Hoodia is an herb that is extracted from the hoodia gordonii plant in South Africa. The African natives originally used hoodia to control their appetite and quench thirst during long hunting trips. Today it is marketed as an appetite suppressant and weight loss aid, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. People who follow the hoodia diet can incorporate the supplement into their daily diet through pills or chocolate-flavored chews. The Food and Drug Administration has not approved the use of hoodia, so it is important to speak with a medical professional before incorporating hoodia into a daily diet.
Upset Stomach
Some people may experience an upset stomach when following the hoodia diet. The Health Care Center cautions that this side effect has not been studied, but some people have reported stomach discomfort, abdominal pain or diarrhea when first starting the hoodia diet. Cheap hoodia supplements that are mixed with a variety of undeclared ingredients, taking too much of the hoodia supplement or eating junk food while on the diet can cause an upset stomach. These side effects generally subside with continued use, but if the symptoms do not improve over time, the hoodia diet should be discontinued and a medical professional should be contacted.
Decreased Blood Glucose Levels and Dehydration
The hoodia diet can cause decreased blood glucose levels and dehydration, in some people, according to the website Womens-Health-Fitness.com. Hoodia tricks the brain into believing that the body has a sufficient supply of blood glucose. Diabetics should avoid using hoodia supplements because it can cause a sharp decline in blood glucose levels, disrupt the brain's ability to receive hunger signals, interfere with insulin dosing and alter the effectiveness of other prescription drugs. In addition, some people may experience dehydration while using this diet supplement. According to Womens-Health-Fitness.com, hoodia blocks the signal for hunger and thirst, which can result in a lack of adequate fluids in the body and acute dehydration. It is important to note that long-term human research studies on the effectiveness, safety and side effects of the hoodia diet are vague or unavailable. People who experience the signs of decreased glucose levels or dehydration should seek emergency medical treatment.
Abnormal Liver Functioning
A dangerous side effect associated with the hoodia diet is abnormal liver functioning. An active ingredient in hoodia gordonii is the P57 molecule. The P57 molecule aids in weight loss by creating a feeling of stomach fullness and satisfaction. According to the website HoodiaDietWorks.com, some people may experience increased stress on the liver and abnormal liver functioning while on the hoodia diet. The Health Care Center states that the hoodia supplement may interact with certain prescribed medications and cause liver damage, but no studies have proved this claim. It is always important to consult with a medical professional before trying a new supplement.
References
- Womens-Health-Fitness.com: Hoodia Gordonii Side Effects Explored To Determine If Hoodia Gordonii Side Effects Are Worse Than Other Fat Burners
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Hoodia
- The Health Care Center: Are There Any Hoodia Side Effects?
- HoodiaDietWorks.com: Hoodia Gordonii Side Effects
- MayoClinic.com: Weight Loss: Hoodia: Does This Dietary Supplement Help Weight Loss?
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