The term thermogenics translates literally to mean “heat generation”. It’s applied in weight loss and dieting by implying that certain activities or foods will cause you to burn calories quicker. This is often done through manipulating the body’s metabolism. By all that diet marketers and body builders say and promise, it would seem like it would be an ideal way to trick your body into losing weight more quickly.

However, one should also take a LOT of caution with this, because in most cases the things that are claiming the label of being thermogenic are not often regulated by the FDA, and even the National Council Against Health Fraud warns consumers to read labels and proceed with caution.

The most common concern naturally are diet weight loss pills and supplements. One common combination that is considered to be “thermogenic” is also known as the ECA Stack, which includes ephedrine, caffeine, and aspirin. Ephedrine is a stimulant and believed to also be an appetite suppressant. It is naturally found in some herbs such as Má Huáng, a Chinese herb. Unfortunately, it can cause many dangerous reactions in many people, such as increased heart rate, blood pressure changes, restlessness, breathlessness, dizziness, and headaches. It can also cause emotional responses such as increased irritability, anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations. For some, changes in cardiovascular and respiratory functions can be life threatening. Pro-longed use especially could be of danger.

Caffeine and aspirin seem relatively harmless and to many are household names that are easily recognizable. However, either in high doses are not good for your body and can also cause potentially life threatening side effects, especially in combination with Ephedra and other herbs.

Many of these weight loss products and diet supplements are available in stores such as GNC. One name brand product, Xenadrine, boasts of using catechins and caffeine to thermodynamically change your metabolism. However, catechins (basically a plant substance that is common in cocoa and teas) are not heavily researched. In theory, you could instead of taking the supplement just go overboard with coffee, tea, and chocolate.

There are also many lists of foods that are believed to be thermogenic in nature, though of course studies are limited and unreliable. Fortunately, most of the foods you see commonly listed ARE safe for consumption and can be eaten without concern.

For example, here is a short list of thermogenic foods:

Chicken
Egg Whites
Seafood
Lean Red Meat
Hot Peppers
Asparagus
Mushrooms
Apples
Berries
Pears
Broccoli

Obviously, the thermodynamic properties of these foods is really unknown. The good thing is as the old adage says “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”. So, feel free to eat as much as you want from the above list, as long as it’s part of a healthy and balanced diet that combines exercise and nutrition. But stay away from the diet fads and the weight loss claims you see about burning fat quickly or losing belly fat in a hurry because of it or with the use of supplements. No weight loss claims are worth your own personal safety or risking your health. (Losing weight should be healthy – not dangerous!)

Do you have any thoughts on thermogenics? Share them in the comments below.