10 Natural Supplements to Support Weight Loss

Diet and exercise are the keys to successful weight loss. But there are plenty of other equally effective components that can be incorporated alongside diet and exercise to optimize a weight loss journey.  One of those is to start taking natural weight-loss promoting supplements. No, these have nothing to do with those “magic weight loss pills” that come in a bottle and promise that you’ll lose five pounds per week. The most effective natural weight-loss supporting supplements to incorporate are simple, everyday items that you can find at your grocery store. 

These are ten natural weight loss supplements for weight loss:

Probiotics

Creating a healthy gut environment promotes healthy digestion and thus maximizes weight loss. Probiotics are essentially healthy, beneficial microorganisms that help to boost the immune system, absorb nutrients, eliminate waste, promote digestion, and to keep the gut functioning optimally. A healthy digestive tract that functions with the help of beneficial gut bacteria is less likely to experience constipation, bloating, and weight gain. It has been speculated that taking regular probiotics might help some individuals release more GLP-1, which is an appetite-reducing hormone that helps to burn calories and fat. 

Cinnamon

Cinnamon has been used for decades for its effectiveness as a weight loss supplement. It works by increasing insulin sensitivity, thus decreasing blood sugar, which is a key component for losing weight. Cinnamon is also believed to boost metabolism because the body consumes heightened levels of energy to process the spice. Cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which also contribute to weight loss by promoting an overall optimally functioning body that digests food efficiently. 

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is largely responsible for fueling the body with energy from food. It is a staple necessity that helps the body break down sugar for energy. If your body is deficient in vitamin B12, it is likely struggling to convert sugar into energy, which results in higher fat storage. Vitamin B12 is not found naturally in any plant based foods, so vegans and vegetarians should make sure to use a high quality supplement. Otherwise, vitamin B12 is naturally occurring in fish, shellfish, eggs, meat, and dairy products. 

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar supports weight loss for a plethora of reasons. Firstly, it is known for its effectiveness as an appetite suppressant, thus helping those who are trying to reduce caloric intake to consume less food per day. It is also known to lower blood sugar, improve metabolism, reduce fat storage, burn fat, and lower insulin levels. Apple cider vinegar also contains prebiotics, which helps to keep the gut functioning optimally. 

Ginger

Ginger is known mostly for its anti-inflammatory properties, but it is also a wonderfully effective digestive aid. It is known for optimizing gastrointestinal functioning, as well as blocking fat absorption and working as an appetite suppressant. All of these advantages support healthy weight loss.

Protein Powder Supplementation

Tracking macros and protein consumption is an effective method for reaching weight loss goals. The body burns more calories digesting protein than digesting carbs and fats. Heightened levels of protein consumption support building lean muscle tissue, which helps boost metabolism and burn calories. When choosing a protein powder supplement, be sure to choose ones without chemical additives or fillers, and be sure that there is more protein than carbs and fat. Choosing an organic or plant based protein powder is also effective for building lean muscle mass and burning fat. 

L-Glutamine

L-Glutamine, simply put, is an amino acid that plays a crucial role in building protein reserves in the body, thus helping you maintain and develop lean muscle mass. It is available in supplement form at your local pharmacy or natural food store. L-Glutamine is also found naturally in cabbage, beans, spinach, beets, chicken, carrots, parsley, papaya, fish, beef, and dairy products. Taking supplements that support lean muscle tissue helps boost your body’s metabolic rate, thus making you burn more calories throughout the day. 

Fish Oil

Fish oil is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are a vital nutrient for helping the body maintain optimal health. These nutrients help stimulate enzymes that initiate the fat burning process in cells. Taking a fish oil supplement or another high-quality Omega-3 fatty acid supplement can help you maintain your levels of healthy fatty acids. However, sufficient amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids are found in foods like nuts, eggs, flaxseed, canola oil, soybeans, and salmon. 

Vitamin D

Getting your daily dose of sunshine is not only important for mental and physical health, but it is also a crucial factor for maintaining a healthy weight. Some studies have found that lower levels of vitamin D are associated with higher levels of body fat. Spending 20-30 minutes per day in the sunshine is a great way to get your daily dose of vitamin D, but when that isn’t an option, you can get your dose of vitamin D with the help of good-quality supplements.

Turmeric

Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Most diseases and disruptions in the body are associated with heightened levels of inflammation, including obesity. Taking turmeric supplements in capsule form, between 500 and 2,000 mg per day, is believed to be an effective dose for supporting weight loss and lowered levels of inflammation. 

Matcha Tea

Matcha tea is a form of powdered green tea that has gained a lot of popularity for its delicious taste, but did you know it can also aid with weight loss too? A study found that drinking green tea increased thermogenesis in its participants by as much as four percent. You can drink the matcha powder in traditional tea form, or you can add a scoop to smoothies, make it into a latte, or even bake with it. 

Which Natural Supplements Work Best for You?

All of these natural supplements are natural and essentially risk-free. Most of them can be found in your nearby supermarket or ordered online. Different supplements have different results for different people, so the best way to know if something works for your body is to test it consistently for at least three weeks to observe the results and how it affects your body. Before trying any new supplement, always contact your healthcare provider to make sure that it is safe for you to use, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.