The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
General Feedback
Posted by Jatarra (Fort Myers, FL) on 01/20/2007
I hate to say it but I was raised on a the poverty level of society as I was growing up. My grandmother would do everything she could to keep our family fed and and clothed. She would buy good food, but also some not so healthy choices. Like hot dogs by the pack, and soda by the Liter, because she felt it was cost efficient. So we would normally end up having to buy food that would last the whole month, which included pork, hams, corn dogs, and etc...
If your a child being raised in a crowded home, you usually have to eat what's served on your plate regardless of nutrition. Well what's good for the goose is not necessary good for the gander. Just because Sean is 16 and is a growing boy who play football, doesn't mean 10 year old Sherry can eat a pound of potatoes smothered in butter and a huge sloppy Joe.
I was overweight most of my life. I used to be 180 pounds when I was 16, now I'm down to 145. It's all because I change my life style. Growing up I was mentally depressed. When you are depressed you tend to eat more, because your trying to fulfill an emotional need with food, but all it does is lead to weight gain. Also not having healthy choices leads to bad health. We also eat when were bored, if you having nothing to occupy your mind having some food is one of the first things that tends to go on the I do list.
When I was a little girl I was sheltered and wasn't allowed to do much in the way of having a social life. My guardian was overly protective and gave me a lot negative self talks. I couldn't go to the neighbor's house because their were boys there, but my brothers could go just about anywhere they wanted and could roughhouse all they liked. Play sports, have friends, and participate in after school activities.
I came from an African American family. My family couldn't understand why I would eat so much and they would ridicule me because of my weight and size, and to this day their are lot of emotional scars left behind. I dread gaining and weight and I am constantly trying to get down to 125. It was all ignorance and I suffered alot for something I didn't cause or couldn't help.
The point of what I am trying to say is that children who are overweight cannot help because parents and guardians simply are not giving them right choices. It pains me to see older and younger alike who are in the category of obesity. I want to tell people so badly that the food choices they are making is what's causing this epidemic, as well emotional problems.
Master Cleanses
Posted by Dix (Kc) on 08/22/2015
I, too, am wondering how things went for Jesse. I'm grateful she posted her story, though.
I read this story 4 days ago and have been following her instructions. I lost 3 lbs in 3 days and went up a little last night. These are preliminary results and I'm not worried about that.
My problem is that I'm wired. I used to nap in the afternoons, which I LOVED, but not only am I not napping, I'm not sleeping very long at night. Some people might like this, but I don't. I like getting plenty of sleep. It adds to the quality of my social interactions as I'm more relaxed and have a better sense of fun and humor when I'm getting more sleep.
Does anyone have any experience or advice regarding this? I may try BSM instead of honey and see if the different minerals help with sleeping.
TIA for any info if you have experience with this.
Master Cleanses
Posted by Carol (Republic, Washington)
★★★★★
The cleanse:
apple cider vinegar (1/2 cup),
juice of two fresh squeezed lemons,
maple syrup (to taste), and
cayenne pepper (as much as you can stand) is a great weight loss combo.....
Go on a fast for one day, only sip this "lemonade" the second day, only liquids and this lemonade the third day, chicken noodle soup and the lemonade (or cabbage soup) the fourth day -- add fresh veggies, not carrots. And the fifth day, one regular meal and the lemonade, and you can be anywhere from 10 to 15 pounds thinner, and feel great!
I used to weigh 289 pounds, I now weigh 135 pounds... and no one believes I am soon to be 47 years old... I also give my hubby the same thing, but substitute black molasses for the honey as he is pre-diabetic. Gives him instant energy and helps him digest his meals and he feels less sluggish,... I love ACV!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Karina (USA) on 11/20/2024
I need to lose about 20 pounds. I tried the apple cider vinegar remedy as suggested here in EC (organic, with the mother). I felt great and even had quite a bit more energy. My stomach seemed flatter. And I felt more motivated to get things done that I had been procrastinating doing. The only problem is that it almost stopped up my bowel movements. I had only been taking it for 4-5 days, 2-3 times per day, approx 2 tablespoons each time. Sometimes I would add a little honey. Other times I added a half teaspoon of baking soda. I became so constipated when I'm normally quite regular. I stopped taking it and now almost 3 weeks later I'm still not back to normal. I need to take herbal laxatives and magnesium to have a bowel movement. Anyone have any idea why this might be and what could be done to prevent and fix it?
Inositol
Posted by HisJewel (New York) on 08/09/2023
★★★★★
2-3 Eggs Per Day
Posted by Cindy (NM) on 11/21/2021
How do you clean the bowels with a salt cleansing? I am constipated 100% of the time.
2-3 Eggs Per Day
Posted by KS (IL) on 11/20/2021
Thanks for the info. I see it's about $90 and you need to prick your finger. So, I'll put a hold on it for now, but good to know. What's great is how you were able to do your own research quickly.
2-3 Eggs Per Day
Posted by Jgny (Thousand Islands) on 11/12/2021
Do you eat any whole grain bread? I eat eggs daily at least 2 and it has not had any effect on my weight. I include one slice of 12 grain bread daily, maybe that is the problem?
Resveratrol
Posted by Holly (Atlanta ) on 03/13/2020
Does this cause any kind of jittery feeling? I have anxiety that I am managing fantastically with magnesium therapy but I need to lose weight. I'm wary of things that can raise my heart rate or give me that caffeine-like effect.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Karen (Whitby, Ontario, Canada) on 07/27/2018
★☆☆☆☆
I am currently 75 pounds overweight. I have all of the symptoms of having a thyroid issue yet tests are normal. I am acidic. So I am taking the following daily:
flax seed, greens, a good multivitamin for 40+ women, a digestive enzyme plus ox bile with every meal, adrenal support, I stopped eating anything prepared and eat fresh veggies, fruit and lean protein. I also take 5-HTP and an herbal sleep aid. I make a tea daily with 2 litres water, ginger root, lemon, baking soda, ACV and honey.
None of this is making any difference. I usually have a protein shake with 3/4 c almond milk, a banana, greens and flax for breakfast with all of my supplements- then I won't eat much all day until 2-3 pm because I don't get hungry. I have been sleeping a lot. I have a hard time falling asleep at night then I can sleep until 12-1 pm if I am off.
I have battled with depression but the supplements help. I need to lose weight and get some energy, or I need to sleep and never eat to lose weight. One or the other I don't know what else to do. Exercise makes me gain. Help
5:2 Diet
Posted by Jillery (Rawlly, Nc) on 07/18/2018 86 posts
nice. what the heck is it?
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Posted by Beryl (Uk) on 06/22/2016
I'm in my seventies, and keep well. However, recently I've been attempting to lose a bit of weight, and to guard against looking too drawn from weight loss I've been taking hydrolysed collagen. Hoping that it will help with bones, nails, hair, skin, etc. I've been taking six caplets a day on an empty stomach, and for about a month I felt really good. However, this last fortnight my spine has become really painful, and one of my discs especially so when pressure was applied to it. And I've been finding that old injuries have also become painful. Putting two and two together I wondered whether it could be the hydrolysed collagen, and so two days ago I stopped taking it, and all the pain has disappeared. I wondered whether I was overloading my system with too much calcium, but I understand there's no calcium in it. The reviews of the product are excellent. Any thoughts on this?
Ginger
Posted by Bill (California) on 05/24/2017
I am an Asian-American and love ginger in my food. however. I have been using coconut oil for two months now.. Enjoying many benefits. Lost significant weight. Down to a 32 waist with a 42 jacket. Have not enjoyed that since my college days 65 years ago.
Neem Tea
Posted by Hisjewel (America, New York) on 05/02/2016
Correction, I meant to say Neem has been said to lower blood sugar. This is one of the reason to read up on it before you start taking it. You do not want your blood sugar to drop too low.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lynn (Las Vegas) on 03/16/2016
I've only tried ACV & water twice & both times I've had a headache. I do 1 tsp of ACV in 6 oz water at night before bed. I thought it was stress until I saw your post.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Ana (Orlando) on 11/06/2023
It's because this combination can drop blood sugar quickly, so either lower the amount, don't mix lemon with apple cider or start healthy snacking.
Potassium Iodide
Posted by Faith (New York) on 11/07/2016
Thanks for the tip. As an appetite suppressant chia seeds works wonders. A tablespoon first thing in the morning before breakfast with water.
Potassium Iodide
Posted by Nelfen (UK) on 10/20/2022
★★★★★
Hi can anyone take the potassium iodide? Thanks
Potassium Iodide
Posted by Jane (Podunk) on 10/25/2022
No. Only people who know how to use or administer it should use it. Educate yourself. :)
HCG Diet
Posted by Mary (Saskatchewan) on 03/16/2015
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Hi: I am wondering if anyone has had the same experience as me. Did HCG diet and lost 20 lbs. When on it, it was easy to keep the weight off, but when I stopped taking the HCG the weight is coming back. and I cannot get enough fat. I am binging on fat. I am so humiliated. I thought I fixed this awful weight problem but AM HAVING TROUBLE WITH EATING TOO MUCH NOW. Does anyone have any suggestions?
HCG Diet
Posted by Charity (Faithville , Us) on 03/16/2015
I wouldn't let trial and error humiliate you. Trying takes courage. 3- family members also went this route and had the same experience you are having. I think as we age our hormones lessen and finding the right supplements for your needs might help. I feel stronger when I use a fragment of Dhea, trying to figure out how to avoid the mustache :-(
HCG Diet
Posted by Claire (Westport, Ct) on 03/17/2015
Hi Mary,
Years ago I went on a low fat diet and lost about 10 pounds. It was fantastic until the day when I craved and I mean CRAVED butter. I had to eat a couple tablespoons of butter before the pangs went away. But I realized after that experience that a low fat diet was not a wise diet for my body and that I had probably lost critical fat cells needed in my brain. So I just think it's your body (perhaps brain) trying to rebuild after a critical loss. I have friends who have done the HCG diet and have heard similar complaints after it's over. I recently read about how fat is essential to the brain and that people who go on low fat diets risk dementia as they age.
HCG Diet
Posted by Irener (Newbury Park) on 05/27/2016
Great ideas.
Garcinia Cambogia
Posted by Shakti (Toronto, CA) on 12/05/2014
Is it safe to take Garcinia Cambogia for 3 weeks without causing serious liver damage? What is the most effective way to take this product?
Avoid Soy
Posted by Holly (St. Louis, MO) on 08/21/2014
★★★★★
For women: Excess estrogen can lead to excess weight. High estrogen levels can lead to weight gain and make it very difficult to lose weight. Estrogen is stored in fat cells. The more fat cells you have, the higher your estrogen levels will be, the higher your estrogen levels, the more fat your body will retain. It can be a frustrating cycle.
One way to naturally balance this hormone is to reduce your intake of phytoestrogens (a naturally occurring plant chemical that can mimic the female hormone estrogen when consumed).
One of the biggest culprits of phytoestrogens is SOY and related soy products, including soy lecithin (found in nearly every chocolate treat). Don't fret, there are soy free options for chocolate, though.
Strictly limiting your intake of soy can give your body the opportunity to release and eliminate the excess estrogen that builds up over time. Less estrogen = less fat retention.
While soy does contain essential Omega-3 fatty acids, there are many other options to get the same Omega-3s in your diet.
This was suggested by a trained nutritionist as part of the first step in any weight loss plan.
General Feedback
Posted by Om (Hope, Bc. Canada) on 06/03/2014
I just have to share this. Even though I have taught Hatha Yoga most of my adult life, I was unable to lose the fertility goddess marks, namely belly fat and heavy boobs. Even though at another time in history, that was alright.
Then, on becoming vegan and shunning wheat and gluten, in about four months I lost it! Now I can crunch a bra in one fist, and fittings are a problem of the past. All this due to education on EC!
It feels great ladies! . Namaste, Om
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Anyone (Pakistan) on 04/14/2014
Get your random blood sugar tested too. This tea has nothing to do with increased frequency of urination.
Green Coffee Beans
Posted by Emi (Sarajevo, Bosnia And Herzegovina) on 03/26/2014
I am sure it works for weight loss, but I am also pretty sure this has nothing to do with nails! Wrong location of the post ;-)
Green Coffee Beans
Posted by Deepa (Australia) on 01/19/2014
Hi everyone.. My question has anybody tried Green Bean Coffee Extract for weight loss with any success and which brand is good since there are millions to choose from? Please guide me!!!!
Green Coffee Beans
Posted by Hisjewel (Americia) on 06/22/2015
I am the person who changes diets about every two weeks. If I stop I usually gain my weight right back. What I will say about Green Coffee Beans is has help me to hold on to the weight that I already lost. When I noticed that I did not lose weight while still using green coffee beans supplements during the Christmas and New Years holidays, I was disappointed. But when I realized I did not gain my comfortable weight back either, I continued to take them when I am between diets. This way I am not starting from my old weight when I move to my next diet.
Garcinia Cambogia
Posted by Genda Valente (Paris, Texas) on 01/11/2014
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
Garcinia Cambogia, the supposed miracle weight loss supplement, caused severe diarrhea for about 6 months AFTER I stopped taking it.
Garcinia Cambogia
Posted by Qalapigoli (Encino, California) on 06/22/2015
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
Evidently, there are good scientific reasons to think that especially the prolonged use of garcinia cambogia extract increases the risk of diabetes in healthy people and worsens the disease in existing diabetics (described rather in detail in the scholarly report at
How Garcinia Cambogia Side Effects Increase The Diabetes Risk).
Several of the physiological processes that product is accomplish that overlap with statin drugs which are clearly implicated with notably causing diabetes because both agents inhibit the production of cholesterol in the body.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Leanne (Australia, ) on 12/20/2013
★☆☆☆☆
Just wondering if anyone has any ideas for weight loss. I am 50 yrs of age, female, and for the life of me can't budge the weight. I am just overweight and would like to lose 5 kilos.
I have tried every diet around. I have just tried the low carbohydrate diet, gone off sugar, and any type of unhealthy food for months, drink lots of water, tried ACV, exercise, and cannot even lose half a kilo nor any cms either. Could my liver be the problem. If so what can I do about it. Any suggestions?
Multiple Remedies
Posted by T (Al) on 12/20/2013
I'm thinking hormones. or thyroid. My sister ate only lettuce & gained weight--it was her thyroid. My weight is due to lack of female hormones after menopause. I'm on vivelle dot, hope it helps w the weight and also for the insomnia. You can suffer from lack of hormones even tho you still get a period, it's slowly going down as you age.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Robin (Rural Va) on 12/20/2013
You say you have tried every diet, but I have to ask, have you tried Dukan? I also found that I could not lose more than a few pounds at a time, and then gained it back. I am 55. I found success with Dukan. One of the main principals is daily oat bran. I have maintained with continued consumption of this.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Mike 62 (Denver, Colorado) on 12/20/2013
Leanne: As a fun loving teen who played hard all the time I weighed 150, as a middle aged worker I weighed 180, and as an old man who did not work I weighed 230, even though I ate the same amount of food. From 16 to 36 I gained 30lbs. of muscle. From 50 to 60 I gained 50lbs. of fat. At the age of 61 I was back to 180 feeling and thinking better than in my entire life because I studied the way food affects cellular biology and went on a complete whole raw superfood program. The details are too long to explain here but the short version is that eating the best foods the right way simultaneously nourishes, detoxes, repairs, and enables the body to function at peak performance. Watch raw food and superfood videos and study the Andrew Kim Blogs why cells go bad, insulin revisited, and carbon dioxide for some enlightenment.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Cj (New Zealand) on 12/21/2013
Leeanne from Australia, being around the same age myself, we're in the pre-menopausal or menopausal stage right now so weight loss is nigh on impossible for us during this time. At least that's the way it is for most women. However, weight loss for me is achieved by cutting right back on any processed foods - if it comes out of a box, or a bag, I avoid it. At this time of year for us in Aus and NZ, we've got access to loads of fresh fruit and veges so if it doesn't come off with the things you've done, then I have a feeling you'll have to get used to it until your body goes through it's phase.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Kathryn4 (Maryland) on 09/13/2013
★★★★★
We have used parasite cleansers and caprylic acid which is a yeast supplenment to reduce Candida for weight loss. It has helped tremendously. Also, a no sugar and no wheat diet.
