Weight Loss Articles Directory

In this section you can find an extensive resource of weight loss, nutrition and fitness related articles. Plus some useful links to other sites.

Real Life Nutrition Questions Answered

Real Life Fitness Questions Answered

Emma Brown
Nutritionist

Janet Aylott
Nutritionist

Kelly Marshall
Fitness Consultant

Q.

Does ginseng work and can I take too many vits?

Does Ginseng really work for giving extra energy? I already take Vitamin B, as I also get PMT and it seems to help with my moods. Is there a limit on how many vitamins I can take?!

A.

Our expert says...

Thanks for your question about ginseng. There are actually two types - true Asian or "Panax" ginseng and another known as Siberian ginseng or eleutherococcus which is botanically unrelated. Both are considered as "adaptogens" in the realms of complementary medicine - substances that strengthen and normalise body functions, helping the body deal with various forms of stress. For various types there have been claimed various benefits - from increasing alertness and physical stamina to reducing cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer's risk. Unfortunately most of the studies have been small and a larger systematic scientific review of studies published in the European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology concluded that for Panax ginseng at least "the efficacy of ginseng root extract is not established beyond reasonable doubt for any of these indications" (the "indications" studied included mental functioning, immunomodulation, diabetes mellitus and herpes simplex type-II infections).

What all this tells me is that with only flaky evidence I probably wouldn't bother with the ginseng for energy and stress relief, but concentrate on having a really healthy diet and lifestyle instead. With the money saved you could perhaps buy yourself a relaxing treat like some bath oil and a great book?!

On your other question, you are already taking B vitamins but seem to be wondering if it is safe to take other vitamins along side? The answer is yes, as long as you take a common-sense approach, do not double up on dosages and keep within safe limits. Whether or not you need the extra vitamins is another matter however, and I rarely recommend more than a comprehensive multivitamin and mineral to slimmers (this I think, though is a good idea). I can however see why some slimmers, depending on their individual circumstances, might want to consider taking calcium, iron, chromium or fish oils. To make a more informed decision about any of these matters I recommend the information at www.hsis.org which also gives details on using supplements safely and the safe upper levels you should take.

Disclaimer
You are advised to seek medical advice before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle with an aim of weight loss. This website and the content provided should not be used by persons under 18, by pregnant or nursing women, or individuals with any type of health condition, except under the direct supervision of a qualified medical professional. The information contained in these articles, and elsewhere on this website, is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only, and is not intended to replace, and does not constitute legal, professional, medical or healthcare advice or diagnosis and may not be used for such purposes. Continue...

FREE diet profile

years
Sex female male
Height
Weight

What is your goal weight?

Nutracheck Blog

Read about all things topical and trending in the world of calorie counting, weight loss and weight maintenance

This site uses cookies to personalise content and ads, provide social media features and analyse our traffic. Find out more about how we use cookies.

Choose which cookies you allow us to use. You can read more about our Cookie Policy in our Privacy Policy.