Weight loss in the United States is an industry that is growing by leaps and bounds. Not a day goes by that another miraculous cure or patch, potion, or shake is not unveiled. Thousands of people die each year as a result of fad dieting, side effects from commercial weight loss drugs, and a harmful combination of the two. Thus those who tout the benefits of alternative medicines are speaking up and point to the effectiveness of the herbal methodology. Yet weight loss through Chinese medicine may be more than you bargained for!

1. For starters, the reliance on any shake, supplement or powder to help you lose weight is a misapplied notion. While there is a definite benefit to this kind of help, the reliance on it in the face of an unaltered lifestyle is useless.

2. Not all herbal supplements are created equal. As a matter of fact, ruthless manufacturers of herbal weight loss supplements may advertise their herbal concoctions as being directly in keeping with Chinese medicine and its teachings, but when tested, the actual ingredient that is a Chinese herb is usually cut with fillers, distilled with alcohol, and otherwise almost completely stripped of its medicinal properties.

3. The propensity for the overweight to self medicate rather than seeking licensed medical advise quite often leads to overdosing, the aggravation of undiagnosed medical conditions, and of course the potentially fatal mixing and matching of ingredients that do not work well together.

Yet before you give up on Chinese medicine, consider that its effectiveness cannot be disputed and harnessing the power of the herbs is in your best interest. It is the way you go about it that will make all the difference in the world! To this end, here are some tips:

* Visit your doctor and have a complete physical. Have your blood-work done and especially check for a proper functioning of the liver and kidneys. Similarly, your heart should be checked by using an ultrasound to ensure that all is working well and there are no undiagnosed problems. Discuss with your doctor the use of herbal medicines.

* Visit an herbal practitioner of good repute who has been schooled in the art and science of Chinese medicine. Discuss your needs, medical conditions, and find out which herbs you may use, and which dosage is indicated.

* Purchase herbs and supplements containing herbs only from reputable sources that are certified organic not only as far as harvesting is concerned but also in their processing.

* Alter your lifestyle to include healthier food choices, exercise, and of course the herbs.

* Remember that no herb can counteract the destructive effect of a diet rich in fast food, saturated fat, and alcohol. A change in lifestyle as well as nutrition is a must and a reliance on herbs to make up for good choices needs to be strongly avoided. As a matter of fact, set a time limit at which point you will reevaluate your progress! If you follow through in this manner, weight loss through Chinese medicine may be more than you bargained for - more effective that is!

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