Thermogenic Formula

Burning Fat

The concept of burning fat usually boils down to just that, a concept. When we think of burning fat, we often think of exercise and the effort it will take for us to lose a few pounds. Exercise is critical in the permanent management of fat, but just how does the body use fats? Are they really burned?

The body does use fats as well as carbohydrates and proteins for energy. Aside from the fact that protein, carbohydrates and fats are used for energy, they also can be stored as fat when consumed in excess. Proteins are the least likely to be stored, while simple sugars (fructose, glucose, lactose), if they are not consumed by the body for energy, are the easiest to convert into fat. Once stored in the fat cells, they still circulate as triglycerides and can readily be used for energy. Thus the fat burning concept becomes a reality IF your body is being activated to do so. This occurs in two ways.

The first way this occurs is when we expend more calories than we consume. The second way the body burns reserve fat tissue is in response to what is known as thermogenesis. Thermogenesis is the creation of heat, which the body does to maintain a normal temperature of 98.6. Many types of thermogenic responses occur from physiologic and metabolic reactions, but the two that most concern us relative to weight loss are shivering and brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis. Shivering thermogenesis occurs when your muscles produce heat upon exposure to a cold environment. Brown adipose tissue is where the real calorie burning takes place. BAT is situated mainly along the spine, scapula and upper chest. Its function is to maintain warmth and burn excess calories. Brown fat is termed the “good fat,” and is the key difference between being thin or fat.

When we are born, our BAT is very active, and this is why young healthy children adjust well and are usually warmer than adults are when exposed to cold environments. On the other hand, white adipose tissue (WAT) stores excess calories and supplies energy for BAT. The problem of fat accumulation starts with BAT. If the BAT in our bodies is inactive, then accumulation begins. Although calories have a role in this issue, 99% of the calories consumed by our bodies do not convert to fat. Only 1% of stored calories become a problem. Even a .1% of deficit in BAT activity can cause an accumulation of up to 25% fat over a lifetime.

What cause BAT to shut down? Usually a process of events occurs which could involve genetic predisposition, overdieting , calorie restriction, and lack of exercise and sympathetic nervous system insufficiency via the adrenals- epinephrine and norepinephrine.

How can we restart BAT once inactivity has set in? One way to turn it back on would be to expose ourselves to cold environments, work out and maintain an adequate, not drastically reduced, caloric intake. Although this method should be effective after prolonged application, Chinese herbalists found a simple, quick way centuries ago- ephedrine, which is predominant in the herb Chinese ephedra or ma huang. Unfortunately, when ephedirne alone is used in doses high enough to be effective (150mg), it can cause unwanted side effects such as palpitations, insomnia, elevated blood pressure, adrenal and thyroid stress and more. People with a heart or thyroid condition, diabetes or hypertension should certainly avoid such a severe approach. In addition many people don't like the amped effects that ephedrine gives them.

For many years we have been looking for an effective product to replace ephedrine without the side effects.

The Chinese herbs synephrine (citrus auranthium extract) and cordyceps work well in place of ephedrine but take a little longer to work so be a little more patient.

Citrus aurantium, synepherine, or Zhi shi as it is called in China, is as effective as ephedrine or more effective in some circumstances. The best thing to come along as an effective replacement to ephedrine, it has minimal side effects. The most dominate side effect was a slight raise in some individuals.

Cordycepces is another herb used by Chinese for energy and stamina for years. The original use for cordycepes was for strengthening the yin and yang (adrenals and kidney systems) as well as improving digestion and muscular strength. Like ephedrine and synepherine, cordycepes also has a thermogenic effect. The only side effect with this herb is a possible lowering of the blood pressure.

One last herb to remember in the fat loss thermogenic herbs is citrin (hydroxycitricacid) or HCA for short. This herb from India had 20 years of research from the pharmaceutical giant Hoffman La Roch. It prevents the conversion of fats and carbohydrates into fat by inhibiting an enzyme (alpha citrate lyase) that normally is responsible for converting fats and excess carbohydrates into fat. Citrin was most effective when combined with chromium picolinate.

A product that included a balance of the preceding herbs would be the most effective formula to date especially for the athletically minded individual. This would not include ephedrine. Although one doesn't necessarily have to be involved with a workout program to make the thermogenic effects work, fat loss is always accompanied by the addition of muscle tissue which also causes the body to burn more calories while resting.

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease.

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