Expert: Dr. Kristina Conner - 8/24/2007

Question
Hi,
I am currently doing DrNatura's Colonix/Toxinout program.  So far (I am on my 12th day), I am very happy with it.  The reason for my inquiry is that I would also like to take an herbal weight-loss supplement called System-Six.  I guess I am hoping you are familiar with both of these products because the ingredient lists are far too long to put in this e-mail.  Web-sites to view ingredient list is www.drnatura.com and www.irwinnaturals.com.  Anyhow, I am a pretty healthy 32-year-old female, do not take any Rx medications and rarely need to go to the doctor.  I occasionally take Ibuprofin for headaches and Sudafed for allergies.  I am about 40 pounds overweight and I have been trying to lose this weight for over a year with very little success.  I also do not have as much energy as I would like.  I have been watching caloric intake, while eating more healthy, organic foods.  I have a well-rounded diet and I exercise fairly regularly.  Basically, I want to find something that will jump start my weight loss, but I don't want to have any crazy side-effects.  So, my question is, will there be any problem being on the Colonix/Toxinout program (I am doing it for 3 months) and taking an herbal weight-loss supplement?
Thank you for your help!

Answer
Hello Chapel,
Thanks for your question.  It's great that you are taking a proactive step towards your health.  Diet and exercise are the cornerstones of becoming healthier, so make sure you stick with these no matter what else you try.  
I have seen the dr natura website before, but I am not familiar with those products.  I am reluctant to recommend products sold through websites, these products tend to be lower quality and rely on testimonials.  If there are alot of ingredients, make sure that they are all in therapeutic doses.  It tends to be a sign of lower quality products, that they contain many ingredients but none in high enough doses.  
That said, I think that cleansing is an excellent way to start healthier habits.  Most people do lose weight on a well designed program that includes diet, exercise, hydrotherapy, lifestyle changes as well as carefully chosen supplements.  Without knowing more about your history, I can't predict what effects you may experience, but I can tell you that most people in good health have few problems and feel better after completing a cleansing program.  For most people, doing shorter programs  (2-3 weeks) several times a year is appropriate.  That gives the body time to revive in-between the cleansings.
Herbal weight loss supplements are different than cleansing.  I don't think they are as safe for long-term use, but that depends on the ingredients.  Metabolism boosters like green tea and blood sugar regulators like chromium are general safe; fat blockers and appetite suppressants interfere with normal function, so are more likely to cause side effects.  You may want to see what the cleansing does first; many people find that once they remove allergenic foods from their diet and cleanse the body, they are able to lose weight without additional supplementation.  
Good luck in your search.  
Dr Conner