Debunk Three Harmful Diet Myths

Monday, November 30, 2009 by: Fleur Hupston
Tags: dieting, health myths, health news

(NewsTarget) A quick Internet search will reveal thousands of quick fix diet choices on the market. Many are simply money making scams and some can be downright dangerous. It can be difficult to discern when something comes along in a book, magazine or broadcast that is actually new, important information that will result in better health. Healthy eating and the need to exercise to lose weight have been emphasized for years but many people are still looking for the easy diet or magic formula that will enable them to eat anything they want. Consider the following three diet myths:

Blaming Cortisol

The manufacturers of certain diet pills claim that research shows that the stress hormone cortisol may be a factor in the struggle to control weight. Stress to the human body can include trauma, anxiety, infections, surgery and even excessive exercise.

Excess cortisol may affect where the body stores extra fat, but cortisol is a natural hormone that is produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress. Does cortisol add weight? Not necessarily. When animals are under stress, increased cortisol will suppress their appetite. Over time they become thin and start to waste away. The same is true of humans. Think back to times of intense stress, such as a time of trauma or panic - having dinner was probably the last thing on your mind.

Fat Burners and Metabolism Boosters

The products in this category claim to help weight loss by raising metabolic rate. However, the increase is slight in contrast to what is promised. Some popular fat burners claim you can eat anything you like and still lose weight.
Most of the ingredients in these diet pills are the same as those found in energy drinks. These products are stimulants rather than fat burners. For a similar jolt of energy and suppressed appetite, a strong cup of coffee will do the same thing. Not to be overlooked is the huge amount of money made by selling these products to gullible and hopeful consumers.

Carb Blockers

This magic sounding formula can ease feelings of guilt after indulging in pasta or a sticky pudding. The human body absorbs essential nutrients from carbohydrates and so the idea of taking something to interfere with the body's ability to digest food can be a dangerous one.

Many carb blocker pills claim that one pill before a meal can block over 1000 calories, yet there are no reliable clinical studies to support this.

Teach the Body to Burn Fat the Healthy Way

There are no short-cuts or magic pills that will enable people to eat whatever they like with impunity.

A vegetable and protein rich diet coupled with an exercise strategy is the healthy route to a trim, healthy body. Exercising in short bursts will burn fat for up to 24 hours. A low-impact exercise such as swimming is the best choice for the seriously overweight. Whatever exercise is chosen, start slowly, for example a 20 minute work out every second day and build up intensity gradually.

Sources:

http://www.health24.com/dietnfood/DietDocs_a...
Tom Venuto - The Truth about Fat Burner Pills - Iron Magazine
http://www.advance-health.com/cortisol.html

About the author

Fleur Hupston is a professional freelance writer. She is passionate about natural, healthy living and is currently studying to be a naturopath. She divides her time between writing for Natural News and various other sites, home schooling her children and studying part time.