Many people turn to stimulants to accelerate weight loss. Most weight loss supplements include some type of stimulant, such as caffeine or synephrine. Stimulants are effective for weight loss because they suppress appetite and boost metabolism. This leads to fast, short-term weight loss.

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Unfortunately, stimulants have many negative effects on the body, can speed up the aging process, and are addictive. Prescription stimulants increase levels of dopamine, which causes a feeling of euphoria. The brain becomes tolerant to the stimulant and then requires increased dosages of it to maintain that euphoric feeling. This leads to cravings for more of the stimulant and causes withdrawal symptoms when you try to get off the medication.

Fortunately, there are many non-stimulant weight loss supplements. Below is a list of natural products that you can add to your diet to jumpstart weight loss. Be sure to integrate them slowly into your diet, as all bodies react differently to these substances.

• Bee Pollen. This natural energy-booster generally has no toxic stimulant effect. Use small doses at first, because some people are allergic to it.
• Fucoxanthin. This is an accessory pigment in brown algae. It boosts the expression of thermogenin, which increases fat burning within fat cells in white adipose tissue. Studies have shown this substance to be effective, but it is still too new to gauge long-term effects.
• Spirulina. This is a blue-green algae that is commonly found in pill or powder form. It promotes detoxification and contains 70% plant-based protein, which is easier to absorb than animal-based proteins.
• Aloe. This plant is available in liquid form as a weight loss supplement. It improves regularity and helps maintain a healthy pH balance.
• L-Carnitine. This is a natural amino acid that makes fat more readily available for use as energy during exercise. It has positive effects on the brain, heart, skeletal system, and muscles, but it needs to be studied more to gauge its effectiveness as a weight loss supplement.
• CLA. This omega-6 fatty acid can reduce fat storage by diminishing the effects of stress hormones, such as cortisol. It can increase fat metabolism and help build lean muscle mass. Do not supplement with this if you have an omega-6/omega-3 imbalance.

Discuss these options with your doctor and someone knowledgeable about herbal supplements before using them, as some combinations and dosages could be ineffective or harmful.