Fucoxanthin, a derivative of brown seaweed, is used as a non-stimulant weight loss aid. This supplement, which is available in health food stores, is believed to reduce appetite and thereby assist dieters in losing weight, according to "Prescription for Natural Cures." However, simply taking fucoxanthin will not magically melt off your excess pounds. This weight loss aid should supplement -- not substitute -- your other weight loss efforts. Though fucoxanthin is a natural supplement, it is not without risk. Fucuxanthin contains high amounts of iodine, which may interfere with thyroid gland function if taken improperly, according to "Foundations of Nursing." Therefore, you should only take fucoxanthin under the guidance of your physician.
Step 1
Take a fucoxanthin supplement as soon you wake up. According to "Prescription for Natural Cures," the earlier in the day you take fucoxanthin the more effective it is in increasing cellular metabolism. Eat a small snack, such as two whole-grain crackers, a string cheese or small apple with your fucoxanthin supplement if stomach upset occurs.
Step 2
Perform cardiovascular exercise. Take part in such activities as walking, swimming or bicycling, each day. Start by exercising as much as you comfortably can and gradually increase to 60 minutes of aerobic exercise per day as your fitness level improves. Don't feel discouraged if you are only able to exercise for a short period of time when starting your exercise regimen. Even a short amount of low-impact aerobic exercise, such as a 10-minute brisk walk, is beneficial. According to "Prescription for Natural Cures," aerobic exercise increases the effectiveness of fucoxantin.
Step 3
Perform strength-training exercises. Examples of strength-training exercises include calisthenics, weight lifting and exercise with resistance bands. Exercise for at least 20 minutes three times per week. Gradually increase duration, intensity and frequency of your workouts as your fitness improves. Wait at least 48 hours after working out one muscle group to perform strength-training exercises with that muscle group again to allow your muscles to fully recover from the exercise. This requires you to rotate muscle groups exercised when exercising two days in a row. For example, if you work on your legs one day, work on your arms the next. Fucoxanthin is more effective when combined with strength-training exercise because both the exercise and the supplement increase the workload of the muscles at the cellular level, according to "Prescription for Natural Cures."
References
- "Prescription for Natural Cures"; James Balch and Mark Stengler; 2004
- "Handbook of Obesity Treatment"; Thomas A. Wadden, Ph.D., and Albert J. Stunkard, M.D.; 2004
- "Foundations of Nursing"; Lois White, Gena Duncan and Wendy Baumle; 2010
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