Which Natural Health Supplements Do Doctors Recommend to Boost Your Metabolism?

The best way to boost metabolism is through a healthy diet and regular exercise. However, consumers have discovered that certain natural health supplements can help burn additional calories and speed up weight loss.

According to the Mayo Clinic, "Metabolism is the process by which your body converts what you eat and drink into energy. During this complex biochemical process, calories in food and beverages are combined with oxygen to release the energy your body needs to function."

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Although there is no miracle supplement that can act as a "workout in a jar," the following supplements have been widely recommended in the alternative health community and are popular with consumers:

1. Green Tea: "Drinking green tea is one of the easiest ways to rev up your metabolism. A study reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that green tea-extract increases the metabolism by 4 percent over a 24 hour period. Three to five cups a day can help you burn an extra 70 calories a day, which adds up to seven pounds a year, 35 pounds for five years and 70 pounds for 10 years," reports BodyBuilding.com

2. Coffee: Not only does coffee contain caffeine, which is a known central nervous system stimulant, it contains theobromine and theophylline, two additional stimulants. Coffee also contains chlorogenic acid, which has been shown to reduce the absorption of carbohydrates. However, according to Authority Nutrition, "Even though caffeine can boost your metabolism in the short term, this effect is diminished in long-term coffee drinkers due to tolerance."

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3. GTF Chromium: According to Registered Dietician Ashley Koff, "GTF chromium can be an effective tool for enabling optimal metabolism. GTF chromium works to make sure your system is running as efficiently as possible. It enables your cells to receive sugar from the blood (with the help of insulin) at a regular pace so that they stay well fueled to function optimally, also preventing elevated blood sugar levels."

4. Kelp: This super food contains iodine, which supports the thyroid gland. As the thyroid gland plays a significant role in maintaining metabolism, supplementing with kelp can facilitate over all metabolic health. Consumers are cautioned however to take kelp in moderation as too much iodine in the diet can result in hyperthyroidism.

5. Spices: Certain hot spices such as capsaicin are touted with increasing heat metabolism or thermogenesis. According to Precision Nutrition, capsaicin works because it "triggers the 'fight or flight' response hormones." In turn, this causes the heart to beat faster, respiration to increase and the "body moves fat and glucose into the blood for your muscles to use."

This article is for information only and is not intended as medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your specific health and medical needs.

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