Top 5 Dangerous Diet Pill Ingredients

Weight loss is a major concern for the increasing number of obese people in the United States. Weight gain takes time, but weight loss is supposed to be fast and permanent with little or not work - at least that is what diet pill companies want dieters to believe. In order to make a diet pill seem more effective, diet pill formulas often include dangerous ingredients that can cause increased heart rate, nausea, dehydration and death. Do you know what's in that diet pill that could cause serious side effects?

Ephedra - the Illegal Stimulant

Ephedra has been banned by the Food and Drug Administration, but that doesn't mean some online suppliers have throw away that stocked inventory. All dieters have to do is search and they will find Ephedra. Ephedra was linked to increased blood pressure, increased heart rate and death in several cases. Banning of the diet pill ingredient could also be linked to the use of Ephedra in street drugs.

Bitter Orange - or Synephrine or Citrus Aurantium

After Ephedra was banned, citrus aurantium became the next big stimulant. While the reported side effects do not include death (that officials have reported) but the increased heart rate and blood pressure are associated with citrus aurantium. There are several names for this ingredient but the most popular are bitter orange, citrus aurantium and synephrine.

Dandelion, Uva Ursi, Burdock Root

Dandelion, uva ursi and burdock root and three of the more common diuretics used in diet pills. Diuretics push water or fluid out of the body causing increased urination. Overuse can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and death.

Cascara Sagrada, Rhubarb Root, Senna Leaf

Herbal laxatives are slipped into diet pills without dieters knowing what they are taking. Of particular concern are stimulant laxatives. Stimulant laxatives cramp and squeeze the bowel to move waste out of the body more quickly. With extended use, lazy bowel syndrome or addiction can result.

Psyllium Husk, Fenugreek, Glucomannan, Flaxseed

Bulk forming laxatives are often a great source of fiber. The trouble with diet pills packing huge amounts of fiber or bulk-forming laxatives is the word "bulk". If bulk forming laxatives are taken with too little water, constipation can occur leading to further problems and, potentially, an impacted colon. On the flip side, bulk forming laxatives in diet pills can cause diarrhea and dehydration, as well.

Diet pills can include healthy ingredients like vitamins and minerals, but many have a stimulant base with added diuretics and laxatives. If a diet pill claims to produce improbable weight loss amounts in a very short time frame, chances are the ingredients are not healthy. Take time to research diet pill ingredients before taking the supplement. Diet pills are not approved by the food and drug administration and some herbal ingredients, though natural, can interfere with prescription medications or cause severe side effects.