Weight loss from Citrus?

Marjet D. Heitzer, Ph.D.

The Plateau-proof Diet Foundation

http://www.plateauproofdiet.com

Email: [email protected]

Does drinking a small quantity of citrus juice in the
morning jump start your metabolism?

The simple answer is no. Although the basis of this dieting
myth is elusive at best, it is possible that its creator heard
about the new Ephedra substitute, synephrine, found in the outer
peel of Citrus aurantium also known as the Seville orange or
bitter orange. Synephrine is marketed as an ephedra substitute
that increases metabolic temperature, utilizing a greater amount
of fat stores as energy during a workout. Synephrine is closely
related to ephedra, increasing thermogenesis (your body’s
production of heat by burning fat), appetite suppression as well
as increasing energy. Although manufacturers of synephrine claim
that it possesses all the beneficial characteristics of ephedra,
without posing the health threats associated with ephedra, some
recent data suggests that synephrine may be just as harmful as
ephedra. For example, one such study found that synephrine not
only causes hypertension and increases heart rate, but also
interacts with other prescription medications, affecting their
metabolism (1). Metabolism of medications is the way in which
your body breaks down ingested drugs before they can be
eliminated from the body. When a drug’s metabolism is inhibited,
toxic levels of that drug could build up in your body in a
relatively short amount of time. Synephrine may also induce
vasoconstriction, leading to ischemic stroke (2). Caffeine
contaminants from guarana, maté, or other herbs in association
with synephrine are thought to be responsible for the health
risks associated with synephrine supplements.

Because synephrine is a dietary supplement, it is not subject
to regulation by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).
Therefore, animal testing and clinical trials that are normally
used to determine if a drug is safe are not performed. Because
most dietary supplements are composed of plant materials, most
supplements are contaminated with other herbs that could affect
your health. It is important that you speak with your doctor
before taking any dietary supplement or herbal medicine as some
of them may interfere with prescription drugs and/or induce
other health complications.

Although consumption of citrus juice in the morning does not
increase your metabolism, citrus fruits are a good source of
vitamin C as well as fiber. However, to get the beneficial
effects of the fiber from citrus fruits, you must eat the fruit
as a whole, not just consume the juice.

There is some evidence that certain prescription drugs
interact with grapefruit juice. Such interactions usually affect
the action (efficacy and safety) of those drugs, so if you take
prescription drugs, consult your doctor before consuming
significant amounts of grapefruit or grapefruit juice.

The best way to start burning calories at the beginning of the
day is to have a well rounded breakfast. The National Weight
Control Registry states that eating breakfast regularly is
beneficial in the long-term maintenance of weight loss (3, 4).
Furthermore, eating breakfast regularly is associated with more
physical activity, suggesting that consuming breakfast increases
your energy.

1. Haller, C. A., Benowitz, N. L., and Jacob, P., 3rd
Hemodynamic effects of ephedra-free weight-loss supplements in
humans. 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 an
ephedra-free dietary supplement containing synephrine. Mayo Clin
Proc, 80: 541-545, 2005.

3. Elfhag, K. and Rossner, S. Who succeeds in maintaining weight
loss? A conceptual review of factors associated with weight loss
maintenance 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 weight loss and breakfast
in subjects in the National Weight Control Registry. Obes Res,
10: 78-82, 2002.

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