You have made it through the first five pillars of the DAMY Lean. Congratulations!

Now, let’s move on to a comprehensive approach to holistic weight loss.

To complete this program we need to make sure we have optimized metabolism and minimized any weight loss blocks you may have (we cover this in the holistic module).

Today we ensure your metabolism is boosted through supplementation. That’s what this pillar is all about.

Of course, it is important to note that these supplements are not required. They may speed up your initial results but by all means they will not be more important than modules 1-4. Most likely you do not need to supplement any extra nutrients on your DAMY Lean journey. Most imbalances can be corrected without supplementation. Most members will not need medical supplementation for a specific metabolic deficit.

With that being said, supplements can facilitate your results, boost metabolism and help to correct imbalances if they do exist.

Your supplement choices will depend on if there are imbalances to be corrected or if you can tolerate an artificially boosted metabolism.

*It should go without saying but please consult a naturopathic doctor like myself or a medical doctor before starting any supplementation. They can be very powerful and we only recommend using those you need after confirming their safety.

In this outline we will briefly cover supplementation used in specific imbalances and an easy protocol for general weight loss support on the DAMY Lean.

Enjoy, be safe and track your results!

Supplementation on the DAMY Lean

The purpose of supplementation is to add substances that either:

• Bring a system back to balance
• Raise a deficiency

If we can get enough of what we need from food lets do it! If not, here we go.

First I want to state that not all weight loss supplements are effective. If they are marketed for weight loss they may have a certain amount of benefit for the one imbalance they help to correct. The question is whether or not that is an imbalance you are experiencing. Usually it isn’t.

For example, moringa might help balance blood sugar. That might help weight loss if you have a poor diet or have blood sugar regulation issues. Otherwise, moringa isn’t for you.

Supplements can also have side effects. For example, pre-workout supplements might help you burn more calories but they also may contribute to adrenal burnout which could actually cause you to gain weight in the long run. These are things to consider before starting a routine.

The DAMY Lean Protocol

One supplement we know is helpful in weight loss is high dose EGCG from green tea. It is something everyone with adequate kidney function can safely take in low doses to boost metabolism. It is proven effective in weight loss, provides a mild energy boost, helps to balance blood sugar and is known to stimulate metabolism.

EGCG is an antioxidant and if you take too much in kidney disease it is contraindicated. If you choose to start this please take a low dose vitamin E supplement with it.

Official protocol: EGCG from Green Tea, Mixed Tocopherols (400IU) – both in the morning.
Official product example:

• AOR Active Green Tea 1 capsule twice per day (breakfast and lunch)
• Vitamin E8 New Roots – 1 capsule per day in the morning

These products are examples of a protocol that could be helpful. Metagenics products can be purchased by Canadians through our site. If you are out of Canada or would like to purchase a product not listed here feel free to ask for help at any time.

Secondary basics for everyone:

If you are looking for more there are other options that can be used even if there are no apparent imbalances occurring. To continue boosting metabolism and to actively speed results consider the following.

• Probiotics for a microbiome supportive of weight loss – Metagenics – Ultraflora Control – 1 capsule before bed
• Methionine, choline and inositol with citrus for a metabolic boost – Metagenics – LipoGen – 2 tablets with breakfast

Thyroid function support:

Supplementation to boost thyroid can sometimes be necessary and is the quickest way to weight loss success if the thyroid is out of balance. This is why a test of the thyroid can be so helpful on a holistic weight loss journey. With the treatment of a thyroid already out of balance

• Tyrosine – to make thyroid hormone (500-1000mg/day)
• Iodine – to make thyroid hormone (100-200mcg/day)
• Zinc and Selenium – to convert the thyroid to active hormone (15-20mg zinc, 200mcg selenium)

Testing first is especially helpful.

Official protocol: Tyrosine 500mg twice per day any brand, Thyrosol 2 capsules per day.
Official product: Metagenics – Thyrosol – 2 capsules daily in the morning

Hormone support:

The next potential block to weight loss is hormonal imbalance. There are multiple situations that can contribute to weight gain. See the DAMY Lean protocol for each below. Do you fit one of these? Consider the protocol.

*Pre-menopausal support – if estrogen dominance (most common condition) – Broccoli extract, I3C, DIM or calcium-d-glucarate, B6, vitex.

Official protocol: I3C any brand – 200mg before bed
Official product: See holistic approach section

*Post-menopausal support – if low hormone/menopause induced weight gain – vitex, maca, damiana, etc

Official product: See holistic approach section

*Low Testosterone support – if tested low and symptoms corroborate consider the following: tongkat ali, maca, horny goat weed, boron, zinc, saw palmetto, I3C

Official product: See holistic approach section

Digestion support:

Are you dealing with IBS? Even if you aren’t your microbiome could be hindering your weight loss results. The good news is that the fix is easy.

If you are having maldigestion and feel inflamed enzymes and omega 3’s might be the solution. There are also small trials that show omega 3’s might be helpful for weight loss on their own as well. Good news!

Consider the following protocol:

Official protocol:

• broad spectrum probiotic 10-20 billion
• broad spectrum enzyme
• Omega 3s

Official product:

• Metagenics – Ultraflora Control – 1 capsule before bed
• Metagenics – Spectrazyme Complete – 1 capsule with meals
• Metagenics – OmegaGenics EPA-DHA 720 – 2 softgels per day

Inflammatory support:

Systemic inflammation can occur for many reasons. It can cause havoc to the metabolic function of the body. It can alter hormones, block hunger signals and impact overall energy. When it occurs here is what we do: Boswellia, Curcumin & Omega 3’s

Official product:

• Metagenics – Inflavonoid Intensive Care (new since video was recorded) – 2 capsules in the morning with food.
• Metagenics – OmegaGenics EPA-DHA 720 – 2 softgels per day

Nutrient deficiency support:

Have you tested low in a specific nutrient? It could impact your weight loss success. Lets fix it right away.

First, test if you can. Options for vitamin D, B12, iron and B9 – see Holistic Approach Section.

Insomnia support:

If you aren’t sleeping it will be very difficult to lose weight. Hormone signaling, metabolic signaling, hunger signaling are all impacted by lack of sleep.

This is an easy area to assess but can be a difficult one to fix. We know that addressing this aspect of health is important for everyone on the DAMY Lean and we want to make sure you are getting adequate sleep. If not, lets fix it asap.

The treatment will depend on the cause. Let’s figure it out first. If you already know you can choose from the following (for lifestyle advice go to the Holistic Approach Section):

• Calming the mind – ashwaghanda, L-glycine, B6, 5HTP
• Burnout – rhodiola, ginseng (earlier in the day)
• Gentle herbs for sleep – chamomile, passionflower
• More intense – hops, catnip, L-theanine, GABA, magnesium

Official product for high nighttime cortisol and low melatonin – Metagenics – Benesom – 2 capsules before bed.

Official product for insomnia with normal melatonin release – Metagenics – Myocalm Plus – 4 capsules before bed.

Blood sugar regulation support:

Blood sugar control is the next block to consider supplementation for. If you experience significant swings in blood sugar with meals or if you have had high fasting sugar in the morning this section could be important for you.

This is where many of the weight loss supplements on the market can have an impact (but only if needed). If you have a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome or even type two diabetes consider this approach.

We use supplements like chromium, cinnamon and alpha lipoic acid.

Official product:

• Metagenics – MetaglycemX – 1 capsule in the morning with food
• Metagenics – Chromium picolinate – 1 capsule twice per day between meals

Mood support:

Neurotransmitters are important in weight loss. We need to feel good to stay on track. We need to feel motivated to make good choices. We need to feel calm to not binge.

Let’s support these processes if needed.

We use the following options:

• Low mood – 5HTP
• Anxiety – GABA and L-theanine, ashwaghanda
• Low motivation – Macuna
• Overall – B vitamins, rhodiola, ginseng, etc

Official product:

• Boosting mood – Metagenics – SeroSyn – 1 capsule three times per day with food (must not be on antidepressants)
• Calming stress – Metagenics – Exhilarin – 1 capsule twice per day
• Mental/emotional/physical Burnout – Metagenics – Serenagen – 3 capsules in the morning

Remember:

Not everyone will need supplements. When starting a holistic approach like this one it is helpful to review your overall health. Refer to holistic approach section to see where you fit and what supplements might be required for you.

If you are looking to get a little bit of everything the Healthy Transformation Pack by Metagenics could cover you. Consider it here: https://davidduizer.metagenicscanada.com/healthy-transformation-daily-support-packets

Choosing a supplement protocol when all is good – Metabolic and Energy Boosting:

Sometimes everything is functioning optimally. Your stress can be low, your hormones can be balanced and your thyroid can be firing on all cylinders and still weight loss can be difficult.

When this happens frustration can mount to a significant place.

To curb this frustration sometimes you need to jumpstart weight loss using supplements. Some of the best supplements to use in weight loss are not “uppers”, they’re not fat burners, they are supportive nutrients that can be helpful in supporting a high functioning metabolic process. We know that these elements can help you burn fat quicker. They can help you use up your carbohydrate intake quicker. They can help you digest food better.

When you adopt a supplement protocol like this there is a significant potential that you will lose weight quicker. There are many supplements that promise to give you the same benefit. Most of them do not have any research to support their use. We are only using supplements that are research-informed. We are only using supplements that have at least a small trial showing their effectiveness in promoting weight loss in healthy people. We are only using supplements that are safe for most people.

When starting a metabolic boost protocol we need to consider nutrients that help with the breakdown of fat cells, improve your energy and that can be helpful in supporting your exercise. That’s with this protocol is all about.

If you’re considering a protocol like this please start with the lowest dose possible for the first week and then increase as needed. Track your weight along the way only do supplements for 8 to 12 weeks at a time and then take a break. Brakes can be anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks. If you continue to lose weight during your break you don’t need to continue with the supplements.

The supplements I like to use in the situation include the following:

The main supplements we recommend when everything is in balance are:

• Active Green Tea by AOR
• Vitamin E8 by New Roots
• LipoGen by Metagenics
• Ultraflora Control by Metagenics

These are standard lipotropic supplementation and are used in many different weight loss programs but are especially effective when using the other principles of the DAMY Lean in combination. They help cravings, speed fat break down, control appetite and boost energy. They do this through improving liver detox, helping neurotransmitter support and controlling insulin sensitivity.

A final note – Energy boosting when required:

Finally, when it comes to weight-loss supplementation it is important to consider energy boosting nutrients. Sometimes really our only downfall is an inability to make a good food choice and exercise at the level that is supportive of our goals.

Supplementation can help the transition into a holistic weight-loss program by boosting energy levels in a balanced, non-stimulating way. Not all supplements for boosting energy are safe as some can be far too stimulating and therefore we do not recommend just going out and buying any energy booster on the shelf. We know that some of them can be very harmful to the body and some can set you up for failure in the future.

This is a simple approach that almost anyone can do if they’re suffering from lack of energy regardless of the cause. Of course, it is better to find out why are you so low in resources.

This approach is all about getting results now and setting yourself up for absolute success on this program.

Use these few supplements to get an energy boost today:

The first one we like to use as a natural energy boost is called Adracet.

This is the supplement contains herbs that are boosting but not over stimulating. I recommend starting with just one capsule in the morning to see if it’s supportive of your energy throughout the entire day. Please do not take the supplement if it is night time and do not take if you have an anxiety disorder or are very sensitive to stimulants.

In addition to this herbal boost taking a B complex when starting your journey can help to boost energy levels naturally. It is very common to be low in B vitamins or for the ratio of B’s to be altered. Correcting this ratio is as simple as taking a B complex. Very often people notice energy increases with a B complex with this program. We’re open to you taking any B complex at one capsule in the morning on the DAMY Lean. If it’s working continue. If it’s not please stop.

That’s a simple introduction to supplementation on the DAMY Lean. Here is a simple recap of the basics:

DAMY Lean Protocol

• Active green tea by AOR – one capsule at breakfast and one at lunch
• Vitamin E8 by New Roots- one capsule at breakfast
• LipoGen by Metagenics – two capsules at breakfast
• Ultraflora Control by Metagenics – one capsule before bed