According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), 68 percent of all American adults are overweight or obese. Carrying too much weight increases the risk of many serious medical conditions, including heart disease, stroke, heart attack and high blood pressure. Some people try to use weight-loss pills, herbs or supplements to help lose weight. Bladderwrack and bitter orange are two such supplements. It's important to know the risks associated with these supplements.
Bladderwrack
Bladderwrack is a type of seaweed used to treat a variety of conditions, including obesity, urinary tract disorders, joint pain and atherosclerosis. Bladderwrack contains iodine, which may cause or worsen certain thyroid problems. It should not be used by anyone with iodine allergies. Bladderwrack may slow blood clotting and should not be taken if you are pregnant or nursing. Also, it can contain a high heavy metal content that may be toxic. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, no clinical research supports a claim of weight loss.
Bitter Orange
Bitter orange is an herb that became popular after the Food and Drug Administration banned ephedra (ma-huang) because of the health dangers associated with it. According to the Mayo Clinic, bitter orange has stimulant-like effects that can be just as dangerous as ephedra. Synephrine and octopamine are two of its chemicals that speed up the heart rate and raise blood pressure. Bitter orange is especially dangerous when taken with caffeine, other supplements and certain medications. Migraines, fainting, strokes and heart attacks may result from taking bitter orange. According to Drugs.com, weight loss is possible at a dose of 32 mg of synephrine daily; however, many cardiac side effects have been noted. There is also disagreement over which isomer of synephrine is in bitter orange. There are six possible isomers, some naturally found in the body. The different properties of the isomers affect the safety and effectiveness of using bitter orange with other drugs. Ask your doctor before taking herbal remedies.
Cautions
The FDA does not grant approval for diet supplements, nor does it evaluate effectiveness. The FDA suggests consumers consult their physicians before taking any supplements or herbal products, as many drugs can cause dangerous interactions with these products. Be wary of claims that seem too good to be true, such as losing a large amount of weight in a short time. This can be dangerous for your health.
Successful Weight Loss
The Harvard School of Public Health suggests avoiding fad diets and gimmicks in order to lose weight. Instead, add more physical exercise to your day. Cut back on sweets and sodas, substituting fresh fruits and vegetables. Start with small, reasonable goals such as losing 5 percent to 10 percent of your total body weight. Also, drink more water and consume "good" fats, such as olive oil.
References
- National Institutes of Heath: Bladderwrack
- Mayo Clinic: Is Bitter Orange Safe and Effective for Weight Loss?
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK): Overweight and Obesity Statistics
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Tips For The Savvy Supplement User: Making Informed Decisions And Evaluating Information
- Harvard School of Public Health: The Nutrition Source How to Get to Your Healthy Weight
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Bladderwrack
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