In This Article
The Calorie Theory
One of the most common and accepted theories regarding weight loss is the calorie theory, in which your weight loss/gain is dependent on calorie intake versus expenditure.
While this theory does make up a large piece of the weight loss pie, I wish it were that simple. The major flaw in this theory is that everyone is different and, therefore, burns calories and loses or gains weight at different metabolic rates.
Note: In my free Weight Balancing eBook, I discuss the gamut of issues that contribute to weight gain, above and beyond calorie theory.
Metabolic rates are primarily determined by thyroid health, which seems to be a persistent and growing problem in America. The American Thyroid Association estimates 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease, and up to 60% of those with thyroid disease are unaware of their condition.6
Research on Guggul
In one study, guggul supplementation alongside regular exercise resulted in a significant decrease in fat mass, as well as improved mood state.1
There are active plant steroids found in the resin of the guggul plant called guggulsterones. Guggulsterones have been shown to support optimal thyroid health, meaning they help stimulate the body’s natural ability to regulate metabolism.2
Weight gain due to slow metabolism is often accompanied by mild fatigue, dry skin, and cold hands and feet.
How to Check Your Metabolism
Check your temperature first thing in the morning, before getting out of bed, for five days in a row. The average should be about 98.2 degrees. If it is less than 97 degrees, go to your doctor.
An average temperature on the lower side may indicate weight gain could be related to slow metabolism.
Traditionally, guggul was used for detoxifying fats cells and supporting thyroid health. These traditional uses are now being supported by studies showing guggul’s effect on healthy cholesterol levels.3-5
Dosage Recommendations
For best results, take guggul 3 times per day after meals. Learn more about LifeSpa’s Guggul Lean.
As guggul is a more difficult herb to acquire and digest, is best to take guggul with other herbs to boost absorption, such as amalaki, shilajit, and black pepper. Guggul Lean has all of these herbs in one pill for better absorption, thyroid support, and metabolism boosting.
Can you use guggul if you do not have a working thyroid and are on thyroid hormones?
Yes, I echo that. I am on Neocarbimazole, so block and replace for Graves’ disease (autoimmune hyperthyroidism). I like the idea of detoxifying my thyroid, don’t need improvements in fat burning or metabolism. Can I use guggul?
Hi LouLou, thank you for reaching out. It’s best to check with your primary doctor regarding any contraindications. In general, Guggul is a very useful herb for over all thyroid health and joint health. Be well.
Thank you a million times for being the first person in some time to address body temp. Low body temp is not just associated with weight gain but also inadequate assimilation of nutrients which is then associated with fatigue and all the other thyroid symptoms like poor hair, nails, skin, teeth, accelerated aging etc. I have been losing my teeth one by one in spite of a very healthy diet, exercise, proper life style and taking naturethroid for years. My temp is in the high 96 to low 97s for 9 years. It happened when I entered menopause and is stuck there. That was the first time in my life I wasn’t skinny. I’ve been told I cannot lose weight when I am running on only 1/3 of my cylinders. It is extremely frustrating. I got on your 7 week weight loss program to no avail. I tried guggul once a few years ago. Never noticed any difference. My thyroid numbers are good, even according to alternative medicine doctors. So how do I get the temp where it belongs?
I am curious as to the answers above, as well, as for Hashimotos…which is my diagnosis…I’ve just started Levoxythin (?) … I’m not a fan of taking a Thyroid hormone at all…I’ve had an ND/MD put me on it to have a Endocrinologist take me off and said NO…Autoimmune should not be treated with medication that kills off your own natural organ if it is still producing…and it is but in the low range with presenting symptoms. So, now I’m at a loss….because I do have the low temp, with cold extremities (including nose), Weight Gain 18 lbs (UGH) especially in the belly and muffin top (it moves/jiggles when I walk NOT comfortable (Always been petite and fit) Now I seem to have muscle mass loss and just soft even with 3-4 days exercise class and active other days, Sleep is restless and Exhausting in the AM, dry skin and ichy (especially my eyes dry, icky and my eyelashes are falling out) My hair and nails seem good though – my hair sheds but its long and pretty thick for 51 and my nails need to soak b4 clipping – very strong! Looking for those answers….can’t wait to hear back from you! 🙂 thanks.
Please, please, please look up Izabella Wentz, thyroid pharmacist; dr Datis Kharrazian; Magdalena Wszelaki; dr Amy Myers… ALL of them healed their own autoimmune thyroid problems, and so have I (I also have Hashimoto’s) following their advice. Good luck!
I would also like to know if this is beneficial while on levothyroxine or whether it is possible to stop the synthetic hormone after using Guggul. I hate taking the levo and would love to be free from it and, more importantly, heal my thyroid.
Thanks!!
Sarah
Typically I look at a combination of our:
Thyroid Support 1/day
Guggul lean 1 2x/day after food
Ashwagandha 1 2x/day after food
Hope that helps
Please check out my Thyroid articles
Be well
John
This article suggests guggul 3x per day, though I notice the instructions for Guggul Lean say to take it twice a day. For what’s discussed here, should Guggul Lean be increased to 3x daily? Or will the recommended twice a day suffice? Thanks!
Hi Mike, thanks for reaching out. Every person is going to be uniquely different therefore an exact answer can’t be supplied. The best thing is to experiment with dosage and see what feels best for your own body. Most people choose to start with the average dosage, listed on the bottle, and increase by one or two after a couple weeks. It’s best not to exceed 8 daily. For direct prescriptions and assistance in what herbs to take for what purpose you may want to research the consults we offer: https://lifespa.com/about-lifespa/ayurvedic-clinic/ Be well.
I’ve been on Synthroid (137 mg now) for 5 Yrs. Still trying to lose weight. In the winter my hands and feet are cold. My Doctor says my thyroid readings are good but I’d sure like to improve my weight situation, about 30 lbs overweight. Skin is dry but nails are good. I’m a 64 yr old male so hair is thin and grey and very dry. Is there any caffeine like effect if I were to take your guggul product as I’m not a coffee drinking, b/c it makes me too jittery. I haven’t measured my morning temp lately but I think it’s about normal b/c I am not cold. It was about 96.5 prior to starting meds.
Thank you for any suggestions.
What were the answers to these questions?
I recently ordered kotu kola from your website. I need to know if it is toxic to the liver and if it can be taken with immunosuppressant drugs such as tacrolimus and myfortic. I have polycystic liver and kidneys as well as a transplanted kidney.
Hi, can I take guggul and ashwagandha while breastfeeding? I had my daughter in mid June and suspect my thyroid function has been compromised from my pregnancy. Also are iodine supplements safe for breastfeeding?
I had thyroidactomy last yeariamon100mg thyroxine.since last yearmy weight going up energy isverylow what ishould take.
Hi I have been on thyronorm 88mg for 10years…weight gain,tiredness,muscle fagitue,grey hair.loosing hair weak teeth dry skin …but my thyroid level wth medication is maintained.I walk an hour everyday…what should I take
Well .thank you for having my place hereto, to express my long experiences
in Thyroid glands that it is rather worth after TWICE undergone for surgery ,but till now since more than 37 years till now NO improvement nor yet get
treated satisfactorily though still under treatment with renown surgeon specialised from Canada . No blaming to any other as people may be thinking.
I still get regretful due to the fact that my neck has been operated twice but no any well treatment gained so far . I am still on Thyroxin tabs 50 mg twice a day .So, respectful Doctor what is your consideration on my situation ?.
Please i will attend for your responsive views . Thanks.
Hello,
Thanks for reaching out about this. Medical advice is complex and is best handled in a consultation setting, such as over the phone or via skype. Please consider signing up for a consultation with Dr. John to get personalized advice.
Best,
LifeSpa Staff
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