Hoodia Dangers

Hoodia is consumed by some people, to reduce weight. However, before consuming it, it is a must to know about hoodia dangers. To know hoodia dangers, read on...
Hoodia Dangers
Hoodia is derived from a cactus plant in the part of Africa that is home to the San people. It is also grown as a garden plant. Since hoodia is derived from plants, it is completely vegetarian. Hoodia is available in different forms like liquid, powder, pills, patches, etc. Many people consume hoodia diet pills, in order to lose weight. The ideal way to take hoodia diet pills is 30 minutes before your meals. The effect of these pills is said to show after 14 days. Many may question: "Is Hoodia dangerous?", and rightly so. We know that everything has its side effects and hoodia is no exception. It might help you reduce weight, but there are a few dangers associated with it, though they are minimal. Hoodia is a synthetic drug which is not required by our body. It may help you reduce weight instantly, but there is no guarantee that you will not put on weight in the future. The intensity and types of hoodia side effects may vary from person to person. The most commonly observed hoodia dangers are as given below. But, let's first take a look at how hoodia works.

Working of Hoodia

Hoodia is known to help in weight loss without any exercise or workouts or diet regime. Hoodia increases the blood sugar levels. Increase of blood sugar levels send a 'not hungry' signal to the brain. Hence, intake of hoodia suppresses hunger, which thus, helps in reducing weight.

Dangers of Hoodia
  • Some people experience an upset stomach after taking hoodia.
  • Hoodia may also cause headaches.
  • In a few cases, hoodia is known to affect the functioning of liver negatively, due to an ingredient p5 present in it.
  • According to some researches, hoodia affects the part of the brain which controls appetite, which can prove to be a severe hoodia danger. Thus, consumption of hoodia, in any form, acts as a appetite suppressant.
  • Hoodia suppresses thirst, which can have a negative effect.
  • It is also said to interfere with medicines.
  • Hoodia, also, increases the heart rate.
  • At times, hoodia suppresses the hunger signals because of which the body might not respond to hunger. This is especially dangerous for diabetic patients, as their sugar levels may get affected. It also suppresses the signs of thirst. Hence, the amount of fluids required by the body might not be consumed, thus affecting the body.
  • Hoodia is also said to reduce the metabolic rate, as the body does not get the required calories. Low metabolism results in slow calorie burn.
  • As it suppresses one's hunger, a person will be deprived of the vitamins that he gets from eating.
  • Some people might experience drowsiness.
  • Hoodia can also cause kidney problems.
People who suffer from diabetes, blood pressure or any kind of liver disease, are advised to avoid the consumption of hoodia. Instead of eating hoodia to reduce weight, a better way is to eat less calories which is definitely safer. The effect of hoodia on children, nursing and pregnant women is not yet known. Hence, it is better if they avoid its consumption. After knowing the hoodia dangers and how is hoodia dangerous, we will have to think twice before consuming it.

By Pradnya S
Published: 10/15/2009
 
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