Healthy Way has Q & A with Dr. Kantor about appetite suppressants

Let’s take a step back: who should be taking natural appetite suppressants, and who shouldn’t?

 

Pharmaceutical grade appetite suppressants and natural herbs that happen to suppress appetite are completely different and natural herbs have other benefits. Those who are of normal weight or with a history of eating disorders should avoid taking pharmaceutical appetite suppressants due to dangerous side effects including heart palpitations, insomnia, diarrhea, etc. The natural supplements chromium and CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) both are not primarily used to suppress appetite, they are used to help manage insulin levels which also helps regulate appetite by reducing cravings for carbohydrates and sugars.

 

 

I don’t want to encourage readers to pursue weight loss at the cost of their health (especially those with eating disorders), but I do know that some people feel like they eat enough but still feel hungry – so that’s where I’m coming from with this question!

 

2) How do natural appetite suppressants like the ones you mention here compare to over-the-counter options? I mean this both in terms of efficacy and safety.

The mineral chromium and CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) a natural occurring fatty acid are not classified as appetite suppressants, they are nutritional supplements that help the metabolism function at optimal levels naturally reducing appetite through insulin hormone regulation. The over the counter are meant to just suppress appetite and have several side affects mentioned above.

 

3) Could any of these natural appetite suppressants pose a health risk, for example if they’re eaten in high amounts?

 

There are recommended dosages that should be followed. They are far less risky then pharmaceutical appetite suppressants, which increase risk for heart issues. If you take absurd amounts and totally disregard the recommended dosages there could be side effects, like upset stomach etc. from natural supplements.

 

4) Generally speaking, why do people tend to have a large or unbalanced appetite? If someone feels that they’re eating enough but they’re still hungry, what is usually the physical (or even emotional) cause behind it?

 

There are many reasons why people overeat. The most complicated is the comfort aspect of food. Food especially food containing high amounts of sugar and fat can actually soothe people due to the dopamine response related to stimulation of the opiate receptors. This is a similar response to our brains that recreational drugs give us.

 

The other reason people eat is they are not getting enough nutrients, calories or the right balance of both. If low calorie foods are consumed but they spike insulin levels (i.e. Low fat diet foods like shakes, bars, rice cakes, etc.) the body is unable to learn how to use it’s own fat store for fuel and when the insulin level drops the cravings for food increase. It is important to dump the “diet” mentality and eat real whole unprocessed foods that are rich in heart healthy fats like avocados, nuts, seeds, coconut oil, etc. Along with quality protein and high fiber carbohydrates preferably in the form of vegetables and some fruits. A diet like this will promote steady insulin levels and reduced cravings for sugary and starchy food options that increase appetite and reduce our body’s ability to lose weight.