For those individuals who use acai berry as an alternative method for treating minor health disorders and diseases without the use of prescription medication, certain side effects or adverse reactions are possible following the consumption of the fruit or fruit extract. Widely available in most supermarkets and local drug stores, acai berry-based products may cause side effects similar to those associated with other fruit-based health or herbal supplements.
Possibility of Weight Loss
One of the major side effects seen in individuals who use acai berry for a prolonged period of time is the possibility of excessive weight loss. According to Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D. of the Mayo Clinic, one of the main cautions of which patients taking the herbal supplement must be aware is the intense effectiveness of acai berry in the promotion of caloric burning in humans. As a result, an excessive amount of weight shedding may occur if consumption of the herbal supplement is not monitored closely by those adding acai to their diet. Zeratsky suggests that any consumption of the supplement should be guided by a licensed medical professional.
Allergic Reactions Can Be Common
Just as with most natural medicines or herbal supplements, the possibility of a patient developing an allergic reaction to an active ingredient is also relatively common. According to the University of Michigan Health System, acai berry supplements may contain many different minerals and vitamins that may prove to be irritating agents to patients with known allergies to these constituents or active ingredients. Typical symptoms associated with an allergic reaction to a fruit-based product include itching, rash, swelling of the glands, and watery eyes. As a result, patients with known fruit allergies are recommended to stay away from acai berry-based products.
Digestive System Side Effects
Another common adverse reaction to the consumption of acai berry can be related to the digestive system in humans. According to the UMHS, the acai berry used in many herbal products is rich in nutrients and minerals that can be very beneficial from a health standpoint for supplement users. However, as with most fruits or vegetables rich in nutrients and vitamins, the risk of experiencing minor stomach irritation is relatively common. Side effects that involve the gastrointestinal digestive system can include indigestion, stomach pain, gas, diarrhea, and acid reflux due to the high acidic values of most fruits. Due to these minor stomach irritation risks, patients also suffering from other stomach disorders, such as ulcers, should not consume acai berry products unless cleared by a physician.
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