Using Vitamins to Lose Weight

 

 

I have always found vitamins enormously helpful in weight loss. Not only do they supplement your nutritional input when following a low calorie diet, but they can also increase your metabolism and actively increase your weight loss!
If you have been dieting hard but not losing weight, or reached a plateau, chances are that you are deficient in at least one vitamin or mineral.
Eating healthily is important, but every dieter should supplement their food intake with vitamins. There are excellent vitamin supplements available on the Internet - its never been easier!

Calcium

There is new information out that calcium is even more important than we thought! New research shows that calcium may prevent fat storage and raise your metabolism. Remember, even if you aren't trying to lose weight, adaquate calcium is essential to prevent osteoporosis. Aim to consume 1000-1200mg per day.
If you aren't getting enough Calcium in your diet, be sure to take a calcium supplement. Coral calcium and plant based calcium are the best - you can buy them online or find them in your local health store.

Choline

The body needs Choline to metabolize fat, so this vitamin is very important! If your levels are too low, fat tends to get blocked in the liver. Choline is usually readily available in an average diet, but low calorie dieters should be careful to maintain their levels.
Choline deficiency can lead to cirrhosis and fatty degeneration of the liver. On the other hand, taking supplements is very safe. Taking too much is likely to result in nothing worse than a headache. So its an excellent, safe vitamin to add to your diet.
Good sources include egg yolks, wheat gem and peanuts. Also note that Choline is the main ingredient in Lethicin

Iodine

Iodine stimulates the thyroid and promotes a healthier faster metabolism. If you are having trouble losing weight, it could be that your thyroid is underactive. Adding a vitamin like Iodine to your diet will help to normalize your thyroid function.
Make sure to maintain your levels of Vitamin A too - this helps the thyroid to absorb the Iodine. The best source of Iodine is in Sea-Kelp, which is commonly available.

Inositol

Inositol works with Choline to metabolize fat. It also controls cholesterol levels. Good sources are soy, eggs and nuts. If you use supplements, higher dosages have been shown to work best, but you should start with a smaller amount, say 500mg.

Chromium

Chromium processes carbohydrates and helps to reduce hunger pangs. A 3-month study of 122 overweight people found an average 6lb loss in those taking 400mcg of Chromium daily.
The scientists think that Chromium works with Insulin to increase your metabolism, process carbohydrates and reduce body fat. Adding Chromium to your diet is best achieved through vitamin supplements.

Vitamins B2, B3, B5, B6

Keeps your metabolism running (very important for weight loss) and ensures a healthy thyroid.
Good sources include wheat bran, eggs and oats. But excess Vitamin B is soluble and washed out of the body everyday, so supplementing your vitamin intake is a good idea.

Vitamin C

Helps the body to convert glucose into energy, and stops it from being stored in your body. A study of elderly patients found that higher Vitamin C levels increased their metabolism by around 100 calories a day!
Good sources include blackcurrants, broccoli, oranges and strawberries. There are also plenty of good supplements available through the internet or in your local store.