3 Secrets to Shape Up And Strip Down For The Summer (Supplements 1)

As the countdown to summer continues step up the fat burning pep by adding supplements to enhance weight loss from diet and exercise. Rule # 2, supplements are key to your “Strip Down” list. Nutritional supplementation is natural and can really benefit health and weight loss, pain and almost any ailment you may have.
However, it is important to work with a trained medical professional. Supplements can interact with each other, with medications, recreational alcohol or drugs, or medical conditions. Before you add supplements as part of a nutrition package, check with your doctor to ensure these work with and not against you. Taking excessive doses of these supplements will not get you better or faster results and can cause negative side effects.
My favorite fat burning supplements are:
1. COCONUT OIL is a medium chain triglyceride that increases fat and calorie burning while potentially reducing appetite and has been found to have beneficial effects on body composition., http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3109/09637481003702114. This is one giant step out of the “all saturated fat is bad for you” crock of sh-t bowl. Coconut may also help enhance  thyroid function, skin, immune system  and much, much, more, add 2-4 tbsp a day to your low carb/paleo diet.
2. L-CARNITINE is an amino acid that should be taken on an empty stomach, 1/4-3/4 of a tsp.  It transports  fat to the mitochondria so that it is burned and is involved in energy optimization. In addition to fat loss, L-carnitine seems to be helpful with post work out exercise recovery as it delivers oxygen to the muscles and aids in muscle repair including the heart muscle. L-carnitine is naturally found in meat.
Research has proven the benefits of carnitine for healthy individuals. If you take medications for HIV/AIDS, or heart disease (Doxorubicin) carnitine may be helpful but there are contraindications with valproic acid, accutaine, thyroid and potentially other meds. If you have a medical condition, speak with your doctor before taking supplements.
3. Ubiquinol, Vitamin Q or COQ10 is an enzyme and powerful anti-oxidant, a must in your anti-aging protocol. It is involved in boosting cellular metabolism so you feel more energy while you work out. If you are on certain medications for diabetes or cholesterol, studies have shown that you need ubiquinol. Take 30-100 mg based on the brand with a meal. Side effects are rare but can include headache, fatigue and irritability.  It can decrease the body’s response to blood thinners and lower the need for insulin.
4. L-Arginine is an amino acid that has been shown to assist in fat loss and muscle preservation. According to the Townsend Newsletter, “The muscle mass of an individual determines 40% of his or her insulin sensitivity and 70% to 90% of blood glucose clearance. This makes muscle a valuable asset in sustained body change. Low-calorie diets deplete muscle tissue, significantly reduce metabolic rate, and create a progressive resistance to further weight loss after each month”.  The reasons for its reputation as a “miracle molecule ” are the same characteristics working as its Achilles heel. Arginine seems to effect growth hormone and acts as a precursor to NO (nitric oxide, increases blood flow). Anytime you take a supplement that effects hormones (insulin, growth hormone) or blood flow, you want your doctor to know…DO NOT TAKE THIS WITHOUT CONSULTING WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN but if you get approval, this may do wonders to supplement diet and exercise.
For side effects and interactions visit WebMD, http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-875-L-ARGININE.aspx?activeIngredientId=875&activeIngredientName=L-ARGININE.
While these are just 4 ways to boost your weight loss for the summer, 109 days away! There are still more, so catch me next week for the rest of my shape up and strip down summer supplement suggestions.