by Valerie Berkowitz, co-author of The Stubborn Fat Fix and Director of Nutrition at the Center for Balanced Health.
 Most of us understand the importance of adding a multivitamin and an Omega 3 supplement to our diet. But if you are at a metabolic disadvantage (an underlying condition that inhibits weight or health goals) you'll need more support than just these two basics and here's why:
Most people who struggle to lose weight have a metabolic disadvantage which may be due to an unbalanced body system. This disadvantage may show up as a result of issues related to insulin levels, yeast overgrowth, thyroid, adrenal, hormone imbalance, or even a combination of a few of these. In many cases, people have a lot of unexplained symptoms that no one has been able to figure out.
To help your body, the following supplements will help "tip the scales" back into balance. Once you are in balance, your bathroom scale will follow and will at last move in the right downward direction.
One of the most prevalent metabolic disadvantages is an insulin disadvantage. With the rate of diabetes, prediabetes, and metabolic syndrome hitting colossal highs, you should familiarize yourself with these supplements that are found naturally in your body and are best absorbed on an empty stomach:
L-Carnitine (1000mg/day) is an amino acid that is metabolized in the liver and kidney just as many of the prescription medications we take. Its main role is to help turn fat into energy. If you are following a low carbohydrate diet and are already burning fat then this will help add fuel to your metabolic "fire". L-Carnitine is also involved in protein balance and heart health. There is research suggesting that adequate amounts of L-Carnitine may assist in the treatment of diabetes, kidney and liver diseases and help with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA - 300 mg) is a fatty acid found naturally in the body and is also an antioxidant. It's needed by the body to produce energy. Alpha Lipoic Acid helps converts blood sugar into energy so if you are on medications for diabetes, monitor your blood sugar closely and speak with your doctor about the potential need to reduce your medication. Research suggests ALA can help nerve and brain function while neutralizing free radical damage that promotes the aging process.
GTF (glucose tolerance factor) Chromium (200 mcg) is an essential trace mineral required for normal sugar and fat metabolism and enhances the ability for insulin to do its job. It too is present in high amounts in the liver and kidneys. Eating large amounts of sugar can lower chromium stores in your body, so if you are a sugar craver, this supplement is really important for you.
Cinnamon (1 gram) is a spice and has many health benefits. Studies point to cinnamon as being a clear factor in lowering blood sugar, triglycerides, cholesterol and blood pressure. If you would like to read an interesting and enjoyable article on cinnamon, I refer people to Laura Dolson's article, Cinnamon: Simple, Homey...and Mighty.
Biotin (Vitamin H or B7 - 3mg) is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin. It helps with the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Biotin helps to maintain balanced blood sugar levels and is also recommended for strengthening hair and nails.
Try all these supplements and many others by Now Foods here at CarbSmart.
More information on your specific type of metabolic disadvantage can be found in our book, The Stubborn Fat Fix available here at CarbSmart.com.
Also available:
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The Stubborn Fat Fix Bundle - Buy Now L-Carnitine 500mg - 60 Caps, GTF Chromium 200mcg Yeast Free - 100 Tabs, and Omega-3 together and get The Stubborn Fat Fix Book ATOGRAPHED BY THE AUTHORS FREE (book will arrive separately)"
© 2009 Valerie Berkowitz.
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