Side Effects Of Hoodia For Weight Loss - Should You Be Concerned?

Hoodia or hoodia gordonii is being touted a lot these days as an ideal weight loss supplement. However, there are reports of side effects. Should you be concerned about hoodia side effects?

Diet supplement manufacturers say that hoodia has long been used by South African Bushmen to suppress appetite during their hunting trips. However, it should be noted that hoodia was not part of their daily diet. They certainly did not take hoodia diet pills that contained other ingredients as well.

While so far research on hoodia side effects seems to be slight, there are some concerns about its safety. For example, Jasjit S. Bindra PhD, a former hoodia researcher for the drug company Pfizer stated in the New York Times that some of the inactive components of hoodia supplements could affect liver function. Bindra's letter was referred to at About.com's alternative medicine website.

Hoodia may also affect medications prescribed for blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, depression and other illnesses that were not experienced by South African tribes. Diabetics should be particularly concerned. The theory is that hoodia tricks the brain into thinking its blood sugar levels are normal. Hoodia turns off the hunger mechanism and could cause blood sugar to drop to dangerous levels.

In addition to curbing hunger, it is believed that hoodia also suppresses thirst. Thus among hoodia gordonii side effects is dehydration.

Hoodia safety is also an issue. Producers of hoodia supplements caution consumers that only their supplement contains pure hoodia. However, because nutritional supplements are not well regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, it is difficult to know exactly which hoodia supplements are best.

It should be noted that these side effects are in no way as dangerous as those of ephedra or other weight-loss supplements that were pulled from the market. There is no evidence that hoodia causes heart attacks, palpitations or stomach disorders like other supplements.

Those who are considering using hoodia should check with their doctor or pharmacist to make sure it would not interfere with other medications or with upcoming surgery. Pregnant or nursing women should avoid taking hoodia because of its unknown effects on the baby.

Before buying, read hoodia diet product reviews online to find out which are the best. Consider both the active and inactive ingredients and only buy from reputable companies. Also consider price: Sometimes the cheapest supplements provide little benefit and the most expensive ones simply have fancy packaging and nothing more.

There are many other ways to lose weight rather than by using hoodia. Diet is one method. Rather than relying on a supplement, it may be better to lose weight by simply cutting out junk food and second helpings. Drink water to curb hunger cravings and to prevent dehydration. Exercise regularly, at least 30 minutes a day.

Hoodia or hoodia gordonii can be an effective supplement to sensible weight loss efforts. By taking care to choose a quality product and following package directions, hoodia can be one more weapon in the weight-loss arsenal.