Herbal diet tea contains a variety of natural ingredients and functions primarily as a bowel stimulant and appetite suppressant. Its laxative effect promotes loss of water weight and waste, but not necessarily fat weight. While herbal diet teas may be a short-term remedy for weight loss, it is prudent to consult with your medical adviser prior to participating in a weight reduction program.
Common Herbal Ingredients
Herbal diet teas are made from a combination of herbal ingredients to promote weight loss and suppress appetite. According to the Dietary Supplements Labels Database, ingredients contained in Laci Super Dieters Tea include stevia, senna, Chinese mallow, orange peel and ginseng. Stevia is a natural sweetener which does not elevate blood-glucose levels. Both orange peel and ginseng serve as a natural appetite suppressant while senna and Chinese mallow contain laxative properties. Additional herbs and spices may be incorporated for flavoring, such as chamomile, peppermint or cinnamon.
Additional Herbal Ingredients
Additional herbal ingredients which may have a laxative effect on the body include dandelion, banaba leaf, hoodia gordonii, licorice root, white willow bark and garcinia cambogia. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, dandelion enhances the liver's ability to decompose and filter waste products. Consumed as a tea, it has a gentle laxative effect on the gastrointestinal tract and functions as both a digestive aid and appetite suppressant. Ray Sahelian, M.D., credits garcinia cambogia as an appetite suppressant and weight loss agent. Garcinia cambogia's active ingredient, hydroxycitric acid, is extracted from the rind of this Indian fruit.
Weight Loss
The initial weight loss resulting from consuming herbal diet teas is most likely due to a loss of fluid. The appetite suppressants contained in herbal diet teas may also contribute to short-term weight loss. Since herbal diet teas contain a significant amount of diuretics, they may also function as an effective colon cleanser by promoting bowel movement regularity and alleviating symptoms of constipation. The accumulation of toxins may be due to an unbalanced diet. The excretion of those excess toxins may also result in weight loss. According to Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D., of Mayo Clinic, reducing sodium intake, increasing intake of fresh fruits and vegetables and drinking more water will also help to eliminate excess bloat without the side effects.
Considerations
Manufacturers of herbal diet tea brands often disclose side effects associated with consumption of herbal diet teas. Senna, for instance, may cause diarrhea because it decreases the amount of time food takes to travel through the digestive tract. As a result, the colon is unable to adequately reabsorb water and this leads to frequent and loose stools. Other possible side effects include abdominal cramping and nausea.
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