Guggul,
the sticky gum resin from the mukul myrrh tree, plays a major role
in Ayurveda, the traditional herbal medicine of India. Guggul may
change thyroid hormone metabolism, due to the increased conversion
of the inactive thyroid hormone T4 into its active part T3 in the
liver. Guggul is a natural thermogenic alternative to harsher stimulant
products.
As we
all know, it is tough to lose fat. This is not to be confused with
“weight” loss. Anybody who has tried knows that it is much
less difficult to lose muscle or water weight. We also know that this
is not what we want to lose. The key to healthy weight loss is to
reduce fat in the body while protecting our healthy muscle and water
levels.
Generally,
when anybody discusses fat loss, the conversation steers towards caffeine/stimulant
based thermogenics, appetite suppressants or diuretics. However, there
is another option out there.
Guggul,
the sticky gum resin from the mukul myrrh tree, plays a major role
in Ayurveda, the traditional herbal medicine of India. Guggulsterones
are an extract of the herb, commiphora mukul. Research with laboratory
animals suggests guggul may help enhance thyroid function.
Thyroid
hormones control metabolic rate. When metabolic rate slows down, which
sometimes occurs when a person diets, the body burns fewer calories
each day. The body senses that you're in a phase of calorie deficiency
and it slows/stops the conversion of thyroid hormone T4 into a more
active T3 form. T3 plays a role in accelerating metabolism. This leads
to the rate at which the body loses fat slowing down. Unlike some
weight loss drugs, which boost thyroid hormone levels higher than
normal, guggulsterones provide natural stimulation of the thyroid
gland.
Guggul
may change thyroid hormone metabolism, due to the increased conversion
of the inactive thyroid hormone T4 into its active part T3 in the
liver, increasing levels of circulating T3, a thyroxine metabolite
known to raise overall metabolism. What's more, Guggulsterones may
also stimulate the thyroid directly by enhancing TSH (Thyroid Stimulating
Hormone) production.
Maintaining
a high thyroid output creates a strong thermogenic (fat burning) metabolism.
The result is the body burning more calories, and fat loss increasing.
Is this some sort of magic pill? Of course not, diet and exercise
are an important part to any successful weight loss. Guggul is meant
to help reach that goal, by increasing the body’s metabolism
that may have slowed down from dieting. It is a natural thermogenic
alternative to harsher stimulant products.
SELECTED
REFERENCES
1. Antonio
J., Colker C. M., Torina G. C., Quihu Shi, Brink W., Kalman D. Effects
Of a Standardized Guggulsterone Phosphate Supplement On Body Composition
In Overweight Adults: A Pilot Study. Current Therapeutic Research,
Volume 60, Issue 4, April 1999, Pages 220-227.
2. Hansen, John. Natural Bodybuilding. January 2005. Human Kinetics
Publishers. P108.
3. Panda S, Kar A. Gugulu (Commiphora mukul) induces triiodothyronine
production: possible involvement of lipid peroxidation. Life Sci.
1999;65(12):PL137-41.
4. Tripathy, Y.B., Malhotra, O.P.and Tripathy, S.N (1985) Thyroid-stimulating
actions of (Z) guggulsterone obtained from Commiphora mukul. Planta
Medica. 78-80.
5. Tripathy, Y.B., Tripathy, P., Malhotra, O.P.and Tripathy, S.N.
(1988) Thyroid stimulating action of (Z) guggulsterone. Mechanism
of action. Planta Medica 271-276.
FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
Are
there any side effects to taking Guggul?
There are no known serious side effects to taking Guggul. It is non-toxic
and welltolerated. However, prolonged use may be associated with mild
stomach upset. Also, some users experience a mild ‘heat’
sensation.
Can
Guggul be taken along with prescription medication?
It is not advisable to combine guggul with prescription cholesterol-lowering
or thyroid medication, although the interaction with such drugs has
not been studied in detail. If you've been considering guggul it is
recommended that you talk to your doctor first.
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Capsule
90 servings
Amount Per Serving:
Guggul Extract (standardized) 700mg
Guggulsterones 35mg
Directions: Take 1 capsule 3 times daily, or as recommended by a health
care professional.
Other Ingredients: gelatin, dicalcium phosphate, silicon dioxide,
magnesium stearate and mineral oil.
