Weight Loss Supplements

Weight Loss Supplements

“Hey Doc, can you write me a script for the weight loss pill?” I am frequently asked for the synthetic appetite suppressant medication known as phentermine.
While there is a role for prescription medication in weight loss I find many natural supplements work well and are more in tune with our body’s own systems
of appetite and weight management.

In the struggle to maintain weight we can use supplements to help with nutrition, digestive health, metabolism, appetite, cravings and hormone control.

Basics for weight loss

Believe it not, most people that are overweight have some degree of nutrient deficiencies. This is partly due to eating calorie-dense and nutrient-deficient
foods but also due to impaired absorption of nutrients. The first step to remedy this is to avoid sugar, high-glycemic carbohydrates, and processed or
packaged foods. Seek raw, and when able, organic fruits and vegetables. Lean meat such as fish and chicken contain good protein without the inflammatory
fats.

We start all patients in our weight loss programs on a customized multivitamin that provides intensive support for the healthy functioning of the body in
general, but also a blend of herbs and additional nutrients formulated to assist in the assimilation and utilization of foods. Pancreatic enzymes are included to
help break down foods into small nutrient building blocks that are easily absorbed through the intestinal wall.

Probiotics are added to repopulate the “good bacteria” that reside in the intestine. These beneficial bacteria help maintain a proper functioning gut, produce
many vitamins, assist with detoxification, and help break down foods for absorption. They also communicate with the immune system and play a role in
lowering inflammation and keeping us healthy. When we perform a “comprehensive digestive stool analysis” we routinely find low numbers of beneficial
bacteria – a deficit that is due to poor diet, medications, chemicals in our water and food, and even stress.

A dietary fiber supplement is also routinely recommended. Fiber is made up of complex carbohydrates that resist the digestive enzymes, thus pass
unabsorbed through the intestinal tract. “Soluble” fiber, such as pectin or gums, is fermented in the colon, which results in a more acidic environment and
more short chain fatty acids that support the beneficial bacteria and the cells that line the intestine. “Insoluble” fiber, such as cellulose, is not fermented in the
colon and thus provides bulk to stool, binds water and helps soften stools. Most types of dietary fiber contribute substantially to the volume of stomach
contents and help provide a feeling of fullness.

A protein powder supplement is another basic ingredient for weight loss. Many commercial “meal in a shake” products are based on simple protein powders.
Protein helps with energy and muscle building and will help stabilize blood sugar. I recommend 20-30gm in the morning first thing or with breakfast. Many
studies show increased protein intake, especially in the morning, will facilitate weight loss.

Restful sleep is critical to weight loss. During the deep stages of sleep our pituitary gland is very busy controlling production of hormones that build muscle
and burn fat, such as growth hormone and testosterone. Our master metabolic hormone, thyroid, has a spike in production at night. The hunger hormone,
ghrelin, is necessary to get into a good sleep cycle and is suppressed by a good night’s rest. Going to bed with an empty stomach will more likely lead to
good sleep and awakening without ghrelin-induced hunger pangs.

Managing appetite and cravings

Comfort foods, such as chocolate, sugar, or high glycemic carbohydrates will temporarily raise the “feel good” neurotransmitter called serotonin. We screen
for this and recommend serotonin support with a natural precursor called 5-HTP. Getting off the roller coaster of craving / reward with certain foods is critical
to healthy diet and weight.

High cortisol, from stress or inflammation in the body, will cause high blood sugar and weight to accumulate around the belly. We can lower cortisol with
herbs such as magnolia officinalis or phellodendron amurense. Activities that lower cortisol include meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, tai chi, or a
leisurely stroll.

There are a few appetite suppressants we recommend for those who struggle with portion size. Garcinia cambogia is made from a tropical Asian fruit and is
known to stimulate the breakdown of stored fat in the body, thus encouraging the glucose from our diet to be used for energy instead of stored as fat. This
also promotes a feeling of fullness.

Leptin is a hormone produced by fat cells. When we are full after a meal or a few pounds heavier leptin secretion goes up and informs our brain we are full.
But with aging and weight gain leptin quits working, so even though leptin levels are high we are resistant to its effects. Another appetite suppressant called
Irvingia gabonensis helps increase leptin sensitivity. Derived from the African bush mango plant, irvingia has been shown in studies to help with weight loss.

Increasing metabolism

Anything that helps get the cellular machinery moving more efficiently can increase metabolism and increase the burning of calories as energy. Many of the
above recommendations that add nutrients and improve gut function will help metabolism. Our anabolic steroid hormones, such as growth hormone and
testosterone, will “turn on” the DNA switches that lead to increases in metabolism, muscle growth, and fat breakdown. A similar steroid hormone called
DHEA may also play an active role in stimulating enzymes that promote fat burning in the body. While this is available over-the-counter I don’t recommend
taking it without a baseline serum test and ongoing monitoring for safe and effective serum levels.

Conjugated linoleic acid, or CLA, is thought to be an effective modulator of metabolism, reducing body fat and increasing muscle mass. Many herbs, such as
green tea extract, are also known to increase metabolism.

Improve blood sugar metabolism with cinnamon, particularly the patented “cinsulin” extracts. Helpful herbs include gymnema silvestre, berberine and
fenugreek. Chromium is a trace element that may work by helping insulin control blood sugar. Seaweed extracts are known to block the breakdown of stored
glucose reserves thus facilitating blood sugar uptake. Cellular energy can be supported with CoEnzyme Q, activated vitamin B3 or Niacinamide, L-Carnitine,
and D-Ribose.

If you are working on weight loss and already eating well and exercising, then adding some targeted supplements that work with natural metabolic systems
may help you reach your weight goals.

INSET

Free Seminar
“Bioidentical Hormone Replacement for WOMEN”
Monday, June 25th, 6pm, at the IMC
RSVP at 245-6911 or online at rsvp@imcwc.com.

Bio
Scott Rollins, MD, is Board Certified with the American Board of Family Practice and the American Board of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine. He
specializes in Bioidentical Hormone Replacement for men and women, thyroid and adrenal disorders, fibromyalgia and other complex medical conditions. He
is founder and medical director of the Integrative Medicine Center of Western Colorado ( www.imcwc.com). Call
(970) 245-6911 for an appointment or more information.