Active Low-Carber Forums

Active Low-Carber Forums (http://forum.lowcarber.org/index.php)
-   Nutrition & Supplements (http://forum.lowcarber.org/forumdisplay.php?f=131)
-   -   Has anyone used Cortislim? (http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthread.php?t=158546)

lisaw00 Sat, Jan-10-04 19:55

Has anyone used Cortislim?
 
I've seen lots of commercials lately and was wondering about this product. I looked at the website and it looks pretty harmless but I was wondering if anyone has tried it.

LadyBelle Sat, Jan-10-04 20:15

Post a link to the website. I've never tried it, but if there are any bad ingredients in it people here may be able to tell you.

shortstuff Sat, Jan-10-04 20:51

Here's the link:

http://www.cortislim.com/ingredients.htm

I didn't see anything dangerous in it, but if you are low carbing faithfully following a particular plan you are going to naturally have appetite control and your blood sugars should remain fairly stable all by themselves.

Next comment: if it looks to good to be true, it probably IS to good to be true.

shortstuff

kareval Sun, Jan-11-04 10:43

They have been pushing that commercial here like crazy...mostly on the raido, and I must admit i have been tempted to try it....I hope someone will post results if they have tried it.

lisaw00 Sun, Jan-11-04 11:32

Part of what this product does seems to focus on managing the level of the stress hormone cortisol, which we can't control by what we eat. that sounds interesting. On the other hand, I don't want to get into something like a kava kava-type herb that is just supposed to relax me.

Dunno - which is why I'm skeptical. I agree that things that sound too good to be true usually are. Money back guarantees help, though. :read2:

I'd be interested to hear from anyone else. I think this is a relatively new product though so we might not hear from anyone who has actually tried it.

Sprissy Sun, Jan-11-04 15:31

Cortislim
 
I did a search on the internet on this product and I came accross a web site that stated that the only ingredient in cortisol blockers that has any effect is called "Phosphatidylserine". And that if you were going to take it you would be you would need about 800 mg a day for it to have any effect. But you can buy a product with just "Phosphatidylserine" and nothing else. But to take 800 mg a day it would be expensive. Most cortisol blockers that I have seen only contain 8.3mg of this ingredient.

LadyBelle Sun, Jan-11-04 16:16

I kind of considered it, but then the commercial said it was for those 40 and over that have excess abdomonal fat. While my abdomen is the problem, my age isn't quite yet.

Isn't that the same hormone you want just before working out to be able to put up more and last longer?

sknymonkey Sun, Jan-11-04 23:43

[QUOTE]Part of what this product does seems to focus on managing the level of the stress hormone cortisol, which we can't control by what we eat.[/QUOTE

Light to moderate exercise also helps reduce cortisol. I wouldn't trust any suppliment that saturates the media with ads. Just my 2 cents.

KoKo Mon, Jan-12-04 09:11

I'm definitely confused when it comes to hormones - but I saw this commercial and thought it was probably not worthwhile - I read something at Dr. Hussmans fitness site - where he suggests taking vitamin C upon waking to help shut down the cortisol that apparently is in production while sleeping. This info was in his advice to people doing BFL

Dr. Sussman Fitness Link

KoKo Mon, Jan-12-04 09:41

There's a lot of info on that site - so here is the snippet about the cortisol


Quote:
Originally Posted by From Dr. Sussmans Fitness Pages
Timing your supplements (optional)

If you want to maximize both muscle gain and fat loss, it helps to get your insulin and cortisol under control. The following schedule is optional, not essential. But if you're the kind of person who wants everything exact, here's my advice on timing your supplements (obviously, this schedule assumes that your insulin regulation is not impaired by diabetes, in which case you should follow the routine prescribed by your physician). I mention some supplements below. Most everything you want to know about them is in the Supplements section further down on this page.

In the morning: Take 500-1000 mg of Vitamin C. Objective: Shut down cortisol levels without triggering significant insulin release.
Immediately after workouts: If you're using glutamine, L-Leucine, or supplements containing Leucine metabolites such as HMB, these should be taken immediately after your workout. And take another 500-1000 mg of Vitamin C. If you smell ammonia (basically nitrogen, and a signal that your cortisol levels are high enough to trigger protein breakdown), you should take a protein and carbohydrate containing supplement immediately. In general, however, the most appropriate protein to take immediately is simply a gram of L-Leucine (I use the Source Naturals brand available through www.iherb.com ). Objective: Shut down cortisol if necessary, and take protein-building supplements when they are most readily taken up by muscle.
About 60 minutes after workouts: Drink a supplement shake or other quickly digested supplement containing both protein and simple carbohydrates. If you're having a solid meal, this is the one meal that should definitely contain at least some higher glycemic carbohydrates. Any supplements containing high-glycemic carbohydrates (such as Phosphagen HP or RiboForce) should be taken within 60 minutes of weight-training. Objective: Shut down cortisol hard, spike insulin after weight training, and trigger muscle synthesis.
In every meal except the post-workout meal, consume protein and low-glycemic carbohydrates, particularly if your main goal is fat loss. Use vegetables or low-calorie fruits to provide fiber and satisfy hunger. Drink water frequently to support metabolism. Objective: maintain a stable nutrient stream, keeping both insulin and cortisol in check.
As the last ration of the night before you go to sleep, have 500-1000 mg of Vitamin C, a small serving of cottage cheese (slowly digested and high in glutamine content to reduce cortisol levels), and a green apple or pear (both very low glycemic), and a supplement containing glutamine. Objective: Reduce cortisol, provide a slowly digested nutrient flow without elevating insulin.

SisterT Wed, Jan-28-04 15:10

Cortislim Claims Low-Carbing is Bad
 
I listen to the radio during the day so I get a chance to hear these Cortislim ads. The doctor who made Cortislim claims that a group called Supplement Watch, "a leading research group", claims that there are side effects to low-carb diets including memory loss, heart disease, fatigue and mood swings.

Personally, I think the guy is simply trying to capitalize on the popularity of low-carb plans to sell his product. "Just take this pill and you'll lose weight and you can still eat all the foods you love." Enticing, huh? But does Cortislim lower your cholesterol and triglycerides? What good does it do to lower cortisol yet raise the very things that truly contribute to heart disease?

Porcellino Wed, Jan-28-04 21:59

I had heard all of the commercials also, and never thought about ordering it.... However, I have had in depth tests to investigate other issues (endometriosis - had surgery last March) and my cortisol levels were higher than the normal range of being 'high'. My doctor told me that this makes my body hold on to fat. Since I have a problem with estrogen, and cortisol and progesterone compete to enter a cell, less progesterone due to high cortisol exacerbates estrogen dominance. Sorry if this is tmi, but the body is very complex, and I still don't understand everything myself. I excercise 6 days a week and should definitely weigh less, and I don't lose even when I don't cheat. I am not saying I am that heavy by any means, but there is a pretty big disconnect that has been happening between my diet/excercise and weight loss. I haven't changed my stats but am up over 140 again and have remained at 34% body fat since October. Excercise can increase cortisol levels because it is the 'anti-stress' hormone, and that means any stress, even moderate levels of excercise and your body will produce cortisol as an anti-inflammatory. So....... to end a long story, I ordered it and am anxiously awaiting it's arrival. I will be happy to post all results. Since by now I have forgotten about weighing 120 (yes, so sue me, even I am tired of reading the posts of those weighing 117 and complaining about their bellies) and would be ecstatic to be 130, maybe it will be the help I need to get rid of the last pesky pounds. If anyone else has these issues or tried this product, please chime in!

Galadriell Tue, Feb-03-04 19:13

An interesting review:
http://www.ultimatefatburner.com/cortislim-review.html

sharann Wed, Feb-04-04 00:22

I copied this from a similar above post:

PLEASE LISTEN TO ME: If their product worked, REALLY had ANY value, it would not be sold on TV. It would be bought by a giant pharmaceutical company and sold by prescription for ghastly inflated prices! This "Dr Cynammon" guy is selling this for his "associate". Lord, they have been in respected journals he claims, such as Ladies Home Journal...WOW, real hard core scientific journal there.
Porcellino, you pegged it with the expression "snake oil"salesman. If one truly has a cortisol abundance, they NEED medical intervention as this is life threatning (as can be deficiencies of cortisol).
Low carb, exercise and water is the best "pill". I am saying this because I care and get angry at these a-hol=s who wanna make a quick buck with a slick ad. Save your money for those steak dinners!!!

sknymonkey Wed, Feb-04-04 10:03

Amen, Sharann!
To your remedy, I would also add 30 min a day of moderate exercise.

sharann Wed, Feb-04-04 13:04

Thanks skymonkey. It is after all just my OPINION that these TV pills are not worth much and may harm.
Thanks for not flaming me for caring :).

JulieT Wed, Feb-04-04 17:27

for those 40 and over that have excess abdomonal fat.

seems to be aimed at the babyboomers the group with the most purchasing power in this country right now...just my opinion

fridayeyes Thu, Feb-05-04 00:45

Incidentally, cortisol *can* be moderated by what you eat. Body builders know that a small dose of dextrose (2-3 rolls of Smarties, 15-20 g carbs) and some protein will help control cortisol levels which tend to rise half an hour or so after a strenuous (i.e 'stressful') workout.

Cheers,

Friday

RodeRash Thu, Feb-05-04 10:54

Supplement Facts
Serving size 1 capsule

Amount Per Serving % Daily Value

Vitamin C (as calcium ascorbate) 100 mg 170%
Calcium (as calcium carbonate, calcium ascorbate) 150 mg 15%
Chromium (as chromium polynicotinate) 050 mg 40%
Cortiplex™ Proprietary Blend
Magnolia Bark extract (Magnolia officinalis) 1.5% honokiol, Beta-Sitoserol, Suntheanine® (as 100% L-Theanine)
155 mg *
Leptiplex™ Proprietary Blend
Green Tea Leaf extract (Camellia sinensis) 50% EGCG, Bitter Orange Peel extract (Citrus aurantium) 5% synephrine
125 mg *
Insutrol™ Proprietary Blend
Banaba Leaf extract (Lagerstroemia speciosa) 1% corosolic acid, Vanadyl Sulfate (providing 5 mcg vanadium)
16.5 mg *

* Daily value not established.

Other ingredientss: gelatin, microcrystalline cellulose, water, silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate (vegetable derived).

Digitalgrl Fri, Mar-12-04 13:01

Well I bought some Cortislim ....

I figured I am going to give it a go. I had a full physical check-up and had a full check-up with a Naturopath, and after years of having anxiety attacks and high levels of stress, my levels of cortizone in my blood are through the roof. My doctor said this probably is why I've had such a struggle losing weight, even while on Atkins.

So I am going to give it a shot, I will let you know if it helps!

maximus76 Fri, May-14-04 18:23

so... is the conclusion that cortislim doesn't really work?

Built Fri, May-14-04 18:32

[QUOTE=sknymonkey]
Quote:
Part of what this product does seems to focus on managing the level of the stress hormone cortisol, which we can't control by what we eat.[/QUOTE

Light to moderate exercise also helps reduce cortisol. I wouldn't trust any suppliment that saturates the media with ads. Just my 2 cents.


...and excessive cardio can actually make it worse, which explains why a lot of middle-aged joggers still keep their "gut".

Resistance exercise, however, can have the opposite effect.

BlitzedAng Fri, May-14-04 19:15

Maybe Im wrong. But I notice now more than ever that anytime I see an add on tv like those it's bogus. I hope who ever blows money on it has good results. But I have tried soo many pills in the past that Im very leary.

LKPNYC Mon, May-17-04 16:57

Crap! It's all crap.. my mother, sister, and I tried it and saw NO results. I am sending it back to get the much promised money back guarantee.... we shall see! Seriously .. tho.. waste of time and money. I felt nothing, saw nothing, lost nothing.

Nancy LC Mon, May-17-04 17:12

Quote:
Originally Posted by sharann
I copied this from a similar above post:

PLEASE LISTEN TO ME: If their product worked, REALLY had ANY value, it would not be sold on TV. It would be bought by a giant pharmaceutical company and sold by prescription for ghastly inflated prices! This "Dr Cynammon" guy is selling this for his "associate". Lord, they have been in respected journals he claims, such as Ladies Home Journal...WOW, real hard core scientific journal there.
Porcellino, you pegged it with the expression "snake oil"salesman. If one truly has a cortisol abundance, they NEED medical intervention as this is life threatning (as can be deficiencies of cortisol).
Low carb, exercise and water is the best "pill". I am saying this because I care and get angry at these a-hol=s who wanna make a quick buck with a slick ad. Save your money for those steak dinners!!!


I'm reasonably certain this same guy was selling an "all natural hair restorer" (Kevis or some such) a year or so back. Sounds like a professional huckster.

I absolutely HATE how every talk show host at KFI is selling crap like this now.

LKPNYC Tue, May-18-04 10:08

cortisol-- metformin
 
I have never bought anything from an informercial before, but it made sense.. i have been under a tremendous amount of stress, and even though I was eating 'well' (tho not low carb at the time) and working out five times a week (and I mean treadmill, weights, and rowing machine, not lollygagging around the block) the scale was NOT budging. I thought if I could lower my cortisol levels maybe my system could get back on track. However, I quickly learned it was crap.
Now I am on metformin and a low-carb lifestyle.. and I am actually seeing results... four measly, BEAUTIFUL pounds so far... :)

CindyG Tue, May-18-04 12:04

My step mother said this stuff worked great to help calm her. She had been very stressed, runs her own business and said after a month of this, she felt very calm and serene!

Sounded good to me! If nothing else I could use some calm in my life! Well hate to tell you this stuff did ABSOLUTELY NOTHING for me! I have not lost any more weight than normal and I sure don't feel calm or serene!

Oh another weird thing, when step mom called to reorder, they told her this stuff worked great with low carb diets!

I say pure snake oil :p

DianneH Thu, May-20-04 13:14

I'm thinking, "placebo effect."

The guy says he's a doctor, it's gonna work, you believe enough to buy it...

But I find myself wondering, 'doctor of what? advertizing?'

If you've seen the infomercials, depending on the angle of the camera shot, he looks a bit plump, to me!

Dianne
who'll stick to valerium, calcium and magnesium before bed to deal with stress... and boy do I have it!

Chipperoo Thu, May-20-04 17:57

Yes, everything they say about cortisol is true. This is how they sell their crap. They spew a bunch of science which is all very true and then make you think they have something that will work for it. And the kicker in this instance is they charge a whole bunch of money for it to make you think, WOW, if it cost that much it MUST really work. And it is no better ( not as good as some) than anything else on the market at much cheaper prices. What a marketing scheme.

Queeksdraw Mon, Sep-13-04 13:29

Cortislim
 
I started taking Cortislim a month ago. I have not seen any weight loss. I have lost a couple inches around the waist (which I have plenty to go around). I have been stressed out for a variety of reasons and have noticed a calming effect from the Corislim. I am giving Cortislim another month and if I see no further results I will be exercising their money back option. I believe I hear a thunder of laughter out there...money back? I have read some horror stories, but I will give it a go. Bottom line is what you eat and exercise. I am on a hospital version of a low carb diet. It is more a low everything diet. I have to balance carbs, protein, and no salt. I am trying Cortislim because of stress. I have since found out the key stress ingedient is Magnolia Bark. You can buy Magnolia Bark for ten bucks a bottle verses fifty bucks for Cortislim. If you are not stressed out, stick to your diet and save your money.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 11:01.

Copyright © 2000-2024 Active Low-Carber Forums @ forum.lowcarber.org
Powered by: vBulletin, Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.