fat loss

January 29, 2003

Hi Andie,

Losing weight is up to your sister. If she wishes to lose weight then she will. But don't go with the magic bullet as one does not exist. Using herbs to reduce weight will work only so long. Without diet modification the "fat" will just come back. The best way for her to lose weight is to start exercising daily, modifying her life style to handle and reduce stress, quit smoking, quit drinking coffee, quit eating junk food and overly processed dead food and to start eating healthy live food such as fresh fruits and fresh vegetables.

I know this isn't what you wanted to hear but this is the best advice anyone can possibly give that is totally safe.

HTH,

Don Quai

-

frodolives84 <awoolman

herbal remedies

Wednesday, January 29, 2003 8:02 PM

[herbal remedies] fat loss

My 43 year old sister needs to lose fat. She's probably 80 to 100 pounds overweight. She always wants things NOW. She smokes 1/2 pack of cigarettes a day, has a desk job with alot of stress (owns her own TV station), and gets no exercise at all. I've just recently talked her into walking her dog everyday and she also works out with me twice a week at my martial arts school. Someone she claims is a "natural doctor" told her to take choline - inositol. Could this harm her? I believe your body manufactures it. Is there any herbal remedies she could take that would help her metabolize fat? Thank you,Andie Federal Law requires that we warn you of the following: 1. Natural methods can sometimes backfire. 2. If you are pregnant, consult your physician before using any natural remedy. 3. The Constitution guarantees you the right to be your own physician and toprescribe for your own health. We are not medical doctors although MDs are welcome to post here as long as they behave themselves. Any opinions put forth by the list members are exactly that, and any person following the advice of anyone posting here does so at their own risk. It is up to you to educate yourself. By accepting advice or products from list members, you are agreeing to be fully responsible for your own health, and hold the List Owner and members free of any liability. Dr. Ian ShillingtonDoctor of NaturopathyDr.IanShillington

January 29, 2003

Inositol is necessary for the formation of lecithin and functions closely with a B complex vitamin, Choline. Since it is not essential in the human diet, it cannot be considered a vitamin. Inositol is a fundamental ingredient of cell membranes and is necessary for proper function of nerves, brain, and muscles in the body. Inositol works in conjunction with folacin, Vitamins B-6 and B-12, choline, betaine, and methionine to prevent the accumulation of fats in the liver. It exists as the fiber component phytic acid, which has been investigated for its anti-cancer properties.

Inositol is primarily used in the treatment of liver problems, depression, panic disorder, and diabetes. It also aids in the breakdown of fats, helps in the reduction of blood cholesterol, and helps to prevent thinning hair. A diet low in Inositol may result in deficiency symptoms that culminate in high blood cholesterol, constipation, eczema, and hair loss. Neurotransmitters such as seratonin in the brain depend on Inositol to function properly. Low levels of this nutrient may result in depression and some research has shown that increased levels of Inositol appear to be a promising treatment for depression. According to recent research, the abundance of Inositol in fiber may explain in part why high fiber diets are often associated with a lower incidence of certain cancers. Although promising in the treatment of depression and high blood cholesterol, there is no significant research available to support the use of Inositol for weight loss

I realize that losing weight is up to her. I've been teaching fitness kickboxing for 6 years. I've seen alot of people wanting the quick fix and I know the only way is to eat real food and exercise. I just wanted to know if the choline or inositol would harm her in any way. Thanks!Andie

January 29, 2003

Toxicity: High doses (10 to 16 grams/day) of choline have been associated with a fishy body odor, vomiting, salivation, and increased sweating. The fishy body odor results from excessive production and excretion of trimethylamine, a metabolite of choline. Taking large doses of choline in the form of phosphatidylcholine (lecithin) does not generally result in fishy body odor, because its metabolism results in little trimethylamine. A dose of 7.5 grams of choline/day was found to have a slight blood pressure lowering (hypotensive) effect, which could result in dizziness or fainting. Choline magnesium trisalicylate at doses of 3 grams/day has resulted in impaired liver function, generalized itching, and ringing of the ears (tinnitus). However, it is likely that these effects were a result of the salicylate, rather than the choline in the preparation (3).

In 1998, the Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) of the Institute of Medicine established the tolerable upper intake level (UL) for choline at 3.5 grams/day. This recommendation was based primarily on preventing hypotension (low blood pressure) and secondarily on preventing the fishy body odor due to increased excretion of trimethylamine. The UL was established for generally healthy people and the FNB noted that individuals with liver or kidney disease, Parkinson's disease, depression, and a genetic disorder known as trimethylaminuria might be at increased risk of adverse effects when consuming choline at levels near the UL (3)

Drug interactions: Methotrexate, a medication used in the treatment of cancer, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis, limits the availability of methyl groups donated from folate derivatives by inhibiting the enzyme, dihydrofolate reductase. Rats given methotrexate have show evidence of diminished choline nutritional status including fatty liver, which can be reversed by choline supplementation (2). Thus, individuals taking methotrexate may have an increased choline requirement.

THE LINUS PAULING INSTITUTE RECOMMENDATION

Little is known regarding the amount of dietary choline required to promote optimum health or prevent chronic disease in humans. The Linus Pauling Institute supports the recommendation by the Food and Nutrition Board of 550 milligrams (mg)/day for adult men and 425 mg/day for adult women. A varied diet should provide enough choline for most people, but vegetarians who consume no milk or eggs may be at risk of inadequate choline intake. Currently, choline is not routinely included in common multivitamin-mineral supplements, so those who are interested in supplementing their dietary intake of choline may need to take a separate supplement. Lecithin (phosphatidylcholine), a choline supplement, is only 13% choline by weight, so a lecithin supplement providing 4,230 mg (4.2 grams) of phosphitidyl choline would provide 550 mg of choline.

Older adults (65 years and older): Little is known regarding the amount of dietary choline most likely to promote optimum health or prevent chronic disease in older adults. At present, there is no evidence to support a different intake of choline from that of younger adults (550 mg/day for men and 425 mg/day for women).

I realize that losing weight is up to her. I've been teaching fitness kickboxing for 6 years. I've seen alot of people wanting the quick fix and I know the only way is to eat real food and exercise. I just wanted to know if the choline or inositol would harm her in any way. Thanks!AndieFederal Law requires that we warn you of the following: 1. Natural methods can sometimes backfire. 2. If you are pregnant, consult your physician before using any natural remedy. 3. The Constitution guarantees you the right to be your own physician and toprescribe for your own health. We are not medical doctors although MDs are welcome to post here as long as they behave themselves. Any opinions put forth by the list members are exactly that, and any person following the advice of anyone posting here does so at their own risk. It is up to you to educate yourself. By accepting advice or products from list members, you are agreeing to be fully responsible for your own health, and hold the List Owner and members free of any liability. Dr. Ian ShillingtonDoctor of NaturopathyDr.IanShillington