If you have not done so already, you may wish to read Part 1 of this article for more information. I'll now proceed with my review of natural weight loss aids.

Hoodia gordonii is one of the most popular weight-loss aids currently on the market. Real hoodia is a relatively rare plant, and is therefore a rather expensive supplement. Unfortunately, because of this, many products are being marketed using the hoodia name that contain little or no real hoodia. The real stuff does very effectively suppress appetite and can be a valuable weight loss aid. There are numerous products on the market, some in liquid extract form and others in pill form. I recommend the liquid extracts, but the pill forms seem to work just fine, provided it is a legitimate hoodia supplement. For liquids, I suggest using 30 drops or so 1 to 2 times per day before your afternoon and/or evening meal (this would be for a 20 to 1 extract). For pills, I suggest a dosage of 500 to 1000 mg per day, taken in one or two doses before meals.

HCA, or hydroxycitric acid can help with weight loss by sitmulating the production and storage of glycogen, and this process controls appetite. I suggest taking it in an amount of 500 to 1000 mg per day split into equal doses to be taken about 30 - 60 minutes before a meal.

BCAA (Branched Chain Amino Acids), such as L-Leucine appear to trigger fat burning and muscle building. A recommendation for dosing is 1200 to 3000 mg per day, split into 2 or more equal doses taken between meals.

Pyruvate has been shown to stimulate weight loss, but it requires a high dose to be effective. Not everyone can handle taking it without significant stomach upset. Brief periods of high intake (8,000 to 10,000 mg per day) for up to 7 days at a time can help get weight loss started initially. For long-term use, a smaller dose is recommended (2,000 to 6,000 mg per day).

Wu-long tea, is an Asian black tea that also appears to assist in natural weight loss, both through its effects on suppressing insulin release (which enhances fat burning) as well as by suppressing appetite. This is taken as an actual brewed tea, as opposed to a pill form.

5-HTP (5-hydroxy tryptophan) can help with weight loss in daily dosages of 50 to 100 mg divided into 2 or more doses taken with food. It should be avoided by women who are pregnant or are breast-feeding. Only purchase 5-HTP products that have been tested and certified as being clear of the contaminant known as "Peak X". If you develop joint or muscle pain or experience breathing difficulties, cease taking 5-HTP and seek medical attention. When clear of contamination, 5-HTP is safe and effective, so these cautions are intended as warnings in case of the rare instance of receiving a contaminated product.

7-Keto DHEA (note that this is not the same as regular DHEA) has demonstrated the effects of increased metabolic rate and increased lean muscle building and fat burning. It is best taken in two or more doses with meals for a total daily intake of 100 to 200 mg.

You now have background on the most popular of the safe and effective natural weight loss aids. Hopefully you are now able to better choose which products may enhance your diet and exercise efforts based on your particular needs.

About the Author, Dr. George Best:

Dr. George Best has been assisting people with weight loss since 1992. To access additional resources, please check out his website on on natural weight loss. Glyconutrients for weight loss.

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