I have an overweight fibromyalgia patient who is currently taking Astra 18 Diet™ and Astra Diet Tea™. In addition to helping with weight loss, the formulas seem to be reducing her pain. What is it about the formulas that is helping with both pain and weight loss?
There are herbs particularly in Astra 18 Diet™ that reduce dampness. Dampness is a pathogen that causes pain and obstructs healing. By reducing the dampness, she can probably lose weight faster as there is less impediment. There are also ingredients that dispel wind, and these herbs generally reduce pain sensation. Finally, if she is lighter, there is less pain and she is not carrying around as much weight.
What is the science behind Leantain GT™?
New research, supported by more than 10 clinical studies, shows that Leantain GT™ can successfully promote weight loss, decrease body fat, lower BMI, reduce waist circumference, and boost energy. It is comprised of enoki extract (Chitoglucan), green tea extract, and acacia gum. In one study of 46 Japanese males and females ages 32 to 59 years having a BMI of 25 or more, subjects were given 400mg equivalent per day of Chitoglucan, resulting in a significant 5 percent decrease of body fat compared with baseline after 8 weeks. The control showed a decrease of only 3 percent body fat, so that the active treatment (Chitoglucan group) had an additional 66 percent decline relative to the control. A decrease in the amount of body fat, body fat percentage, weight, abdominal fat percentage, BMI, and waist circumference was observed in all Chitoglucan groups. Therewere no changes observed in the blood chemistries, and the physical conditions of patients did not change before and after the treatment (Hori). The results were duplicated in randomized controlled trials and open label studies. Studies have shown that taking 690mg a day of green tea catechins per day for twelve weeks reduces body weight BMI, waist circumference, body fat mass and subcutaneous fat; (4 capsules per day of Leantain GT™ contain 720mg of catechins). Green tea is associated with thermogenic, insulin regulating, and cholesterol lowering effects. Laboratory research indicates green tea extracts containing ECGC are associated with reduced food intake, body weight, glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Acacia gum contains fiber and in turn helps promote regularity.
What is the difference between obesity and being overweight?
In general, being overweight means the person’s body weight is higher than is considered healthy for them. Obesity indicates that they are carrying an excess amount of body fat. A person can be overweight, but not have an excess of fat, so not be considered obese. Generally, both overweight and obesity ranges are determined by a person’s body mass index (BMI) because, for most people, it correlates with their amount of body fat. However, this is not true for some people, like athletes, who may have a high BMI although they don’t have excess body fat (because muscle weighs more than fat), or people who are thin, but have an overly low muscle to fat ratio – too much fat and too little muscle.
Can you shed some light on the mechanism that causes weight gain in menopausal women? I have a number of clients who have gained weight suddenly that they can’t lose; several have always exercised, but they are still gaining weight.
The hormonal changes of menopause can cause an increased tendency towards weight gain for many women, especially around the abdomen. This is often related to sluggish metabolism and a variety of lifestyle and genetic factors, not necessarily hormonal changes alone. It’s important to remember that muscle mass diminishes with age. If you don’t do anything to replace the lean muscle you lose, your metabolism will slow down as your body composition shifts to more fat, less muscle. This, of course, slows down the rate at which you burn calories. Also, we also need fewer calories as we age, so if you continue to eat as you always have, you’re likely to gain weight.
Do you have any special recommendations for helping elderly patients lose weight?
Treating weight gain in elderly patients can be difficult. This population often does not exercise and sadly, many geriatric patients don’t eat well and/or have most of their calories in one meal. We really recommend following a constitutional approach and keeping their herbal protocols simple as they may have problems with digestion or memory, and may be taking multiple medications. If they have digestive issues, consider having them start with Enteromend™, Quiet Digestion™ or Chzyme™. Once digestion has improved, you would choose the most appropriate constitutional formula based on TCM diagnosis, along with Chiroin™, which modulates insulin activity. You may also consider having them start their herbs at a lower dosage.
I have a patient taking Synthroid who is interested in using herbs/supplements to help her lose weight. What are your weight loss protocols and which products would you recommend for her given this information? Is it okay to combine the herbs with her medication?
We suggest that you review the weight loss protocols listed below and choose, based on the patient’s signs and symptoms. Keep in mind that only one or two formulas should be taken at a time, especially with thyroid issues, along with the Astra Diet Tea ™if desired. We also recommend taking herbs two hours apart from medicines. Health Concerns Weight Loss Formulas:
- Leantain GT™ promotes physical energy, increases metabolism and decreases body fat (especially good for people with hard to lose visceral/abdominal fat).
- Astra 18 Diet™ clears dampness, tonifies the spleen; contains fiber, which promotes digestion and regularity. It also helps to relieve the bloating that can make it hard to lose weight.
- Astra Diet Tea™ is meant to help reduce caloric consumption by providing an alternative to sweets; it also has mild energizing and diuretic effects (intended as a substitute for a high calorie snack; it’s naturally sweet without added sugar).
- Greenexcellent™ reduces fat in the muscles/increases lean mass and increases insulin sensitivity (especially good for people with diabetes or Syndrome X).
- Chiroin™ helps to control carbohydrate cravings, boosts serotonin levels and increases satiety.