Over 30 percent of American adults are clinically obese. Even more are considered overweight, with a higher than optimal Body Mass Index (BMI). As of 2010, Americans spent $37 billion annually on weight loss plans, supplements and fitness equipment, but often this investment does not result in lasting weight loss. Herbal water is one of the hundreds of supplements marketed toward individuals who are overweight and obese --- most of these supplements are not proven to be effective in achieving permanent weight loss.
What Is Herbal Water
Herbal water is an infusion or herbal tea made with various herbs. Bottled herbal waters are made by concentrating this infusion, then mixing the concentrate with seltzer water. Herbal waters for weight loss are also sold dry as slimming teas. Slimming teas and herbal waters contain a variety of herbal compounds, such as laxatives, diuretics, and appetite suppressants, which may help you lose weight. Laxatives and diuretics encourage your body to eliminate solid and liquid waste, causing your overall body weight to go down. Appetite suppressants help you lose weight by making it easier to take in fewer calories. Diuretics and laxatives can cause nausea, diarrhea and dehydration. Hunger brought on by overusing appetite suppressants can cause dizziness and fatigue.
Laxative Herbs
Herbal waters for weight loss often contain senna, a common herbal laxative. This substance will cause you to lose water weight, but it will not help you lose fat. According to National Institutes of Health, Herbal laxatives such as senna, when taken in large quantities, it could also cause discomfort, diarrhea and dehydration. You should not take herbal laxatives with diuretics, as both types of drugs can lower your potassium levels. Taken together, your potassium level could drop too low.
Diuretic Herbs
Some herbal waters or slimming teas contain stinging nettle or yarrow root. Both of these plants contain compounds that signal your body to release water. You may quickly lose 1 to 3 lbs. of water weight using diuretic herbs, but it will return just as quickly once you rehydrate.
Appetite Suppressants
Herbal waters that claim to suppress appetite often contain Hoodia, a cactus-like plant found in South Africa. There is little scientific evidence to support the use of hoodia for weight loss, although it has been used in traditional cultures for centuries as an appetite suppressant. Its safety for long-term use in humans has not been studied.
Warning
If you are overweight, discuss weight loss strategies with your doctor. She will help you create a plan that is tailored to your needs and lifestyle and is your best source of up to date information on weight loss supplements. Always inform your doctor and pharmacist of any herbal supplements you are taking, as they may interact with other medications. If you are pregnant or nursing, do not take herbal supplements without the direct supervision of your doctor.
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