Hoodia is a flowering plant formally called Hoodia gordonii. This plant is native to South Africa and looks like a form of cactus but is not related. Hoodia is marketed as an appetite suppressant. It can be found as a diet pill, powder, liquid or tea form. This product can be purchased online. Before using hoodia, consult with your health care provider because side effects could occur.
Increased Bleeding
Hoodia can cause increased bleeding times, according to Drugs.com. This means the blood is less able to clot off wounds such as cuts and scrapes. When clotting, also called coagulation, is altered, you may bleed or bruise more easily. If you are on blood thinners, such as aspirin or Coumadin, there is even a greater risk of bleeding. If you notice blood-tinged urine, bleeding gums or bruises, stop taking hoodia and consult your health care provider immediately.
Appetite Suppression
Hoodia is used by people who want to lose weight because it suppresses theappetite. This plant was used originally by native Africans who went hunting for days at a time. Hoodia helped them go longer without eating because it promoted a feeling of fullness, according to the MayoClinic.com. However, the human body needs to eat three healthy meals a day to ensure a balanced diet. Hoodia may cause appetite suppression to the point of skipping meals. This is not advantageous to weight loss and will eventually lead to malnutrition.
Elevated Blood Pressure and Anxiety
Hoodia is naturally a stimulant much like caffeine. Elevated blood pressure and anxiety can result when taking hoodia, according to the University of Michigan Health Services. The blood pressure is considered elevated at 120/80 and above. Technically, pre-hypertension is diagnosed in the range of 120/80 to 139/89 and hypertension is 140/90 and higher. Elevated blood pressure may not have any symptoms so it is important to monitor these numbers while taking hoodia. Some people do report headaches with very high blood pressure levels. Anxiety and nervousness may affect your activities of daily living. If any of these symptoms are apparent, contact your health care provider.
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