Supplement Reviews

Guggulsterone

To begin the discussion about guggulipid, we must first talk about thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormones are very important for normal growth and development. Thyroid hormones maintain metabolic stability by regulating oxygen requirements, body weight, and intermediary metabolism. Thyroid hormones exert effects on thermogenesis and temperature regulation. Thyroid hormones can actually stimulate protein synthesis, which is a big plus for bodybuilders and other athletes. Now let’s get to the most important effect of thyroid hormone on athletes. Thyroid hormones can enhance lipolysis (fat burning) in adipose (fat) tissue.

The two main thyroid hormones that have any relevance are T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (3,5,3’ triiodothyronine). T4 is also inactive thyroid while T3 is active thyroid. T4 can convert into T3 in the liver by the enzyme 5’ deiodinase, which in turn can help maintain a healthy metabolism and cause fat loss to occur. Guggulipid (also known as Guggulsterones) has been around for hundreds of years in ayruvedic medicine. Ayruvedic medicine is a naturalistic approach to medicine that has been practiced in India for centuries. There have been several research studies done on this herb showing very positive benefits. Keep reading, the interesting part is coming up! One study showed that guggulipid had a very strong effect in decreasing triglycerides (fats) as well as LDL (bad cholesterol) levels while increasing HDL (good cholesterol) levels in human subjects. It has these functional effects because it may cause an increase in thyroid hormone levels (both T4 and T3). There are several other studies that have shown similar effects of guggulipid as a fat reducing compound. Many people following a diet and training program over a fairly long period of time complain that they just cannot lose that last bit of fat no matter what they do.  Well, thyroid hormones may play a key role in this.  You see, you’re body adapts to any diet program for fat loss that has a caloric deficit in it by reducing thyroid hormone output.  By taking guggul, thyroid hormones can be normalized and you can continue burning fat!

This natural compound has also been shown to be very safe and completely non-toxic in humans. Plus some research suggests that it may even help reduce acne—nice bonus effect!

DOSAGE: When choosing a guggulipid product, make sure it is a standardized guggulsterone of type E and Z from the plant commiphora mukul. A good dose is 25 mg active guggulsterones after standardization taken three times daily.  One dose with plenty of water 30 minutes before cardiovascular exercise can be helpful. 
 

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