Is it Weight Loss or Water Loss?

One sure way to tell that you are dealing with a weight loss product that is a diuretic is if it makes extreme promises, such as "Lose Sixty Pounds a Month" or "Lose Fifteen Pounds in Three Days." That is wishful thinking in action. Healthy weight loss is two pounds of fat (not water!) a week.

You can tell what products are diuretics by looking at the ingredient on the weight loss product’s label, which according to the FDA must be listed from the most to the least.  One of the biggest culprits is caffeine.  Caffeine may be listed on the box as a main ingredient or it may be concealed in an ingredient such as green tea. Caffeine revs up your bodily systems, but especially your nervous system making some people nervous and anxious.

Most magical weight loss formulas (and especially those that are marketed as Chinese fat burning teas or miracle weight loss teas) contain diuretic herb.  There is no such thing as a "fat burning herb" only herbs and botanicals that cause an increase in heart rate, breathing and other functions. This is not "fat burning" it is simply stress for the body that may prompt the body to burn more calories.

There are many common herbs that are described as fat burning or weight loss miracles. One that is often included in weight loss formulas is called Buchu. It is a powerful diuretic that causes dizziness dehydration and fatigue. Yet another dangerous herb that is often included is horse chestnut. .  Horse Chestnut is an old remedy for individuals with blood pressure problems and for varicose veins that can cause extreme dehydration. It is a powerful diuretic that should never be used more than a day or two. Kola Nut is another powerful diuretic that is not to be trifled with. The side effects are excessive thirst, nervousness, anxiety, restlessness, frequent urination, and urges to go on an empty bladder, over stimulation, mania and insomnia. One of the safer diuretics is Dandelion. The plant contains two diuretic chemicals, eudesmanolides and germacranolides, as well as the mineral potassium, which helps to regulate water balance.

If you must take a diuretic, beware of carbonated sodas and caffeinated beverages; they may cause stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea or cause further dehydration while taking these kinds of weight loss supplement formulas.