Thursday, January 1, 2009

Cortisol

Cortisol is one of the most popular causes of alleged weight gain to be researched today. There are hundreds of supplements that aim at changing the amount of cortisol in the body through essentially similar methods, and yet more come out each and every day. CortiDiet™ is one of these products, offering a solution to overstressed, overworked, and overweight people by implementing a system of “proper diet, exercise and supplementation.” CortiDiet™ states that our brain’s natural reaction to stressful situations is archaic, dating back to a time when food was scarce and we needed to store fat for energy. CortiDiet™ then offers a solution—controlling our body’s reaction to stress and inhibiting the actions of cortisol. The ingredients are not unusual for this type of product, but its approach to weight loss is different from almost every other diet product on the market.
Ingredients At A Glance
CortiDiet™’s formula includes Phosphatidylserine, Mucuna Pruriens, 5 HTP, Green Tea Leaf, Coleus Forskohlii, Zhi Shi, Guggulesterones, Chromium Polynicotinate, Vanadium, Calcium, and Magnesium.

Phosphatidylserine is a stress-reducing ingredient derived from soy beans. The ingredient has a positive neuroendocrine effect on moods when used over an extended period of time (10 days). Green Tea Leaf Extract is included in this product in order to increase metabolism and burn more fat. The included antioxidants in this extract also help with general health. However, Green Tea Leaf Extract contains caffeine which has been known to cause negative side-effects which include nausea, insomnia, nervousness, elevated heart rate and increased blood pressure

Guggulesterones are added to increase fat metabolism and thyroid function. They also reduce cholesterol in the blood stream and have been shown to affect weight loss. Zhi Shi increases the thermogenic processes in the body with no negative side effects, resulting in safe weight loss through burning fat more rapidly.

5 HTP, a derivative of the amino acid tryptophan, works to relieve mild to moderate depression and insomnia, as well as suppressing the appetite and reducing the sensation of pain. This is done through increased levels of serotonin produced by 5 HTP. Mood-enhancing ingredients such as these should be used cautiously, especially for those who are taking prescriptions for depression or other mood disorders. Calcium has recently been studied in terms of weight loss, and it has become a more and more common ingredient in weight loss supplements. Calcium helps reduce blood pressure as well as reducing the risk of coronary artery disease and stroke. This ingredient also has been suggested as an aid to help fight obesity in children and adults.

Magnesium and Chromium both play roles in the conversion of carbohydrates, protein and fat into energy, and Chromium also has a positive effect on blood sugar levels. However, neither of these are usually considered primary active ingredients, but more of just “helpers” in supplements. Mucuna Pruriens is a traditional Ayurvedic herb that contains the chemical precursor to dopamine, helping to elevate mood while keeping the body alert. This ingredient also signals the body to burn fat while it helps control appetite.

Coleus Forskohlii is included for its ability to decrease blood pressure and release fatty acids from the body in a process similar to that of Ephedra, but without the jittery side effects. The site makes many plugs for ForsLean, a patented and award-winning version of Coleus Forskohlii, but CortiDiet™ does not actually contain the patented ingredient—it seems to be a way of building confidence in the product without spending the money to get the ingredient that carries that confidence. The final ingredient in CortiDiet™ is Vanadium, an important ingredient for glycemic control, keeping blood sugar levels at the proper place.

CortiDiet™ should be taken twice each day, once before breakfast and once before dinner. CortiDiet™ does not make fanatical claims for its product, but instead requires that those using the supplement also keep a sensible diet and an adequate exercise program in order to feel the effects of this product. If used in tandem with another product, CarboBurn XR™, the effects may go up by as much as 400%. There are no reported side effects for this product, but with its mood-elevating ingredients, consumers should talk to their doctors before beginning this product.
Cost
A single bottle of CortiDiet™ normally retails for $49.99, but through Doctorswellnesscenter.com, the source of the information for this review, a single bottle is on sale for $39.99. A 10% discount is given when ordering two bottles, costing only $71.98 together. When three bottles are purchased, a fourth is included for free, leaving the price at $119.97—the “Consumer Best Buy” on the site. There are also combination offers for other products that help increase the results of CortiDiet™. Shipping through the site is $7.95 for orders under 1 pound and $10.95 for orders over 1 pound. Faster shipping methods are available, but they are considerably more expensive. CortiDiet offers a 30-day 100% satisfaction guarantee, although the terms of this guarantee are not specific. We assume that within 30 days of receiving the product, you may return it if you are not completely satisfied, but we are not sure if that includes partially used products or only unopened products.
Website In Focus
Doctorswellnesscenter.com is the most complete source of information on CortiDiet, and we used the site as our basis for this review. The information on the site is easy to find and very helpful. All of the ingredients are presented and described, and shipping and pricing information is readily available. There are also customer testimonials and FAQs to assist in your decision to purchase the product. However, the website itself appears rather unprofessional. The entire site looks like it was done by a high school class, leaving much to be desired in terms of visual appeal. Even with the secure shopping and ample information, the site still does not appear as trustworthy as it should.
Positives
Improves mood naturally.

All the necessary information is readily available on the website.
Negatives
Their customers do not like them at all and have negative things to say about their experiences. Click here to read a popular Cortisol blog.

Contains caffeine, a stimulant that could have negative side effects.

Moderately expensive product.

Requires exercise and proper diet to be effective.

Should be used in combination with other products in the product line to maximize effectiveness.

Website is in serious need of visual updating.
Final Thoughts
CortiDiet™’s sensible approach to weight loss is refreshing—there are no big promises, no incredible claims, and no secrets about the fact that proper diet and exercise are essential to healthy weight loss. However, this does mean that someone who is looking to lose weight must change their entire lifestyle in order to see moderate results. The other choice is to include even more moderately expensive products to make CortiDiet™ work more effectively. The ingredients include a couple mild hunger suppressants, but none that have been proven to be truly effective. And while there are thermogenic agents in this product, the product has too many stipulations to be effective. Less expensive and more effective options are available for both general weight loss and stress-targeted weight loss, leaving CortiDiet™ behind several other competitors in the diet market.

Many people looking to lose weight should consider finding a healthy eating plan that they like and can live with long term. You should also exercise each day by doing an activity that is fun and enjoyable. Water is extremely important too, and dieters need a lot of it to stay hydrated and to keep their bodies free of toxins. Finally, try the addition of a supplement specifically designed to help with weight loss. Be sure that the product you choose includes the two key elements all effective diet products need; a fat-burner to rid the body of excess weight on the arms, hips, belly, thighs and buttocks, and an appetite suppressant to help control caloric intake and keep cravings at bay. Many good intentions are ruined by cravings that take us over and sabotage our dieting efforts. If you combine all these elements, along with patience and diligence, you will see the pounds come off.
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