patients are obviously the most susceptible, but patients with a Bulk Mass Index (BMI) over 35 are also at risk and may experience more severe symptoms, even when they are younger. 

Change can be disruptive and challenge our precepts of what our daily life should be.  And excess weight can sometimes perpetuate hopelessness.   But, with time and thoughtful planning, we can reorganize our lives to maximize our productivity, tailor our nutritional and physical regimens and minimize stress, even in the age of this pandemic.

Here are some herbal remedies that you can add to your daily regimen to burn belly fat and maintain a healthy balance:

Dandelion Root tincture contains vitamins A, C, D and B complex. These are potent antioxidants that aid in cleansing the body of free radicals. Dandelion is rich in iron, potassium, and zinc. And the iron content has led to its widespread use as a liver tonic. Dandelion increases the flow of bile, which aids in the digestion of fats and works as a powerful diuretic to remove weight resulting from water retention. The extract of Dandelion root may help to quell your cravings for sweets, in addition to flushing out the kidneys and boosting your metabolism. It has a light laxative effect on the bowels and may aid in cleansing the body of toxins. It has been co-opted into the herbal weight loss industry lately for its ability to help you shed pounds quickly with when the body is retaining water, making you feel and look thinner.

Gymnema Sylvestre or Gurmar, and it means “Sugar Destroyer.” That tells you all you need to know about this herb. It has been used over 2000 years to reduce excessively high blood sugar levels, by boosting the amount of insulin available to process sugar. Gymnema is an Ayurvedic herb and has been used to treat digestion, urinary tract problems, obesity, and hyperglycemia. It is unique in that it actually helps block the taste of sugar and its absorption by the body.

Gymnema can also be used as an herbal supplement to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels and can help reduce blood sugar levels, making this nutritional resource a good weight management compound. The herb can also reduce the appetite for sugar or “sweetness in the mouth”.

The effect of Gymnema Sylvestreis twofold.  First it helps to balance blood sugar, and second, it promotes lean body mass by lessening the amount of sugar that gets stored as fat, reducing fat deposits in the abdomen, waist, and hips. The herb may offer hope for people suffering from binge eating disorders associated with obesity and sports players who struggle to avoid excess carbohydrates also find.

Cilantro Leaf (Coriandrum sativum)|Coriander the captivating aroma of Cilantro may be responsible for cultures around the world intuitively incorporating this herb into their diets and then reaping all of the health benefits.   Cilantro can reduce irritation in the gastrointestinal tract, including heartburn, nausea, and dyspepsia.  The herb acts primarily to calm the digestive system and improve appetite for both adults and colicky babies. It has a powerful natural cleansing agent and has been effectively used in removing heavy metals and flushing bacteria and other toxic agents from the body.  Cilantro is a natural diuretic and a major source of limonene, which is a hormone that helps get rid of belly fat. It also stops the stomach from absorbing saturated fats, which can lead to an unwanted bulge around the midsection.

Myrrh Gum, aka Guggul (Commiphora molmol) promotes the utilization of fat as fuel to provide energy and boost your metabolism and prevent the oxidation of fats or cholesterol. The active component of Myrrh, guggul, is known to help with inflammation. Myrrh cleanses the colon and brings order to the gastrointestinal and digestive system. It can tone and stimulate mucous tissue and promote gastric secretions to help digestion and excite the appetite. 

 Agar-Agar is a substance obtained from several varieties of seaweed that grows off the East Indian coast.  Dieters can feel good about ingesting this powerful supplement that contains many of the vitamins and minerals the human body needs on a daily basis.

You may lose weight and control your hunger, with the induced feeling of fullness enhanced by the high fiber content of Agar Agar liquid extract works.  The extract absorbs glucose in the stomach, passes it through the digestive system quickly and inhibits the body from retaining and storing excess fat. Its water absorbing properties also aid in waste elimination.

Agar Agar is rich in iodine and trace elements and is generally used as a herbal laxative for hard, and dry stools.  When using Agar Agar you should take it approximately 10 minutes prior to consuming your meals so that you will become full prior to eating and therefore, consume less food. You can take this herb three times daily and should only take with sufficient fluids

Fennel has an abundance of flavonoids which exert mild estrogenic effects. It has been useful for colic, menstrual cramps, gas, excessive mucus, indigestion, abdominal distension and an excellent herb for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). This herbal tincture has been used successfully to prevent griping when strong laxatives are indicated. Although it is sometimes thought to perk up a poor appetite, the herb may also help in weight loss programs.

Fennel seed has been used successfully to both enhance metabolic activity and as a natural appetite suppressant.  It is considered to be a natural diuretic that can relieve bloating and aid in the reduction of water retention. Fennel seed extracts have an added benefit with regard to fat reduction.  The extract helps break up fat deposits in the bloodstream which are then used as energy. By using energy sources the body has already stored, cravings for food consumption are reduced. And by increasing energy levels, Fennel seed may help to increase stamina during physical activity.  It is a good source of vitamin C, and the seeds contain fiber and complex carbohydrates.

As a further benefit, Fennel seed contains melatonin. In 2011, Researchers at the University of Granada performed a study to show that melatonin, a natural hormone, when used to regulate healthy sleep patterns, can also help control weight gain.

Curb Appetite & Trim Weight|Liquid Herbal Formula #1120  Natural herbal remedies that decrease the appetite and support weight loss can be classified as stimulants and appetite suppressants. These exist in natural substances are known to encourage your body to burn more calories by stimulating thermogenesis. Natural appetite suppressants decrease hunger symptoms by creating a feeling of fullness in the stomach, altering mood, or by providing a satisfying taste that makes any further eating less desirable. A healthy diet with exercise is the best appetite suppressant, but there are many natural sources for appetite control. Herbs from non-woody plants have proven to be effective appetite suppressants.

Obesity or excess weight can put you at risk for stroke, high blood pressure, kidney disease and diabetes. Shedding the excess weight can often be challenging, but the herbs contained in this formula can aid in suppressing the urge to overeat and help you to shed the excess pounds. The combination is high in nutrition and helps to increase energy from gland support and thermogenic fat burning.

Ingredients in this formula include:

Seaweed or Kelp extract as a supplement ingredient that helps with fat loss, and it is supported by Japanese scientists. Kelp contains amino acids, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals and it is a rich source of iron and iodine, which may help with weight loss. If you are deficient in iodine and producing insufficient thyroid hormones to regulate your metabolism, then using Kelp tincture will increase your hormone production and affect your metabolic rate. This automatically leads to weight loss even if you change nothing else in your life. Kelp’s vitamin and mineral content can improve modern diets that are deficient.

Alfalfa leaf is rich in nutrients, especially trace minerals from the soil and is considered to be one of the most nutritious plants on the planet. Food cravings can be associated with nutrient deficiencies, and lead to sweet cravings and overeating. Rich in phosphorus, zinc, silicon, calcium, and potassium Sea Kelp is also a good source of vitamins, A, C, E, vitamin K and B vitamins.

Bladderwrack may help to curb your appetite and attain your weight management goals with less associated risk than fad diets and dangerous supplements. It stimulates a protein in the body that can increase fat burning significantly. It is also very high in iodine, which helps to regulate the thyroid gland.  Bladderwrack tincture may also help to suppress the hunger cravings of the body.

Cleaver  has a cleansing and nourishing effect on the blood, as well as a diuretic effect, and is considered by many to be one of the best lymphatic tonics available. Cleaver extract helps to get the system flowing smoothly again by cleansing and improving the capacity to deal with these toxins, and by decreasing congestion and inflammation in the tissues.

Licorice root, also known as “sweet root” is known for its soothing and strengthening properties for the body. It also regulates blood sugar levels and reduces your cravings for sweets. Licorice root tincture is a traditional herbal remedy for many health disorders including stomach ulcers, throat, and respiratory problems. Some research supports the use of Licorice root, Glycyrrhiza glabra, for weight loss and fat reduction.

Garcinia cambogia extract has been widely marketed as a weight-loss aid.  Studies have shown that it may lead to significant weight loss by blocking the enzyme in your body that triggers the reduction of fat deposits and increases serotonin levels as well.  This, in turn, can suppress your appetite and stimulate fat stores for energy, during extended periods of exercise. This supplement is most effective when combined with a low-fat, low-calorie diet.

White Willow bark won’t make you lose weight but it will enhance your ability to burn fat and increase your metabolism. When used with other weight-loss herbs, like those found in this herbal weight-loss formula; especially those that are called thermogenic.

The herbal tincture Green tea extract dosage, in its concentrated form, provides the same benefit amount one cup of tea. Like green tea, the extract is a good source of antioxidants with a wide range of health benefits.  The Chinese have used Green Tea for centuries for revitalization and longevity and many studies have shown its ability to aid in weight management.  In fact, it is the key first ingredient in many weight loss products. The studies have shown its ability to neutralize free radicals, by increasing the antioxidant capacity of the body and protecting against oxidative stress. Additionally, it reduces blood fat levels, including lower triglycerides and total and LDL cholesterol.  It is important to stick to the recommended dosage, however, because it has shown to be harmful to the liver in excessive doses. Research has shown that both catechins and caffeine assist in weight loss by helping to regulate hormones that can enhance thermogenesis, the generation of body heat, which in turn burns calories and fat.