According to Wikipedia, ‘thermogenic’ means tending to produce heat and is a word commonly applied to drugs which increase heat through metabolic stimulation. In the weight loss and body-building worlds, there is a whole range of thermogenic pills and potions which, they say, will raise your metabolism and help you burn, burn, burn off that fat.
Well, many of the thermogenic products on the market can also burn, burn burn a hole right through your wallet and some have been known to have adverse effects on health.
In the past, many thermogenic supplements contained ephedra alkaloids which were eventually found to cause adverse cardiovascular reactions as well as an increased risk of psychiatric symptoms and heart palpitations. The FDA finally banned ephedra from use in dietery supplements but those thermogenic products that are available today are still not going to be suitable for everyone.
An example is the thermogenic supplement Hydroxycut Hardcore X. While many Hydroxycut product reviews are positive, one buyer in particular posted a review which is very typical of the possible bad side effects of thermogenics should you be sensitive to them:
I’m only into my first bottle (which will be my last) and not likely going to finish it. The results aren’t on par with the old formula and the side effects suck: Headache, nausea, diarrhea (a lot), and just feeling “bad” overall. Some moderate to severe stomache cramps, gas, bloating a couple of days ago and today has been the worst by far with diarrhea trips to the restroom every couple of minutes. I’d strongly advise against using this product – anything that causes these effects cannot be good for you long term.
Other thermogenic supplements on the market include Oxyelite Pro and Lipoxathin Hardcore Thermogenics. Whether you decide to try these or any other over-the-counter thermogenic supplement please remember to follow instructions carefully, do not take more than advised and stop immediately if you suffer any ill effects
Those who find the idea of thermogenic supplements like Oxylite or Hydroxycut appealing but who are not prepared to stuff their bodies full of rocket fuel (can’t say as I blame ‘em), can up their intake of naturally thermogenics foods. The results may not be as dramatic as bottled thermogenics but in the longterm simply increasing those foods that have naturally ‘heating’ properties is a healthy option as often these are the foods that are high in anti-oxidants and vital nutrients anyway.
Some naturally thermogenic or metabolism boosting foods are cafeine, chilli peppers, green tea, ginger, berries, pomegranate, grapes, grapefruit, apple cider vinegar and pure lean protein.
For a naturally thermogenic meal throw together grilled chicken breast with greens followed by wild berry and grape salad. Or follow chef Ronaldo Fulieri as he throws together a delicious, nutritious and thermogenic breakfast omelette including chilli, parsley and garlic.
