For many years Chinese teas have been known to be one of the worlds greatest diet remedies. A lot of companies have been advertising these products as such. Chinese diet teas are low on calories and the caffeine that is found in most teas assists in the burning of calories. Furthermore, polyphenols, a substance found in teas assists in fat digestion. Tea touches people in a good way, that is a reality!
Although they come in different names, as fasting tea or slimming tea, all deliver a common saying, "Drink this tea and you will lose weight". Yet, various experts noted that what you are in fact ingesting from these products is a plant based laxative that can induce certain problems among them diarrhea or chronic constipation, and perhaps even death when ingested in excessive amounts.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) once said that the laxative teas and dietary supplements of most concern are those containing 1 or more substances, such as rhubarb root, castor oil, and cascara. These products are derived from plants and have been applied for many years for their ability to help constipation and promote bowel movements. They are very effective for such designs with occasional use.
When the labeled "Chinese diet teas" are excessively used based on the misconception that frequent bowel movements forbid the absorption of calories, problems might occur. Numerous studies have shown that laxative induced diarrhea does not significantly dilute absorption of calories as laxatives don't work in the small intestine where the calories are absorbed. It basically works on the colon, which is the lower end of the bowel.
It is true as well, that when the Chinese diet teas are by steeping the tea for a longer duration than product labeling recommends, or when taking more than the recommended amount, the tea effects may lead to short as well as long term harmful conditions. This could lead to stomach cramps, vomiting, nausea and diarrhea which are the common disorders to take place. This condition can last for several days.
When these laxatives are used on a regular basis, laxative dependency will tend to develop with rounds of chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain as well as constipation. In the most extreme cases, these laxatives can cause fainting, dehydration and serious electrolyte disorders. As mentioned, these after-effects of excessive use are most likely to arise in people who are nutritionally compromised because of rigorous weight-loss dieting.
Because of these concerns, the FDA is now thinking of requiring the manufacturers of labeled "Chinese diet teas" to place warning labels on all their product stimulant laxatives. It is also crucial that those who are using Chinese diet teas for any reason should read and follow the recommended directions carefully and learn about tea effects. The words printed on the label under "warning" must then be given attention.
By : Ron King
