When it comes to weight loss, things can get disappointing very quickly. Not seeing results fast enough, missing old habits, dealing with a constantly downtrodden mental state. On top of that, the medical world can seem harsh and impersonal.
The World Health Organization has identified that in 2016 more than 1.9 billion people were overweight. Of that group, over half were considered obese. By definition an obese individual has a BMI (body mass index) greater than or equal to 30. You can find your personal BMI by looking at charts such as this.
Aside from medication and surgical intervention, there are other options out there to help with weight loss. Many of them are natural and not harmful to your body when used correctly.
These days, with so many influencers on social media, it can be easy to get tricked into buying products that are pretty but ineffectual or downright damaging to your body.
It’s important to know what is healthy for your body if you choose to pursue natural weight loss remedies. We’ve come up with a few options that might be what you’re looking for – but remember, there has to be a mental change as well as a physical!
Kratom
Kratom is a species of evergreen plant native to Southeast Asia. There are plenty of websites that go into detail about its weight loss benefits. It has been used for thousands of years by many different cultures, for many different things, including: energy, increased appetite and sexual drive, diarrhea, intestinal problems, and a local anesthetic.
So how does it play into weight loss?
Although weight loss isn’t the main reason people take kratom, it is a side-effect of longer-term use. Like marijuana, it can be both a stimulant and a sedative; taking the right strain can actually suppress your appetite. This, along with the all-day energy boost, makes kratom a popular choice for many people.
There are some downsides to the plant however; it has been used in the past as an opioid substitute, and prospective customers should be aware that it can have drug-like properties if misused. Make sure you talk to a doctor about the correct strain and dosage to fit your needs.
Probiotics
You’ve probably heard of the “good” bacteria, or seen drinks and yogurts advertising the addition of probiotics.
Probiotics are microorganisms that can benefit your gut and help with the digestive process. There have also been studies conducted that show how probiotics can help you lose belly fat. Overweight and obese individuals have a different gut makeup than “normal” weighted people, and probiotics will help get the gut back on the right track, meaning it’s working as it’s supposed to.
Some probiotics inhibit the absorption of fat and calories, increasing waste output. Others reduce fat storage and appetite.
They do have some negative side-effects if you take the wrong dose or type, so follow up with a health care practitioner about how to safely approach this option. But the great thing about probiotics is that they’re widely available these days in many different forms, and consuming them can be more enjoyable than just popping a pill.
Green tea
Green tea is derived from tea leaves that haven’t undergone the oxidation process that makes black and oolong teas.
It’s been around since about 600 AD and has been used not only as an enjoyable beverage but as a sort of cure-all for ailments such as: cardiovascular disease, hyperlipidemia, inflammation, and more.
Although there aren’t currently studies showing that green tea will help promote weight loss, countless people swear by it. Why? Caffeine and flavonoids in green tea elevate your metabolic rate while increasing insulin activity.
The addition of green tea to your diet (we don’t mean less food necessarily – just the right food) could add an additional loss of 2.5lbs per week. It might not seem like a whole lot, but it does add up, and this is a safe way to do it!
Unfortunately, many people want to lose a substantial amount of weight fast. While in an ideal world that would be a dream, it isn’t actually healthy. In fact rapid weight loss has been linked to many health problems.
Losing weight too quickly could result in malnutrition, irritability, headaches, irregular menstruation in women, dehydration, loss of hair, and much more.
That’s why we prefer taking a more natural approach with products that are manufactured by nature and harnessed by man. Kratom, probiotics, and green tea can all be found naturally, and have a proven history of helping individuals with much more than just weight loss.
If you’re interested in pursuing any of the options listed above, take a closer look into each one to see what the added benefits could do for you, in addition to enhancing your weight loss experience. As always, check in with a healthcare provider to make sure you’re taking the right approach as well as the right dosage. And take your time! Not all miracles happen overnight.