Weight and Metabolism Support from Erik O. Nelson, ND

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With a New Year, comes new resolutions. From spending more time with family, to having a more positive outlook on life, our patients often use this time of year to set new health goals as well. Weight loss is often an important, and challenging goal for both the patient and the provider! Weight loss can be difficult and frustrating, so…Where to start? What works? And is there a magic bullet? 

First off – there is no magic bullet. Metabolism is a multifaceted and complex process involving numerous body systems and affected by age, gender, lifestyle and health conditions. Underlying issues that may be affecting metabolism and weight can be discovered through functional lab testing and comprehensive analysis of hormones, diet and exercise levels.

This protocol is designed for the metabolism piece of the puzzle. Along with positive changes in exercise and eating habits, some supplements may help support healthy metabolism and thus, your patient’s weight loss goals. Below are some research highlights for  the ingredients found in this protocol:

600 mg of Alpha-lipoic acid up to three times per day with each meal was shown to have a significant impact on weight management compared to placebo. 

1. Kucukgoncu, Suat, et al. Obesity reviews 18.5 (2017): 594-601.
2. Koh, Eun Hee, et al. The American journal of medicine 124.1 (2011): 85-e1.
3. Namazi, Nazli, Bagher Larijani, and Leila Azadbakht. Clinical Nutrition 37.2 (2018): 419-428.

Adiposano is a supplement which may help with metabolism and support joint health. Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) may support insulin function by helping reduce excessive white adipose tissue, and may be particularly helpful when both weight and joint concerns are present. 

1. Petrov, P. D. et al. Cell. Physiol. Biochem. 37, 1792–1806 (2015) 
2. Reynés, B. et al. J. Funct. Foods 26, 350–362 (2016) 3. 
3. Nelson, F. R. et al. Rheumatol. Int. 35, 43–52 (2015).

Green coffee bean Extract (GCBE) may be helpful in supporting weight loss along with a healthy diet and exercise. 

1. Onakpoya, Igho, Rohini Terry, and Edzard Ernst. Gastroenterology research and practice 2011 (2010).
2. Flanagan, John, et al. Phytotherapy research 28.6 (2014): 946-948.

Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis B420 may support healthy weight and glucose metabolism. It may also help reduce visceral fat accumulation.

1. Uusitupa, H. M., Rasinkangas, P., Lehtinen, M. J., Mäkelä, S. M., Airaksinen, K., Anglenius, H., … & Maukonen, J. (2020). Nutrients, 12(4), 892.
2. Stenman, L. K., et al. Beneficial microbes 5.4 (2014): 437-445.
3. Takahashi, Shota, et al. Bioscience of microbiota, food and health 35.4 (2016): 163-171.

Thai Ginseng (Kaempferia parviflora) and its constituent kaempferol may help with supporting weight management along with functioning as a strong antioxidant. 

1. Romero-Juárez, Pedro A., et al. Nutritional Neuroscience (2021): 1-15.
2. Montero, Mayte, et al. PLoS One 9.11 (2014): e112825.
3. Akase, Tomoko, et al.  Journal of Natural Medicines 65.1 (2011): 73-80.
4. Matsushita, Mami, et al. Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology 61.1 (2015): 79-83.

Magnolia and Phellodendron extract may help in mediating the cortisol stress response and may be a helpful addition to if stress-related eating is something your patients struggle with:

1. Kalman, Douglas S., et al. Nutrition Journal 7.1 (2008): 1-6.
2. Talbott, Shawn M., Julie A. Talbott, and Mike Pugh. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 10.1 (2013): 1-6.
3. Garrison, Robert, and Walter G. Chambliss. Alternative therapies in health and medicine 12.1 (2006): 50-55.

Check out Dr. Nelson’s  Weight and Metabolism Support Protocol today on Wellevate along with hundreds others from leading experts in Integrative Medicine.