Metabolism and Weight Loss
Thermogenics Boost Your Metabolism

Q:I read your article about thyroid problems in the archives, and have had mine checked. The doctor says it is normal, but I have been trying to lose weight, can't and don't know what else could be wrong with me. I am eating a low calorie diet and exercising regularly. And that's not easy to do in the winter when it's boring to exercise indoors because I am so sensitive to the cold. I do some aerobics and use a stationery bike. Since my thyroid checks out all right, do you have any suggestions on how I can speed up my metabolism using natural herbs or supplements? When I was younger, it was easy to lose a few pounds, but now that I am in my 40's, it is so difficult.

A: As you get older, your body loses muscle. Muscle uses more energy to burn fat. A combination of strength training to build more muscle and some herbal medicine might help you. Add some weight lifting to your workout. There are many short routines you can find in health and women's magazines and books. Prevention Magazine has some of these almost every month.
Certain herbs that are called "thermogenic agents" can help while you are doing this. They activate your body's cells and make you burn calories faster (see note below). Two herbs that are helpful are cayenne (capsicum minima) and ginger (zingiber officinale).
Ginger is also a body warmer. After you take it for awhile, you might even feel more comfortable to exercise outdoors on those colder days. You can purchase ginger in root tablets and take two 500 mg tablets three times a day.
Cayenne also warms you up and improves your circulation. You can buy cayenne pepper in the grocery store and mix 1/4 teaspoon in a glass of warm water, or take one 250 mg capsule, three times a day.
You can try either of these, to see which one works best for you. They are easily purchased at discount department stores, grocery stores , health food stores, or pharmacies.
I hope this is helpful to you, and let me know your progress.
Thanks for your question.

NOTE: Because of your age, I want to mention that if you are in menopause, having hot flashes, these will increase your hot flashes.

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