Question: Dr. Ettinger, I am 52 yrs old and have already gone through menopause. I get very confused about what supplements I should be taking. I am not on any hormones and only take a multivitamin. I have an extra 20 pounds I’d like to lose but am very sensitive to anything diet.
Any suggestions?
Thank you,
Gina
Answer: Gina,
Thank you for the question. This shows me you are ready for a positive change in your life.
CaliTrim (lipotropic formula*) 1/3x day, Liquid CoQ10 (1/2 Tbsp 2x/day) and Liquid B Complex (1 tsp/day), combined with starch reduction (anything made from wheat, corn, rice, potato, rye, oat….) will help you to reduce weight gradually and naturally. STARCH REDUCTION IS VERY IMPORTANT! If you can get in 30 minutes or fast-pace walking 3 or 4 times per week, you will lose the weight even faster. Plus, you will have more energy; you heart and lungs will be healthier; you will lower your risk of developing most diseases; your sleep will be improved and more than likely, your attitude toward life and living will rise to new levels. It’s a win-win-win opportunity.
The links go directly to the products. Please e-mail me back in a few weeks to give me an update on all the areas that have been improved.
Sincerely,
*Lipotropic compounds are those which help catalyse the breakdown of fat during metabolism in the body.
Choline is the major lipotrope in mammals and other known lipotropes are important only insofar as they contribute to the synthesis of choline. (Barak, 1973)
A lipotropic nutrient is one that promotes or encourages the export of fat from the liver. Lipotropics are necessary for the maintenance of a healthy liver as well as burning the exported fat for additional energy. Without lipotropics such as choline and inositol, fats and bile can become trapped in the liver, causing severe problems such as cirrhosis and blocking fat metabolism. Choline is essential for fat metabolism. Choline functions as a methyl donor and it is required for proper liver function. Like inositol, choline is a lipotropic. Inositol exerts lipotropic effects as well. An “unofficial” member of the B vitamins, inositol has even been shown to relieve depression and panic attacks. Methionine, an essential amino acid, is the major lipotropic compound in humans. When estrogen levels are high, the body requires more methionine. Estrogens reduce bile flow through the liver and increase bile cholesterol levels. Methionine helps deactivate estrogens.
Methionine levels also affect the amount of sulfur-containing compounds, such as glutathione, in the liver. Glutathione and other sulfur-containing peptides (small proteins) play a critical role in defending against toxic compounds. When higher levels of toxic compounds are present, more methionine is needed.
Choline assists detoxification reactions in the liver. Although choline can be synthesized from methionine or serine, recent evidence indicates that choline is an essential nutrient.
Betaine hydrochloride is a powerful lipotropic and increases gastric acid.[1]
References:
1. “Betaine Hydrochloride Information on Healthline”. Retrieved 2008-04-24. “Betaine in human nutrition.”. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15321791. Retrieved 2009-10-11.
