Herbs That Help Get Rid Of Stress & Belly Fat

Many manufacturers of herbal supplements promise to help you lose belly fat without exercise or changing your diet. While these promises seems helpful and enticing, you may want to consider the side effects of the supplements, MayoClinic.com reports, as many supplements are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as medicines. Before you start any herbal supplement to lose weight, ask your doctor for advice first.

Chili Peppers

Capsaicin, a chemical found in chili peppers, may help you lose weight, ScienceDaily.com states. Capsaicin-treated rats lost 8 percent of their body weight and showed changes in levels of around 20 proteins found in fat, according to a study published in June 2010 in the American Chemical Society's "Journal of Proteome Research." These altered proteins break down fats, scientists say, and provide valuable insight into the mechanism of capsaicin's anti-obesity effects.

Fiber Supplements

Using more fiber in your diet can prevent your body from absorbing too many calories. Your body typically absorbs 30 to 180 fewer calories of consumed food when you eat more fiber, notes Gale Maleskey, a registered dietitian, in her book, "The Definitive Guide to Health Supplements." Eating fiber-rich fruits and vegetables will help decrease your waistline. Fiber supplements such as glucomannan also may help you achieve your goal to lose belly fat. Check with your doctor before using any fiber supplement, though, to ensure safe and proper usage.

Green Tea

An ingredient in green tea may reduce stress as well as belly fat. The British magazine "Psychologies" notes that experts have found that polyphenols in green tea may reduce damaging impacts of stress on the brain while increasing levels of calming chemicals in the body. The polyphenols in green tea, specifically the catechins, are speculated to be responsible for the herb's fat-burning effect, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Kelp

Kelp, a seaweed, is considered a fat burner. This seaweed is rich in antioxidant vitamins and may help to boost your metabolism. It is believed to gently stimulate your thyroid gland to improve its functioning. Talk to your physician before starting this supplement, especially if you suffer from a thyroid disorder or a history of heart-related problems, Maleskey suggests. Combined with exercise and a low-fat diet, kelp may provide the extra help you need to shed the belly fat.

Appetite Suppressants

Many appetite suppressant manufacturers promote their products as the best, including supplements that contain large amounts of caffeine, guarana and bitter orange, for example. These products can cause dangerous side effects, including heart palpitations, increased heart rates and anxiety, Maleskey reports. They also may increase your stress level.