- Indications
- Effect on Excess Weight
- Sources
- How to Use Pharmacy Products
- Side Effects
- Contraindications
Many people dream of losing weight and making their figure closer to ideal. Diets are effective, but they have a serious flaw: a restricted diet causes stress and a feeling of hunger. Therefore, doctors recommend taking nicotinic acid (other names – vitamin B3 (PP), niacin) for those who want to lose weight. It accelerates the metabolism and activates the production of serotonin, the hormone of pleasure, the lack of which makes you want to eat chocolate or cake.
Indications
In the 1930s, scientists found that many diseases develop due to malnutrition. As a result of research, niacin was discovered. It turned out that this vitamin provides prevention of pellagra – a disease, the name of which literally translates as “rough skin”.
Currently, the scope of niacin has expanded. Direct indications for use:
- pellagra (to eliminate dermatitis, hair loss, insomnia);
- malnutrition;
- rapid weight loss;
- gastrointestinal diseases;
- malabsorption syndrome;
- gastrectomy.
The need for nicotinic acid increases with the following conditions:
- prolonged fever;
- cirrhosis;
- hepatitis;
- cancer;
- chronic stress;
- pregnancy and lactation;
- chronic infections;
- hyperthyroidism.
Effect on Excess Weight
The use of nicotinic acid for weight loss is supported by many doctors and nutritionists. It accelerates more than 60 metabolic processes in the body, stimulates the elimination of toxins, and promotes the production of serotonin.
With its sufficient level, lipids and proteins that enter the body with food are processed more quickly and efficiently. Nutrients are fully absorbed, rather than being deposited as fat deposits on the hips. In parallel, niacin stimulates the production of enzymes and helps to get rid of “bad” cholesterol, increasing the level of “good” cholesterol.
Attempts to lose weight often turn into failure, as a meager diet negatively affects the psychological state. To produce the hormone serotonin, which is responsible for pleasure, the body needs simple carbohydrates, and they are contained in sweets. Therefore, with depression, the need for chocolate is greatly increased. It is difficult to resist this desire, breakdowns occur.
Read also: Stevia – a remedy for losing weight without giving up sweets
With a sufficient level of vitamin PP, the brain starts the mechanism of synthesizing the hormone of joy. This naturally eliminates the need for sweets and starchy foods – the culprits of extra pounds. Also, nicotinic acid has a positive effect on the central nervous system. There is strength to fight stress, which is often “seized” by high-calorie foods.
Niacin helps not only to correct the figure, but also has a positive effect on the entire appearance. It improves the saturation of cells with oxygen and has a rejuvenating effect:
- the body is cleansed;
- the skin is moisturized, softened and smoothed;
- hair becomes thick and silky;
- nails are strengthened.
Historical fact: North Americans did not suffer from skin diseases. Scientists explain this by the fact that their traditional food was corn tortillas, and corn is rich in niacin.
Sources
There are a large number of products that can be used to replenish the deficiency of nicotinic acid. It is found in many vegetables – in potatoes, cabbage, bell peppers, tomatoes, corn. Also found in cheese, fish, peanuts, brewer’s yeast, buckwheat. The body is able to synthesize it from tryptophan, sources of which are eggs and cottage cheese. It is most easily absorbed from meat and beans.
The problem is that in order to start the mechanisms of losing weight, the body requires large volumes of acid. It is impossible to get them from products. The alternative is PP vitamin in tablets and ampoules for injection.
How to Use Pharmacy Products
Nicotinic acid is a vitamin, but preparations with it are medicines. Before using them, it is recommended to consult a doctor. You can take pills or injections – their effectiveness is comparable, but it is important to follow the instructions for use:
- Take the drug only after meals.
- Wash down with mineral water or warmed milk.
- Eat more dairy products to soften the effect on the liver.
- Take vitamin C (nicotinic acid flushes it out).
To reduce weight, it is recommended to take 100-250 ml of acid. This is enough for the body to increase the production of the hormone of joy. Drugs should be used in courses; a single dose will not have the expected effect. It is desirable that they be prescribed by a doctor.
The maximum daily dosage, unless otherwise prescribed by a doctor, is 1 g. A larger amount is harmful to the liver, and it also increases the risk of developing side effects.
Side Effects
Dilates blood vessels. Therefore, immediately after taking the drug, temporary symptoms often appear – redness of the skin, itching, hot flashes. Usually these effects go away after 15-20 minutes, but allergic reactions are also possible. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.
Vitamin PP is not a means for rapid weight loss. Exceeding the recommended dosages will not help speed up the process of getting rid of extra pounds, but it will increase the risk of complications.
Possible side effects:
- gastric upset;
- allergies with itchy skin;
- impaired vision;
- headaches;
- kidney failure.
Contraindications
Diseases and conditions in which it is impossible to take preparations of vitamin PP:
- individual intolerance;
- atherosclerosis;
- exacerbation of gastric ulcer or duodenal ulcer;
- gout;
- hyperuricemia;
- severe hypertension.
Pregnant and lactating mothers can take it, but high doses are unacceptable.
Nicotinic acid is not a panacea for extra pounds. It speeds up the metabolism and stimulates the production of serotonin, as a result of which the body gets pleasure without sweets and flour. For effective weight loss, taking it alone is not enough. You need to adhere to proper nutrition and do fitness, and medications will improve the results.
