Many natural supplements can increase metabolic rate and boost fat burning. A stack means combining two or more supplements that have a synergistic effect to help you achieve your fitness goals. Stacking several fat burners together can give you a better metabolic boost than taking each of the supplements alone. Some of these ingredients contain the stimulant caffeine and aren't suited for all users. Combine any of the following stacks, separately or together, to increase your fat burning for faster weight loss results.
DHA and CLA
DHA or docohexaenoic acid comes from fish oil and fights fat in several ways. It blocks lipid or fat synthesis, increases fat burning and improves insulin sensitivity, according to the Muscle & Fitness article titled "Five Fat Fighters." CLA or conjugated linoleic acid comes from dairy products and meat. It works with DHA to burn fat by triggering more fatty acid oxidation, while also increasing lean muscle, says Jim Stoppani in Supplements 101. Take 1 to 3 g of CLA up to three times daily. Take 1 to 2 g of a fish oil supplement containing 20 percent DHA, up to three times daily.
L-Carnitine and Fucoxanthin
Carnitine is an amino acid that acts as a co-factor for the production of energy in the power plants of cells, known as the mitochondria. By transporting fatty acids into mitochondria, carnitine boosts fat burning, according to Stoppani. Fucoxanthin is a brown seaweed extract that has natural fat burning effects on the body, according to Life Extension Magazine. Fucoxanthin increases resting metabolic rate at the cellular level for more thermogenesis or fat burning. Both of these supplements are completely stimulant-free. Take 1 to 3 g of L-carnitine and 200 mg of fucoxanthin up to three times daily.
7-Keto and Forskolin
Forskolin has been shown to decrease body fat levels in exercising males, according to Natural Anabolics. In addition, forskolin increases fat burning through another pathway involving higher testosterone levels, within the normal range. A form of the adrenal hormone DHEA, 7-keto has a nonhormonal effect in the body, but acts to increase thyroid output, improve immune function and directly increase fat burning. Take 100 to 200 mg of 7-keto per day, divided into two or three doses. Take the herb coleus forskohlii, standardized to 25 to 50 mg per serving, up to three times daily, according to Stoppani.
Green Tea Extract and Caffeine
Green tea extract has potent fat-burning effects that act independently of its caffeine content. The antioxidant EGCG or epigallocatechin gallate increases metabolic rate for more fat burning, according to "Homemade Supplement Secrets" author Jeff Anderson. Combining green tea extract with a caffeine supplement further boosts fat burning, more than taking either supplement alone. Take 200 mg of caffeine or the equivalent of two cups of strong coffee. Add a green tea extract, containing 200 to 300 mg of EGCG per serving.
References
- "Muscle & Fitness Presents 2010 Edition The Ultimate Supplement Handbook;" Five Fat Fighters; Matthew Kadey; January 2010
- Life Extension Magazine; Safely Burn Away Body Fat; Julius Goepp; March 2008
- "Natural Anabolics;" Jerry Brainum; 2006
- "Muscle & Fitness Presents 2010 Edition The Ultimate Supplement Handbook;" Supplements 101; Jim Stoppani PhD; January 2010
- "Homemade Supplement Secrets;" Jeff Anderson; 2008
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