There is a current craze about having a slim figure. This is especially common among female folks. As a result, it has led many to the use slimming teas. The effectiveness of the slimming tea is the center of most adverts. But wait, is slimming tea really effective?

Slimming tea is used with the main aim of weight loss. It promises its users instant loss of weight within a short period of its consumption.

No doubt, having a healthy weight is important as being overweight/obese predisposes one to certain diseases.

When you rely on the efficiency of slimming tea without making any lifestyle changes, this becomes an issue.

What makes slimming teas more enticing to many is the idea that they’re made from natural ingredients.

However, these ingredients are not meant for continuous consumption due to some of their negative impacts.

Constituents of Slimming Teas

The following are the major constituents of slimming teas in addition to different tea types like green tea.

Slimming tea can contain one or all of these as the case may be and they add to the effectiveness.

1. Laxatives

A laxative is meant for the treatment of constipation. It works by increasing bowel movements thereby aiding defecation. It is not meant to be taken for a long time.

Laxatives are a major constituent of slimming teas as such there is a high likelihood of consistent consumption.

A friend once described how the slimming tea she bought worked. She said it made her purge excessively thereby shedding weight.

Now you know why you purge after taking these teas. It’s due to laxatives being active ingredients in them.

Examples of laxatives used are; Senna, cascara, aloe, etc.

2. Diuretics

Diuretics are used to treat high blood pressure. Also known as a “water pill”, a diuretic helps the body to get rid of excess water and salt thereby lowering blood pressure. 

These diuretics are contained in slimming teas as well.

So you shouldn’t be surprised when you find yourself urinating frequently after using them.

4. Stimulants

Stimulants like caffeine are contained in slimming teas. They are meant to curb your appetite and increase your body’s metabolism. They reduce your urge to eat more thereby preventing weight gain which makes it seem effective. However, they come with negative effects too when consumed excessively.

Is slimming Tea Effective?

This is usually the first question on any consumer’s mind. The answer is, that they are effective only when taken continuously. It means as soon as you stop taking these teas, you return to your previous weight or even gain more.

10 Reasons You Should Avoid Slimming Teas

Having known the constituents and effectiveness of these slimming teas, the following are reasons you should avoid them.

1. They Do Not Have Long-Term Effects

Most slimming teas are only effective within the period you use them. If you use them without any lifestyle modification, you have a high tendency of weight gain when you stop.

To prevent this weight gain, some have developed a dependency on these teas. This is to help them maintain a consistent slim figure. Sadly, such dependency is harmful.

2. Their Consumption Results in Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a major effect of the use of laxatives. This results in dehydration and loss of electrolytes. It also presents with vomiting, headache, fatigue, etc.

3. They Can Cause Severe Dehydration

The laxative and diuretic constituents of slimming teas lead to loss of water.

Water is lost in two ways; as a result of purging from the laxative effect and frequent urination from the diuretic constituent.

This leads to dehydration which has a dangerous effect on the kidney.

Dehydration leads to weight loss which should be a health concern. However, you would consider such weight gain as an effective result of the tea.

4. Loss of Electrolytes

Electrolytes are important components of your body fluids. Examples of these electrolytes are sodium, potassium, chloride, etc. Electrolytes are important for the proper function of muscles, maintaining blood PH, etc.

Dehydration is accompanied by loss of electrolytes. The use of slimming teas could result in the loss of essential electrolytes.

Absence or reduced electrolytes lead to spasms and abnormal heartbeats, cardiac arrhythmias, and even death.

5. Weakened Colon

Slimming teas work on the colon to increase its movement and aid defecation.

When the colon is stimulated consistently, it weakens over time. And this becomes an issue as it results in dependency.

6. Dependency

When a colon is weakened by the effect of consistent stimulation, dependency sets in. In this case, the colon now depends on the laxative to cause movement and defecation. As such, you depend on slimming tea to carry out the normal function of a healthy bowel.

7. No Loss of Fat

If you have been reading between the lines, you would realize that we didn’t mention anywhere where fat is shed. Why? This is because the slimming teas don’t work on them. They’re ineffective in that regard.

Complete digestion and absorption take place in the small intestine. The effect of laxative is exhibited on the colon (large intestine).

This shows that it doesn’t prevent the absorption of fats. It only makes defecation easy.

Other harmful effects of slimming teas are abdominal cramping, headaches, and increased blood pressure.

Healthy Ways of Losing Weight

The major way you can lose weight is by lifestyle modification. This is based on two major factors:

• Diet
• Exercise

1. Check Your Diet

The importance of a healthy diet cannot be overexpressed. It is important in weight management as well as overall general health. To maintain a healthy weight, do the following:

• Consume more fruits and vegetables.
• Eat high-protein meals for breakfast.
• Avoid sugary foods and drinks.
• Cut down consumption of fat.
• Avoid processed and canned food. Eat more unprocessed foods.
• Stay hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water.

2. Exercise Regularly

Exercise doesn’t have to be hectic. Walking, cycling, jogging, skipping, and dancing are simple exercises you can engage in to keep you healthy and maintain a healthy weight.

Conclusion

Above, we have explored what makes up slimming tea, its effectiveness and why you should avoid it. We have as well given you a better alternative to maintaining a healthy weight.

Although some people have given slimming teas favourable recommendations. We however recommend that you see your doctor before using any slimming tea. Before you try any slimming tea, you should balance the benefits and drawbacks.

Have you used slimming teas before? What are your thoughts on their effectiveness?

Do share your thoughts in the comment section.

FAQs

Is slimming tea effective?

Yes, but only on a short-term basis. For long-term effectiveness, it has to be used continuously. This poses serious harm to one’s health.

What makes slimming teas harmful?

The ingredients contained in slimming teas are not meant for long-term consumption. As such, taking these teas without proper guidance come with lots of health risks.

What should I do before consumption of any slimming tea?

Check out the ingredients first. Consult your doctor to ensure you don’t react to any of the ingredients contained in the tea. Ensure you eat healthy meals and do not consume them for a long time.

Does slimming tea make one stool?

Yes, it does. This is due to the presence of laxatives in most of them. Ensure you have a restroom close by before you consume it.

Is it okay to drink a slim tea every day?

It is not healthy to drink slimming tea every day. This is due to the harmful effects it has on the body from long-term consumption.