Marjet D. Heitzer, Ph.D.
The Plateau-proof Diet Foundation
http://www.plateauproofdiet.com
Email: info@plateauproofdiet.com
Does drinking a small quantity of citrus juice in themorning jump start your metabolism?
The simple answer is no. Although the basis of this dietingmyth is elusive at best, it is possible that its creator heardabout the new Ephedra substitute, synephrine, found in the outerpeel of Citrus aurantium also known as the Seville orange orbitter orange. Synephrine is marketed as an ephedra substitutethat increases metabolic temperature, utilizing a greater amountof fat stores as energy during a workout. Synephrine is closelyrelated to ephedra, increasing thermogenesis (your body'sproduction of heat by burning fat), appetite suppression as wellas increasing energy. Although manufacturers of synephrine claimthat it possesses all the beneficial characteristics of ephedra,without posing the health threats associated with ephedra, somerecent data suggests that synephrine may be just as harmful asephedra. For example, one such study found that synephrine notonly causes hypertension and increases heart rate, but alsointeracts with other prescription medications, affecting theirmetabolism (1). Metabolism of medications is the way in whichyour body breaks down ingested drugs before they can beeliminated from the body. When a drug's metabolism is inhibited,toxic levels of that drug could build up in your body in arelatively short amount of time. Synephrine may also inducevasoconstriction, leading to ischemic stroke (2). Caffeinecontaminants from guarana, maté, or other herbs in associationwith synephrine are thought to be responsible for the healthrisks associated with synephrine supplements.
Because synephrine is a dietary supplement, it is not subjectto regulation by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).Therefore, animal testing and clinical trials that are normallyused to determine if a drug is safe are not performed. Becausemost dietary supplements are composed of plant materials, mostsupplements are contaminated with other herbs that could affectyour health. It is important that you speak with your doctorbefore taking any dietary supplement or herbal medicine as someof them may interfere with prescription drugs and/or induceother health complications.
Although consumption of citrus juice in the morning does notincrease your metabolism, citrus fruits are a good source ofvitamin C as well as fiber. However, to get the beneficialeffects of the fiber from citrus fruits, you must eat the fruitas a whole, not just consume the juice.
There is some evidence that certain prescription drugsinteract with grapefruit juice. Such interactions usually affectthe action (efficacy and safety) of those drugs, so if you takeprescription drugs, consult your doctor before consumingsignificant amounts of grapefruit or grapefruit juice.
The best way to start burning calories at the beginning of theday is to have a well rounded breakfast. The National WeightControl Registry states that eating breakfast regularly isbeneficial in the long-term maintenance of (3, 4).Furthermore, eating breakfast regularly is associated with morephysical activity, suggesting that consuming breakfast increasesyour energy.
1. Haller, C. A., Benowitz, N. L., and Jacob, P., 3rdHemodynamic effects of ephedra-free weight-loss supplements inhumans. Am J Med, 118: 998-1003, 2005.
2. Bouchard, N. C., Howland, M. A., Greller, H. A., Hoffman, R.S., and Nelson, L. S. Ischemic stroke associated with use of anephedra-free dietary supplement containing synephrine. Mayo ClinProc, 80: 541-545, 2005.
3. Elfhag, K. and Rossner, S. Who succeeds in maintaining weightloss? A conceptual review of factors associated with weight lossmaintenance and weight regain. Obes Rev, 6: 67-85, 2005.
4. Wyatt, H. R., Grunwald, G. K., Mosca, C. L., Klem, M. L.,Wing, R. R., and Hill, J. O. Long-term and breakfastin subjects in the National Weight Control Registry. Obes Res,10: 78-82, 2002.
About the author:Dr. Marjet Heitzer is a biomedical scientist specialized incancer and endocrine research. She is the founding editor of'Trimming America', the free journal of 'The Plateau-proof DietFoundation'. She is a strong proponent of reversing obesity andsome of its comorbidities, including type II diabetes andhypertension, with a lifestyle change that has healthy dietingat its core.
Http://www.plateauproofdiet.com
