Berry Juice at the Health Food Store

Q: I have a question about the berry juice that can be purchased at the health food store. This juice helps people lose weight by increasing your metabolism. Do you know about this juice-would you recommend it? Also I take Jamieson vitamin B12 & E Antioxidant Support. The E was suggested because I was losing a lot of hair. Are Jamieson vitamins any good, if not what brand would you recommend?

A: Unfortunately there is no juice that functions as a weight loss aid. All of them are sugar (fructose/glucose) and help you lose weight when you fast from most or all other foods. Without the fasting, no weight is lost.

To increase metabolism:

• eat small meals/snacks every 3 hours to keep food moving through your digestive system;

• eat spicy foods often - these raise body temperature and calorie burning

• increase fiber intake to 25-50 grams a day. Fiber fills your tummy fast and cuts your appetite in half.

If you're losing hair, it's likely due to low thyroid or low iron. Your doctor can blood test for both. The Jamieson supplement is fine to take, even though it isn't the best brand. Better brands include SISU, Platinum, and Progressive.

To read other about metabolism articles check out:

• Calorie Q&A

• Lose Weight Without the Crash Diet