Homemade Detox Recipes for Weight Loss

Choose from the best homemade detox recipes for weight loss and find the perfect homemade detox diet. See the most popular detox drink recipes for weight loss.

The best homemade detox recipes for weight loss are always the simple ones, which combine powerful cleansing ingredients to remove toxins and jump-start your metabolism for natural weight loss.

Herbal teas are the easiest homemade detox diet recipes which can help you cleanse your body fast and start losing weight. Green tea, chock-full of antioxidants is a great starting point, followed by dandelion tea and ginger tea, beneficial herbs used for thousands of years to cleanse the body.

Most Popular Homemade Detox Recipes

Improving the liver function is the simplest way to detox and that's why every good homemade detox diet is full of Vitamin C and antioxidants. Exercise and sweating is encouraged during a homemade detox diet as the sweat glands eliminate the accumulated toxins faster.

Cranberry and Citrus Fruit Detox Drink

Mix freshly squeezed cranberry juice with the juice of any citrus fruit for a quick cleansing effect. You can also use them combined with purified water.

Lemon and Cayenne Pepper Detox Drink

Squeeze at least two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and add 1/8 tablespoon of cayenne pepper for a homemade detox recipe that will help your body flush out toxins and start your desired weight loss with the help of the capsaicin from the peppers that gives your metabolism an instant boost.

Papaya Detox Drink

Mash a ripe papaya with fruits like lime, grapefruit and watermelon for one of the best homemade detox drink recipes for weight loss. You can also use a banana or fresh strawberries in this great detox smoothie.

Pineapple and Ginger Detox Drink

Mix half of a sliced pineapple with a small piece of ginger root and some mint leaves. Filter the juice and drink it for a full body cleanse that's easy to make and beneficial as a detox homemade recipe for weight loss.

Homemade Detox for Weight Loss Tips

Regardless of your homemade detox recipe of choice, you can help the cleansing process with other small changes in your diet.

Eat more fiber, from fresh fruits and vegetables, and raise the pH of your body with some alkaline forming foods: avocado, garlic, lime, spinach, tomato and watermelon. Almond and soy milk are also recommended for daily consumption along with the homemade detox recipes for weight loss that you find the most appealing and easy to make.

Don't forget to drink plenty of water during the detox process to flush out the toxins faster and control your appetite.

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THE BEST PRE AND POST-WORKOUT SNACKS

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day for some, but for those who manage to squeeze some gym time into their routine, pre- and post-workout foods can be just as huge. While everyone’s nutritional requirements are different depending on their goals and activities, these snacks can offer the right balance of carbohydrates, fats, and protein to satisfy hunger, fuel workouts, and aid in recovery. Read on for THE 50 favorite pre- and post-workout snacks, including some go-to recipes.

                                        

PRE-WORKOUT SNACKS

The body works to build muscle and recover 24 hours a day, not just during that one-hour session at the gym. Luckily, smartly timed snacks can give the body the fuel it needs to gain muscle, burn fat, and recover as best it can. Pre-workout, that usually means grabbing a snack about 30-60 minutes in advance, depending on its size and contents, and how much that stomach’s actually grumbling. All ready to go? Check out these 25 options to start things right:

1. Protein Creamcicle: Put a twist on the classic kids’ treat by blending 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder, 1 cup orange juice, and 1 cup ice. 

2. Fruitsation shake: Blend 1 scoop of your favorite whey protein flavor with ½ cup ice, and 1 cup frozen berries for a sweet energy boost.

3. Cha-Cha coconut shake: Infuse 1 scoop chocolate whey protein with 2 teaspoons of extra virgin coconut oil. 

4. Star-buffs shake: Need a pre-workout pick-me-up? blending 1 cup iced coffee (keep the ice) with 1 scoop chocolate whey protein.

5. Dressed up oats: Load up on carbohydrates for a longer workout with ½ cupcooked steel-cut oats topped with 1 tablespoon dried fruit and 1 tablespoon shaved almonds.

6. Perfect yogurt parfait: Feeling fancy, huh? Top ¼ cup nonfat yogurt with ½ cup whole grain cereal and ½ cup fresh strawberries.

7. Yoberries a-go-go: For the perfect blend of carbs and protein, try 1 cup non-fat vanilla bean Greek yogurt — which often packs more protein and probiotics than regular plain yogurt — with ½ cup fresh blueberries.

8. Eggs n’ toast: Have a heartier appetite? Try 1 or 2 hard-boiled eggs with 1 slice of whole-wheat toast.

9. Fruit and Cottage: Top ½ cup cottage cheese — a low calorie and higher protein option — with ½ cup fresh pineapple, berries, or melon. And voila!

10. PB Apple: For a quick carb fuel-up, slice 1 medium apple and serve with 2 tablespoons all-natural peanut butter.

11. Classic fruit cup: Prefer to keep it sweet but simple? Combine 1 cup berries, melon, banana, and oranges — oh my!

12. Dried fruit: For a quick pre-workout fix, try ¼ cup serving of dried berries, apricots, and pineapple.

13. Fruit leather: Need something light that makes you feel like a kid again? Try 1 single serving of fruit leather. Have a little extra time? Roll some out in the kitchen.

14. Energy in a bar: With so many options in the aisle, try opting for a bar with the most natural ingredients. While protein count is key, also check the sugar content (it shouldn’t rival what’s found in the candy aisle!).

15. Chicken n’ sweets: For a fast bite, grab 2-4 ounces (or a palm-sized amount) of sliced chicken with an equal portion size of sweet potatoes.

16. Oats n’ eggs: Not just for breakfast, try ½ cup cooked oatmeal and 2 whole eggs seasoned with salt and pepper.

17. PB & B toast: Fuel up with 1-2 tablespoons of all-natural peanut butter and half a sliced banana on whole-wheat toast.

18. Turk-cado pasta: Add 2-4 ounces (or a palm-sized amount) of roasted turkey and 3-4 avocado slices to ½ cup cooked whole-wheat pasta for some enviable eats.

19.  Wafflewich: Spruce up this classic by combining 1 frozen Kashi waffle with 2 teaspoons of almond butter and 1 teaspoon of jam.

20. Better than a PB Cup: A half-cup cooked oats with 1 teaspoon defatted peanut flour, a dash of stevia, and a sprinkling of cocoa powder on top.

21. Veggie omelet: Add a little more color to your diet by combining 2 whole eggs shaken with 1 teaspoon of water cooked with 1 cup sautéed seasonal veggies.

22. Rice con leche: Got a long way to run? Fuel up with ½ cup cooked rice, covered with ½ cup milk, a scatter of raisins, and a dash of cinnamon on top.

23. Sports drink: An 8-ounce low sugar sports drink (keep it under 10 grams of sugar) will do the trick if you’re in a crunch. For a little more fuel, add a scoop ofBCAA powder— branch chain amino acids that help maintain muscle and tissue health .

24.  Hearty salad: Need some greens? Try 1 cup of salad greens with assorted veggies, 1 hardboiled egg, and a drizzle of EVOO and vinegar, or your favorite low-fat dressing.

25. Energy gel: Got a long way to go? Slurp down a energy gel  prior to an endurance workout.

POST-WORKOUT SNACKS

Photo by Ben Draper

After a tough gym session, post-workout snacks are an imporant way to restore energy and rebuild muscle, too. Downed within two hours after exercise, protein-packed shakes and snacks are a great way to rebuild tissue that breaks down during exercise. Here are 25 ways to end that workout on a high note:

26. Protein pancakes: mix 4 egg whites, ½ cup rolled oats, ½ cup low fat cottage cheese, 1/8 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract. Cook on preheated griddle (medium low heat) until it bubbles, then flip and cook another 30-60 seconds. Top with fresh berries or sliced banana.

27. Sweet potato pie shake: This isn’t your grandma’s recipe. Combine 1 scoop of cinnamon bun whey protein, ¼ cup diced cooked sweet potato, 1 cup of ice, and 1 cup vanilla almond milk in the blender.

28. Chunky Monkey shake: Monkey around with 1 medium banana, 1 tablespoon peanut butter, and 1 cup low-fat chocolate milk blended with ice.

29. Double G shake:  an 8-ounce greens drink (any superfood blend found at most health food stores) with 1 scoop of glutamine.

30. Double Trouble shake: To lengthen the delivery time of nutrients to your muscles, combine ½ scoop of whey protein blended with ½ scoop slower-digesting casein protein, plus a handful of your favorite fresh or frozen fruit.

31. Bananarama: One medium sliced banana with 1 cup low fat milk — it doesn’t get any easier than this!

32. Protein bar: For a quick, store-bought fix, feed those muscles with a protein bar. Just watch the sugar content. Look for bars with 10-30 grams of protein, less than 10 grams of sugar, and the fewest number of ingredients you can’t pronounce!

33. Beef and squash: Need something hearty? Try a handful of lean roast beef with an equal portion of butternut squash.

34. Tuna crackers: Mix up a batch of light tuna salad for a quick bite. Add two heaping spoonfuls to a handful of whole grain crackers, and chomp away.

35. Bagel with egg whites: Half a medium-sized whole grain bagel with 2 eggs whites makes a great post-workout sandwich.

36. Ants on a raft: The ants go marching… Spread a heap of natural peanut butter over a brown rice cake and top with raisins.

37. Milk and cereal: Any time is a good time for cereal. Add 1 cup of low-fat milk to 1 cup of whole-grain cereal. Nosh loudly.

38. Chocolate milk: One to two cups of low-fat chocolate milk seals the deal with extra carbs and protein.

39. Black bean omelet: Four eggs whites, 1 ounce low-fat cheese, and ¼ cup canned black beans — then spice it up with a savory salsa, if you dare.

40. Green Monster smoothie: Blend 4 cups spinach, ½ cup vanilla bean yogurt, 1 cup almond milk, 1 banana, and 1 tablespoon peanut butter with ice .

41. Cottage cheese crunch: One cup fat-free cottage cheese, 1 teaspoon honey, ½ cup whole-grain cereal, and a dash of cinnamon does a body good.

42. Eggy muffinwich: Ditch the fast-food and opt for 1 whole egg, fresh spinach, 1 slice low fat cheese, and 1 slice Canadian bacon served on an English muffin.

43. BCAA n’ cakes: When in doubt, just add cakes! Pair up two scoops of BCAA powder mixed in ice water with two rice cakes.

44. Recovery in a bottle: When time is of the essence, grab a store-bought recovery drink to sip on after training. Just check the label — sports recovery drinks will provide plenty of carbs refuel, or opt for aminos to really rebuild.

45. Apples and cheese:  Tease your taste buds with 1 medium sliced apple and 1 stick of low-fat string cheese.

46. Pita and hummus: One 7-inch pita with two spoonfuls of  hummus adds a little pep back to your step with quick digesting carbs.

47.  Egg scramble: Veg out after a hard training session with 2-3 whole eggs scrambled with a handful of chopped onion, spinach, and bell peppers.

48. Choco-tropical trail mix: Go bananas for a blend of ½ a handful of each: macadamia nuts, dried coconut, dark chocolate chips, and banana chips.

49. AB & J Rice Cakes: Almond butter takes the cake. For this healthier twist on the classic PB & J, sandwich 1 tablespoon of almond butter and 1 teaspoon of strawberry jam between two rice cakes.

50. Chicken hash: After your workout grab 1 cup cooked diced chicken, ½ cup butternut squash and apples, roasted in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make a big batch and store it in the fridge!

Have a favorite pre- or post-workout snack I missed? Share in the comments below!

iHerb.com sells thousands of natural food items, everything from stevia to gluten free flours to much more!  Click here to take a look at Iherbs product offerings.  If  you’re new to iHerb, you can use Coupon Code YAZ497 to get $10 off your first order with a minimum $40 purchase or $5 off orders less than $40.

Smoothie Ingredients to Build Muscle & Boost Weight Loss

Smoothies are a great way to start your day or even as a snack throughout your day. Additionally, smoothies can be used as a meal replacement for busy people who are on the go. The great thing about smoothies is that they are loaded with nutritious ingredients that boost brainpower, increase your energy levels, build muscle, burn fat, promote weight loss and help your heart. But when purchasing pre-made smoothies, you don't know all of the ingredients, added sugars or extra calorie content to boost your nutritional value and get a great smoothie flavor. The best way to maintain the integrity of your smoothie is to make it yourself. Choose from this list of healthy smoothie ingredients.

Fruit- Fruits are essential ingredients for a smoothie. You can use almost any fruit to add nutritional value, vitamins, minerals and fiber to your smoothie. Fruits contain important simple sugars such as glucose and fructose that are important for the body and easily digested. Fresh or frozen fruits are viable options for smoothie ingredients. Popular fruits used in smoothies are bananas, pineapple, strawberry, blueberries and mango.

Greens- Greens are an essential part of one's diet. That's why they should be added to any smoothie you make. Almost any vegetable can be used in a smoothie, but the best are tender leafy greens. Adding greens to your smoothie will increase the number of servings of vegetables you eat per day. Vegetables provide the body with a ton of vitamins and minerals, such as sodium and potassium. Mineral salts such as these play a role in almost every cellular function in the body. If fresh greens aren't available, powdered greens, barley grass, wheat grass and spirulina (algae) will justify as another option for a serving of vegetables. However, powdered greens don't contain all of the nutrients that their fresh counterparts do.

Protein powder- Protein powder will make your smoothie more filling, especially if you are using it as a meal replacement. Protein builds muscle and burns fat. There are several types of protein powders and even more brands available on the market. The best choice is whey protein because it has a low fat content with tons of amino acids to provide the muscles with a quick release of protein. Soy protein is another good option because it contains phytoestrogens. These compounds mimic the effects of estrogen and balance out hormone levels. For a low sugar option, use rice protein powder.

Tea-Tea can be used in a smoothie as a base liquid. Replace water, juice or milk with cooled tea. Tea is rich in antioxidants, which protects the body from damaging free radicals. Green tea is a great choice, but tea comes in many flavors and brands. Some have additional benefits such as probiotics and treating different ailments.

Non-dairy milk- Milk is normally used as a base for any smoothie, but milk, especially whole milk, contains fat. For those looking to decrease their calorie intake, choose fat-free milk or a nondairy alternative. Fat-free milk still contains calcium and protein to help build muscle but has no fat. Non-dairy milks include almond milk, hemp milk, rice milk or kefir. Using a nondairy milk alternative as your smoothie base will change up the flavor, consistency and nutrients of your smoothie. Almond milk contains magnesium, vitamin E and protein, whereas rice milk doesn't naturally contain protein. Most manufacturers fortify it with protein, vitamins and minerals. People who have allergies, who are lactose intolerant or allergic to soy, usually consume rice milk. Hemp milk contains multiple vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, niacin, etc. In addition it is rich in omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, protein and is safe for people who are allergic to soy or dairy. Kefir is another alternative to milk or yogurt. Kefir is fermented milk drink made from cows, goats or sheep milk and kefir grains, which are easier to digest than regular whole milk. Kefir contains probiotics and protein.

Flax- Flax is a great, healthy addition to your smoothie. It is rich in healthy fats such as omega 3s, high in protein and full of fiber. Flax seeds will add texture to your smoothie but need to be ground up before being added. Flax is also available in oil or in powder.

Nut or Seed butter- To add some healthy fat to your smoothie, use a spoonful of seed or nut butter. Healthy fats are needed to absorb fat soluble vitamins A and E. Peanut butter is the most well-known nut butter, but there are plenty of others such as almond butter, cashew butter, hazelnut butter, pistachio butter, walnut butter, pumpkin seed butter, sesame seed butter, etc. Nut and seed butters have a high fat content, so use in moderation. The contain protein, fiber and essential fatty acids and will make your smoothie rich and creamy.

Chia- Chia seeds are used in both foods and drinks. Chia seeds thicken when added to liquids. Therefore, it may be necessary to grind up the seeds before adding them to your smoothie. Chia seeds are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, calcium and are a great source of fiber, all of which help improve the nutritious value of a smoothie.

Cacao- If you are a chocolate lover but don't want the added calories, fat and sugar, add cacao to your smoothie. Cacao beans are the dried and fermented seeds from which cocoa solid products and cocoa butter are extracted. Cacao, known to the layman as cocoa, is the basis for chocolate and will add flavor and nutrients to your smoothie. Cacao is full of flavonoids, which have antioxidant effects on the body. Add cacao powder or nibs (pieces of the bean) to your smoothie.

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MIRACLE DRINK........MUST SHARE THIS

This MIRACLE DRINK has been circulating for a long time long
ago.It is worth your while to take note. There is a celebrity Mr. Seto who swears by it. He wants to make it public to draw the
attention of people who have cancers. This is a drink that can protect bad cells forming in your body or it will restrain its growth! Mr. Seto had lung cancer.

He was recommended to take this drink by a famous Herbalist from China. He has taken this drink diligently for 3 months and now his health is restored,and he is ready to take a pleasure trip. Thanks to this drink! It does not hurt for you to try.

It is like a Miracle Drink! It is simple.

You need one beet root, one carrot and one apple that
combine together to make the JUICE! Wash the above, cut with the skin on into pieces and put them into the juicer and
immediately you drink the juice.

You can add some lime or lemon for more refreshing taste.
This Miracle Drink will be effective for the following ailments:

1. Prevent cancer cells to develop.It will restrain cancer cells to grow.
2. Prevent liver, kidney,pancreas disease and it can cure ulcer
as well.
3. Strengthen the lung, prevent heart attack and high blood
pressure.
4. Strengthen the immune system
5. Good for the eyesight, eliminate red and tired eyes or dry eyes
6. Help to eliminate pain from physical training, muscle ache
7. Detoxify, assist bowel movement, eliminate constipation.Therefore it will make skin healthy & LOOK more radiant.It is God sent for acne problem.
8. Improve bad breath due to indigestion, throat infection,
9.pain
10. Assist Hay Fever Sufferer from Hay Fever attack.

There is absolutely no side effect. Highly nutritious and easily
absorbed.Very effective if you need to loose weight.You will notice your immune system will be improved after 2 week routine.

Please make sure to drink immediately from the juicer for
best effect.

PLEASE SHARE TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

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5 tips for burning fat and building muscle

Burn more fat with morning exercise

I get asked all the time whether it is better to do cardio exercise in the morning or at night. My answer is that you burn the same amount of calories in the morning as the evening for the same amount of work. However, research indicates that the percentage of fat calories burned during morning exercise, on an empty stomach, is greater.

A study at Kansas State University looked at the kind of calories you burn while exercising in a fasted state as well as in a fed state. Eight physically fit individuals (aged 21-27 years) participated in the study. The results showed that you burn the same amount of calories in a fasted state as in a fed state. But those fasting prior to exercising burned a greater amount of fat than those who ate their last meal up to an hour and a half before exercising.

Other benefits to morning cardio include increased energy throughout the day and increased metabolism (calorie burning) during waking hours. In addition, research shows that people who train earlier in the day tend to stick with their exercise program. Those who work out later in the day can miss workouts due to daily distractions.

Exercise experts agree that getting exercise in general is far more important than the time of day you do it. While getting up early to do your cardio may help you burn more fat calories, evening cardio is also beneficial and should not be discounted. When you exercise in the evening, your metabolism still gets elevated, you burn fat, and your heart benefits too.

Time your meals to burn more fat

Meal composition and timing can play a big role in your ability to burn body fat. Getting lean in a hurry is not only based on what you eat, but also depends on when you eat it. If you do your cardio in the morning, do it immediately upon waking, without eating. Take a diet/energy formula with caffeine before your cardio to help mobilize fat for energy. Research shows that caffeine can help you burn more body fat during exercise than without it by mobilizing fat for energy.

To maximize the benefits of cardio later in the day, you should time your meals and minimize simple carbohydrate consumption. Do your cardio 2-3 hours after your pre-workout meal. Make your pre-workout meal low in high glycemic carbs to minimize insulin spikes and to maximize fat burning. After your workout, try sticking to a relatively low glycemic meal. This will help keep the fat-burning hormones, like glucagon, elevated and fat-promoting hormones, like insulin, in check. Eating your last meal at least two hours before your cardio session and making sure that your pre- and post-workout meals are low glycemic will help you burn more calories from fat and keep your energy level from crashing.

Minimize cardio to build

Low to moderate intensity cardio is best to build muscle while still promoting a healthy heart. Although cardio exercise is definitely beneficial for overall health, doing high intensity cardio 4-6 times per week is counter-productive to increasing muscle mass. If you do cardio while trying to build muscle, it should be done at a low intensity. Low intensity means walking, not running, keeping your heart rate around 60% of maximum range not 70 or 80%. Cardio burns excess calories, and if you're not careful, you will burn some muscle too.

Meal timing to build muscle

Building muscle means eating high quality calories in order to increase muscle mass. Eat plenty of high quality protein throughout the day as well as before and after your workouts.

Start your morning with a high protein meal supplement shake. It's important to get high quality protein and some carbohydrates into your body immediately upon waking. Then begin your morning workout. If you work out in the evening, eat quality calories including protein, complex carbs, and essential fats before you start. This is completely different than trying to burn fat where you would avoid eating before cardio.

Recent research by Tipton shows that getting 30 grams of whey protein (containing 15 grams of essential amino acids) before and after your workout can increase protein synthesis by 400%! Additional research shows that consuming a protein/carbohydrate beverage, like a meal supplement powder drink, immediately after exercise can increase muscle protein synthesis greater than one consumed several hours later. Subsequent post workout meals should contain a combination of high quality protein and complex carbohydrates like vegetables, yams, etc.

Building muscle is a combination of proper training, high quality, well thought-out nutrition plans, and adequate rest and recovery time. Failing to work on all of these areas can keep you from gaining the muscle you desire.

My favorite diet and muscle-building supplements 

I have created a short list of products that should help you along your way to a better body.

Use high quality protein powders and meal supplement formulas for a good, low fat source of nutrition.

Use a multi-vitamin and mineral formula every day. The more pills per day, the better. While under calorie restriction and the stress of dieting, you don't get all the vitamins and minerals you need from food alone.

Take at least 2 tablespoons of flaxseed oil and/or take fish oil capsules every day to provide your body with the good omega-3 fats it needs.

1. Use a fat burner that contains citrus aurantium (bitter orange), caffeine, green tea (standardized for at least 270 mg of EGCG per day), and/or yerba mate, to help increase your metabolism, mobilize body fat, and increase your energy levels.

2. Practice insulin control in your diet. Choose low glycemic foods. If dieting, follow a low carb eating program. When you splurge, use a fat binder and starch blocker to help minimize the effects of a carb- or fat-laden meal.

3. For optimal muscle gains, take creatine or a creatine/carb/protein mix before and after your workouts.

4. If you are in a muscle-building phase, use a high calorie, weight-gain powder drink mix to get the calories you need.

5. And finally, be consistent in your diet and workout routine. Do your cardio regularly when trying to lose weight and practice proper meal composition and timing. Use supplements to support your fat loss or muscle building efforts and to provide you with an easy way to get high-quality, convenient nutrition. Before you know it, you'll see that your efforts are paying off, every time you look in the mirror.  

iHerb.com sells thousands of natural food items, everything from stevia to gluten free flours to much more!  Click here to take a look at Iherbs product offerings.  If  you’re new to iHerb, you can use Coupon Code YAZ497 to get $10 off your first order with a minimum $40 purchase or $5 off orders less than $40.

STEVIA - Uses, Side effects, Interactions and Warnings!!!

Stevia is a plant that is native to South America. It is probably best known as a source of natural sweeteners. In fact, native people in South America have used stevia as a sweetener for hundreds of years. But the leaves are also used to make medicine.

Stevia is used as a weight loss aid; for treating diabetes, high blood pressure andheartburn; for lowering uric acid levels; for preventing pregnancy; and for increasing the strength of the muscle contractions that pump blood from the heart.

In foods, stevia is used as a non-caloric sweetener and flavor enhancer. Stevia was originally available as a "dietary supplement" in the U.S. It wasn’t allowed as a “food additive” until 2008. That’s when the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status to rebaudioside A, one of the chemicals in stevia that makes it sweet. Stevia is also available as a sweetener in Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, Russia, Israel, Mexico, Paraguay, Uruguay, Venezuela, Columbia, Brazil, and Argentina.

How does it work?

Stevia is a plant that contains natural sweeteners that are used in foods. Researchers have also evaluated the effect of chemicals in stevia on blood pressure and blood sugar levels. However, research results have been mixed.

Uses:

• High blood pressure. Some research suggests that taking 750-1500 mg per day of stevioside, a chemical compound in stevia, reduces systolic blood pressure (the upper number in a blood pressure reading) by 10-14 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (the lower number) by 6-14 mmHg within one week of starting treatment. However, other research suggests that taking stevioside in doses up to 15 mg per kg per day does not significantly reduce blood pressure in patients with mild high blood pressure.
• Diabetes. Early research suggests that 1000 mg daily of stevioside, a chemical compound in stevia, might reduce blood sugar levels after meals by 18% in people with type 2 diabetes. However, other research suggests that taking 250 mg of stevioside three times daily does not significantly affect blood sugar levels or HbA1c (a measure over blood sugar levels over time) after three months of treatment in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
• Preventing pregnancy.
• Heartburn.
• Weight loss.
• Water retention.
• Heart problems.
• Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of stevia for these uses.

Side effects:

Stevia and chemicals contained in stevia, including stevioside and rebaudioside A, are LIKELY SAFE when used as a sweetener in foods. Rebaudioside A has generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status in the U.S. for use as a sweetener for foods. Stevioside has been safely used in research in doses of up to 1500 mg per day for 2 years.

Some people who take stevia or stevioside can experience bloating or nausea. Other people have reported feelings of dizziness, muscle pain, and numbness.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of stevia during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Allergy to ragweed and related plants: Stevia might cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family of plants. This family includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many other plants.

Diabetes: Some developing research suggests that some of the chemicals contained in stevia might lower blood sugar levels and could interfere with blood sugar control. However, other research disagrees. If you have diabetes and take stevia or any of the sweeteners it contains, monitor your blood sugar closely and report your findings to your healthcare provider.

Low blood pressure: There is some evidence, though not conclusive, that some of the chemicals in stevia can lower blood pressure. There is a concern that these chemicals might cause blood pressure to drop too low in people who have low blood pressure. Get your healthcare provider’s advice before taking stevia or the sweeteners it contains, if you have low blood pressure.

Interactions:

Lithium interacts with STEVIA

Stevia might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking stevia might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with STEVIA

Stevia might decrease blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking stevia along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed.

Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.

Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with STEVIA

Stevia might decrease blood pressure in some people. Taking stevia along with medications used for lowering high blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low. However, it's not know if this is a big concern. Do not take too much stevia if you are taking medications for high blood pressure.

Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), diltiazem (Cardizem), Amlodipine (Norvasc), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL), furosemide (Lasix), and many others.

Stevia dosing:

The appropriate dose of stevia depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for stevia. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Try different brands of Stevia here.

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