Hormone Diet Fads

New diets inevitably emerge with weight loss secrets claiming they are the "best", “quickest” or “easiest” way to get slim and look sexy. With products flooding the market it is important to take a closer look and compare both sides of the story.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)A pregnancy hormone found in the urine of pregnant women, hCG is alleged to reestablish the connection between the brain and fat cells and when used in conjunction of a low-calorie diet may resulting in the loss of fat cells instead of lean muscle mass. It is available in drops via the Internet or injections prescribed by a physician.

Pros:
• None proven
Cons:
• hCG is not FDA approved
• Requires the use of extreme low-calorie diet to attain weight loss
• Weight is often regained when the program is stopped.
• Internet hCG products may not contain any of the actual hormone or only trace amounts.

HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE (HGH)Produced in the anterior pituitary gland, HGH promotes growth during childhood and adolescence. The claims for HGh include reducing body fat storage and stimulating accumulation of lean body mass.

Pros:
• In a small prospective study it was found to increases resting metabolic rate in participants who were deficient in HGH.
• May increase muscle mass
Cons:
• High levels of hGH are more likely to result in death at an earlier age.
• No conclusive evidence that it prevents aging
• Little impact on muscle strength
DHEA – Dehydroepiandroserone
An important precursor to testosterone and estrogen, DHEA is produced by the adrenal glands from cholesterol. It is a widely used supplement for alleged anti-aging properties, athletic enhancement, and reduction in body fat. It has been coined as the “fountain of youth hormone.”

Pros:
• None proven
Cons:
• Safety and efficiency not established
• To date no scientific evidence proves claims

The human body maintains a delicate balance of all hormones in the body. When hormone supplements are used they may not replicate the same function as when they are produced by your body naturally and can have adverse effects. It is important that all hormone supplements are used under the supervision of a health care provider.

For more information about these supplements and others visit: Office of Dietary Supplements at http://ods.od.nih.gov/

THE HORMONE DIET

The national bestseller The Hormone Diet was created by Natasha Turner a leading neuropathic doctor.

The diet consists of a 3-step approach to restorin

g total health. Which is said to optimize your hormone balance, help you loose unwanted fat, and restore your total health. The program claims to treat patients with a wide range of health goals including gaining muscle mass, healthier skin, improving sleep or headaches, increasing energy, or sharpening memory. The program consists of a 5-8 week program with pre and post boot camps. It includes evaluating blood panels, restricted dietary intake, use of supplements, menu planning, shopping lists, physical exams and exercise prescriptions. It diet is a Mediterranean based diet that emphasizes glycemic control. The detox periods or boot camps are based on a raw food diet.

Pros:
• Promotes a balanced lifestyle
• Educates clients on the human body, nutrition, and physical activity
Cons:
• Requires extensive lifestyle modifications
• Frequent doctor visits for blood testing
• The use of expensive supplements some of which are not FDA approved.
• Requires eliminating specific foods from your diet entirely.

You do not need expensive supplements, excessive blood panels or grueling dietary restrictions to loose weight and feel your best. All it takes is a consistent balanced approach to nutrition and fitness.

GSU Coordinated Program Interns - Cohort VII