How Effective is Kava for Weight Loss?

Kava kava is a powerful herb that is being marketed as a metabolic enhancer and fat burner in the form of a diet pill. Kava has long been used as an herbal supplement to promote sleep and help with insomnia, and it's muscle relaxing properties have been shown to relieve stress. However, the herb has been linked to liver failure and severe liver problems, along with adverse side effects. To date, one death has been linked to kava use and the herb also offers some dangerous side effects.

How does Kava help with weight loss?

Kava is a natural appetite suppressant, blocking the body's natural response to food and nutrients and promoting a sense of well being instead. Since it is an all-natural product, it assimilates into the body very quickly; it is a powerful pill that has been used by many people interested in losing weight, but it also has some unpleasant side effects.

What are the side effects of Kava?

Kava kava powder and kava dietary supplements can be found at many health food and organic food stores, but regular use does have some side effects.

Kava's reported side effects include:

• Fatigue

• Liver problems

•Liver failure

• Restlessness

• Inability to concentrate

• Dizziness

Since Kava contains muscle relaxant properties, it can cause dizziness and visual impairment. Some users also experience shortness of breath and muscle weakness. The herb may also reduce the level of protein in the body, making it very difficult to gain muscle mass naturally. Severe side effects of Kava were reported in 2001 when commercial kava products led to liver failure in some people, and the sale of Kava was then banned in some areas of Europe and Canada. Liver toxicity is the most damaging side effect.

How else is Kava used?

Kava has long been used as a stress and anxiety reliever, and traditional kava powder is imported from the South Pacific and Hawaii. Hawaiian kava is especially potent and has been used medicinally for decades. Kava is a pepper derivateive and plant extracts are also used in tea and other herbal drinks. Various regions in the Pacific use the plant as a supplement and religious, cultural, and social purposes. The stress relieving properties are especially popular in cultures where relaxation and a positive sense of well-being are encouraged.

The Bottom Line:

Although Kava is marketed as an ‘all natural' weight loss supplement, it also has adverse side effects that can be especially damaging to the liver. Hundreds of marketers and health ‘gurus' encourage the use of natural and herbal supplements for weight loss, but most doctors and nutritionists agree that calorie reduction, a sensible eating plan, and regular exercise are much healthier options. Over the counter weight loss supplements and herbal remedies can be dangerous, especially those that have not been approved by the FDA. While prescription diet drugs are also available, even these can have considerable side effects.

Kava is just one herbal weight loss and dietary supplement that promises to reduce the appetite and aid with weight loss, but can have significant side effects and is still a risk.