Vitamin Information Center

In today’s society the expectation is that we should all look lean, fit and healthy. These are difficult standards to live up to, in fact totally unrealistic, when you consider that a large percentage of the Western population are overweight, if not obese. However, steady weight loss and improved health and well being can be achieved, with the right weight loss diet program. By the right diet program I mean one that is natural, healthy, has no adverse side effects and can be fitted into your normal every day life pattern without any undue disruption. The good news is that such a method of losing weight is now readily available.

When Oprah Winfrey, on the Oprah Winfrey TV show, interviewed Dr Perricone a few months ago, he revealed the amazing properties of the Acai Berry. He stated that he believed it to be the number 1 Superfood, and further more was of great benefit to those who were seeking to lose weight. He went on to explain that Acai is good for weight loss because it contains cyanidin, a highly antioxidant phytochemical compound. This claim is based on a Japanese research report that found evidence that cyanins work by reducing fat absorption, and draining body fat.

The Acai Berry received further publicity when it was featured on several TV News channels. The N B C Today TV program, informed their viewers that studies show that the Acai Berry is one of the most nutritious foods in the world, and also acts as a rejuvenating and detoxification agent. A B C TV News stated that research has provided evidence that the Acai Berry will help you live a longer and healthier life, and also that it could help protect you against cancer, protect your heart and may even prevent the onslaught of Alzheimer’s disease.

As a result of all this media attention on the “miracle herb”, as it has been called, thousands of overweight individuals have lost pounds of unwanted weight, and further more they have kept the weight off permanently. The stars of Hollywood, and numerous A List celebrities, have also taken up the Acai Berry Diet in a big way.

Nearly 200 people across the country have been sickened after taking the vitamin supplement Total Body Formula, United Press International reported Sunday.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that users of the supplement suffered loss of hair and fingernails, as well as nausea, joint pain, and diarrhea among other symptoms.

The liquid supplement is one of more than 12 supplements that have been recalled in the past year by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Some batches of Total Body Formula and Total Body Mega Formula contained excessive amounts of the minerals selenium and chromium.

Selenium, a trace mineral, is only needed in small amounts for good health, the FDA said, and too much of it can cause the symptoms listed above. Chromium, also a trace mineral, can cause anemia, kidney failure, and liver damage if too much is ingested.

The company now faces lawsuits from former customers who allege they were poisoned by the product and face long-term side effects.

In March, the FDA warned consumers in 15 states about the link between the dietary supplement and adverse side effects including “significant hair loss” after 23 individuals suffered “serious reactions” within seven to 10 days of ingesting the liquid supplements.

At that time the distributor of the supplements voluntarily recalled the products, which were distributed by Total Body Essential Nutrition of Atlanta.

The products have been distributed in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.

For every problem there is always a solution. It just depends on how much you have or are willing to dedicate to the same. Weight loss is also one such issue, but in this case, most people want instant results and want to shed those extra pounds within the shortest span on time. Today, in the market, if you were to scan the shelves you will notice there are more than enough products to reduce weight quickly. But, they might have some adverse side effects or other harmful chemicals in them which is how you lose all that extra weight so quick. So, be aware and be wary of such products, and do not take them unless you get a green signal from your doctor.

Putting on weight happens over a period of time, it is not like you went to bed skinny and woke up overweight. Similarly, you must be ready to invest time in losing weight, to remain healthy and to be able to maintain the weight you have achieved. There are some who suffer from joint pain and legs aching all the time, or shortness of breath. This is due to the fact that their body is not able to bear their body weight. They can try out some of the quick weight loss pills and control their eating habits as well. Adopting a better eating pattern, including more vegetables, low calorie products and avoiding fatty food items, one can accomplish their goals in no time.

Cooking healthy food, which is filled with the required amount of nutrients and vitamins will help the body stay fit and not put on weight. If you eat out a lot, or are into junk food, the fat in the food will get accumulated in your body and that is what adds to the pounds. Fast weight loss will happen if you stick to your diet, and start working out regularly. Our body needs some physical activity to help burn the calories into energy and to increase our metabolism. This will keep our system working well, and burn the excess weight gradually. At the end of a month of such a weight loss program, you will notice you have not only lost weight, but also inches. This in itself is a feel good factor that will motivate you to continue with the weight loss pills and regime.

The ideal amount of weight to lose in a week would be between 1- 2 pounds and if you notice that you lose more than this, you need to check with your doctor. What would happen is along with losing weight, you will grow weaker, which is unhealthy. Taking weight loss pills like Hoodia and others will definitely help in keeping body weight in control, but you should read up before following any medication. If you do not see any weight loss after a month, do not worry, at times our body composition is such that it takes longer to break down the fat.
by Smartress Chikwendu