Phentermine is a diet pill used as a temporary weight loss aid. It’s available in form of tablets and extended-release capsules. Phentermine is supposed to be used for a short time (3 to 6 weeks) to jump start weight loss by speeding up metabolism and reducing your appetite. When used as per the prescription of a medical professional, and with the right diet and regular exercise, Phentermine actually helps to lose weight.
To effectively and safely use Phentermine, one has to first understand the right way to use it and which things to avoid while taking it. This is because the drug, just like most other diet pills, has a high impact on metabolism and blood circulation and can interact with certain substances to produce adverse effects. Also, taking certain foods makes Phentermine seem inefficient so avoiding them is the best thing if significant weight loss is to be achieved.
Here are 4 things that you should avoid when taking Phentermine:
Avoid eating unhealthy carbohydrates
Most carbohydrates contribute to unhealthy weight gain and should thus be avoided. Simple carbohydrates and sugar, especially, are big enemies to weight loss.
Simple carbohydrates like table sugar, candy, products with white flour, cake, chocolate, jam, cookies, packaged cereals and soda. These foods are digested quickly and absorbed into the blood stream, causing dramatic changes in blood sugar level which often leads to weight gain. One should replace simple carbohydrates with complex carbs like whole grain bread, vegetables, legumes, oatmeal, brown rice, and whole wheat pasta. These foods are packed with fibre and take longer to digest.
The unhealthy carbohydrates above are also acidifying foods. They increase the excretion of Phentermine. This means that the diet pill is not allowed to stay in the system as long as required to cause weight loss effects.
Avoid alcohol use
Taking alcohol with Phentermine can cause undesirable effects, sometimes even very serious health issues. Though both alcohol and Phentermine contain stimulants, the stimulants are different. The stimulants in alcohol are known as downers. They slow reflexes, thin blood and cause drowsiness. On the other hand, the stimulants found in the diet pill are called uppers. Uppers increase heart and breathing rates and blood pressure. These stimulants give your liver a very hard task.
In addition, the combined effect of alcohol and Phentermine stimulants increase the risk of excessive bleeding in case an injury occurs. This is because the diet pill increases blood pressure and alcohol thins the blood. Health specialists say that Phentermine can increase blood pressure dangerously in some people especially those who already suffer from high blood pressure. Adding alcohol worsens the situation.
Avoid taking caffeine or limit your use of it
Though the interaction of caffeine and Phentermine has different effects on different people, limiting caffeine intake when using the diet pill is the best advice for everyone. Both substances are stimulants and taking them together may result to overstimulation. Side effects such as insomnia, restlessness, increased blood pressure, and heart palpitations may also intensify. Reducing or avoiding caffeine intake can help you to prevent these side effects. Individuals with cardiovascular conditions such as high blood pressure are particularly warned about using caffeine as they are at a higher risk of experiencing serious side effects due to the use of Phentermine together with caffeine.
Avoid taking Phentermine after the prescribed period
Taking Phentermine for the prescribed period is also important. The drug is made for short term use, but some people will continue using it even after the prescribed period is over. The user should be aware that Phentermine is habit forming so it’s inherent that they avoid taking the drug after the maximum period of 6 weeks.
Avoiding these things will help you kick start your weight loss journey with Phentermine. You’ll also be able to keep extra calories at bay and maintain your new body and look.