Hoodia Gordonii Side Effects
Hoodia Gordonii is a cactus that is found around the Kalahari Desert in Africa. It is commonly used as an ingredient in weight loss pills in the western world, since the plant is used to suppress appetite and thirst, thus making it perfect for weight loss. The active substance in the plant is P57, which is the component that suppresses appetite. Since the extract is difficult and expensive, you will find many companies offering cheap products, which only have the plant in them, and not the extract itself. It is important to research the product before you buy, and even more important to educate yourself on the Hoodia Gordonii side effects.
Very few trials have been done on the side effects, but the main side effect is the appetite suppression. While on the product, make sure you eat healthy food so your body gets all the nutrients it needs. You might also want to consider taking a good multivitamin to boost your energy levels.
It also suppresses thirst, which can make you dehydrated. This is why it is recommended you drink 10-12 glasses of water a day regardless of your thirst levels. It is also important that pregnant women or those breast feeding not take the product since we do not know of the side effects it could have on them.
A side effect is a negative condition which occurs after use of a product. These are mostly health related. There have been many claims that hoodia does not have any side effects. This is based on the fact that it has been used by Bushmen in the Kalahari for centuries with no side effects noted.
While this may be true, the Bushmen used hoodia for purposes different from those in the western world. Some of the uses include suppression of hunger in their hunting trips as opposed to suppressing hunger as a way to lose weight.
Also, there are other factors to consider such as type of food taken, environment, activities, health among others. The Bushmen’s diet consists of food found in nature. They have no processed food. They come from desert regions and their activities involve constant movement. Also, they used plants available in nature for health purposes unlike modern medicine which contains combinations of chemicals.
It is therefore possible that there can be hoodia gordonii side effects. These can be suffered by individuals who need regular food intake for growth and other body functions. Five groups of people likely to suffer these include the following.
Growing fetuses in the mother’s womb can suffer hoodia related side effects. A fetus requires food from the mother daily. If the mother takes hoodia in order to control her eating habits, this will affect the fetus too. Little food will result in slow development before and even after birth.
After birth, children need to feed regularly for their bodily growth. Children are highly active and obesity is usually as a result of genetics. Children should not use hoodia as it will lead to retarded growth. For obese children, other methods such as games should be encouraged. Consult your doctor in such cases.
Other people who can suffer hoodia gordonii side effects are those with low blood sugar. Hoodia works by sending a fullness signal to the brain. You therefore do not feel hungry or thirsty. The body breaks down stored fat for energy. You need blood sugar for everyday functioning of the body. With little blood sugar in the body due to lack of food, health risks are imminent.
A person who is new to an arid area should have plenty of water until the body adapts to the environment. The Kalahari Bushmen have spent their lifetime in the desert and are fully adapted to the conditions. Taking hoodia with the expectation of not feeling thirsty could result to dehydration. This can in some cases be fatal.
Drug users are another group who are likely to suffer hoodia related side effects. Studies have found that drug users feed less often than non drug users. Use of hoodia may worsen the case which could be fatal.
Before deciding to use hoodia, it is necessary to consider if there could be any side effects. Although rare, it is best to consult your doctor if you suffer from any condition or taking any special medication or drugs before taking hoodia.
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