Has Hoodia Been Proven Safe?
The makers of Hoodia products state that Hoodia supplements have no side effects. Do we know if that is really true? It is often used as a diet pill and largely reported to be safe because the Bushmen of South Africa have used the Hoodia gordonii plant to suppress appetite for thousands of years. They did not seem to have any side effects. It is important to remember that these South African Bushmen did not take medications for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or depression. Therefore, consumers should be careful if they are taking any prescribed medications should consult their doctor before taking any supplement.
There have been no published reports or studies that verifies the safety of Hoodia in humans. Researchers state the supplement has not been around North America or other parts of the modern world long enough to confirm the safety of the Hoodia plant. Scientists and researchers have not studied Hoodia for long-term use although it has been said there could be some liver damage. That has not been confirmed. Normal precautions should be taken by anyone who is pregnant or nursing. They should contact their doctor to decide if the supplement should be used.
If you are taking other medications, research has not discovered if the Hoodia extract interferes with medications you might be taking for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression, or other potentially life threatening health problems. A special alert has gone out for those who have diabetes because of the way the Hoodia supplement works. Diabetes requires the patient to pay strict attention to their blood sugar level. The Hoodia plant tricks the brain into believing the body is full. This means the diabetic may not be able to keep their blood sugar levels regulated and severe problems could develop.
Hoodia supposedly suppresses thirst as well as appetite. There could be a danger of a patient suffering physical harm because they become dehydrated. Dehydration can lead to death.
Hoodia may be a wonderful discovery to aid those who are overweight or severely obese in losing weight allowing them to lead healthier lives. The average consumer should be careful when they are buying Hoodia products. They may contain certain filler material that may cause side effects. Not every company’s product contains real Hoodia from the Kalahari Desert; some may contain more filler than Hoodia extract, and some may not have any Hoodia in the product. Consumers looking for diet pills for weight loss should research the company or market they are buying the product. It should have a certificate of authenticity by CITES, an independent lab report number on the package and the bottle, they must match testing dates, and you should look at the label carefully for other ingredients besides Hoodia.
Before taking any new supplement, all patients should check with their doctors. Especially if they are taking any prescribed medications for serious health risk factors. Hoodia supplements should be used with a healthy eating plan and increased physical exercise.
