Hoodia is scientifically known as hoodia gordonii, a recent natural product credited for aiding weight loss. Hoodia gordonii is a spiny leafless succulent plant. The plant grows in Namibia and South Africa and has shown to have some medicinal properties. For many years, the native people ate the flowers of this plant and remained slim. Hoodia gordonii has since made its way to the Americas by word of mouth as the biggest diet craze. Hoodia is typically found in powder, capsule and tablet form although the capsule variety is the most popular. It is also most recently available in milk chocolate chew form.
History of Hoodia
A Dutch anthropologist discovered that hoodia gordonii was being used to suppress the appetite back in 1937. It wasn’t until 1963 that scientist began to look further into the effects of this unique hoodia as a way to lose weight. Studies were done on lab animals and showed some success. It is due to an ingredient in the hoodia gordonii known as a steroidal glycoside named p57 as determined by a British company, Phytopharm. A patent was obtained in 1995 for the p57 and licensed to Phytopharm since they spent over twenty million dollars on research of this product. Pfizer pharmaceutical sought interest in the hoodia and gained sub-license rights to it in 1998. The show known as 60 minutes made a report on the use by going to Africa and after using it themselves reported no desire to eat after consuming some of the actual hoodia gordonii plant.
How Does Hoodia Work?
The active ingredient p57 steroidal glycoside is the secret molecule effective in the weight loss process that is meant to suppress your appetite and lessen food cravings. This special molecule is 10,000 times more powerful than glucose, emitting strong signals to the hypothalamus in the brain. When taking the hoodia as directed, you will feel full for as long as 24 hours. It can make you feel as though you have eaten when you haven’t or feel full quicker when you do eat.
How is Hoodia Used?
An effective dose of the unique hoodia weight loss supplement is between 3,000 and 4,500 mg per day. Hoodia is accessible in health food stores and through internet sites, available in tablets, capsules, powder, tea and liquid forms. If you have any concerns about using the hoodia supplement in relation to any health issues or its interaction with other medications you may be taking, consult with your health care provider to be sure it is a safe option for you specifically.
Choose a hoodia gordonii product that is authentic and all-natural, meeting the recommended daily dosage as mentioned above. Lower doses will have no effect on weight loss. Since the capsules are the most popular form of the hoodia, suggested dosage is two caps taken with a full glass of water about an hour prior to consuming your meal. The idea is to give the hoodia ample time to get through your system and reach your brain signaling that you are not as hungry as you first thought.
Are there any Risks in Taking Hoodia?
Although unique hoodia gordonii is considered all-natural and safe for human use, patients with certain health issues should first speak to their doctor before taking the supplement. It may not work the same for everyone and some precautions should be taken if you have:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Any type of clotting or bleeding disorder
- An eating disorder such as bulimia or anorexia
- Possible allergies to plants
- Pregnant
Are There Any Sides Effects With Hoodia?
Hoodia gordonii is all-natural and safe for use, although there could be some unpleasant side effects to be aware of, especially if you do have some medical issues or concerns. Side effects may be a risk of diabetes, liver damage, gastrointestinal distress and possible reactions to other medications. You could suffer from gastrointestinal distress if you do not take the product as directed. Taking more than recommended could cause upset in the stomach and intestines. You may encounter issues with vomiting, a headache, diarrhea and stomach cramps. Along with proper dosage, it helps to take the supplement with food and plenty of water.
Liver damage is rare and usually only occurs with over-extended use of the hoodia. Over time, the liver may not be able to process the hoodia ingredients, destroying some of the liver cells necessary in removing toxins in the bloodstream. Other organs can also be affected, such as the heart, brain and kidneys. To lessen any liver problems, take a break from the hoodia for short periods to give the body a chance to cleanse through the liver. If you already have a liver condition, consult with your doctor before using the hoodia.
Diabetics and pre-diabetics are advised not to take the hoodia without doctor supervision. The ingredients in the unique hoodia gordonii can play tricks on the brain in believing that blood sugar levels are more elevated than they are. The body may then respond by sinking the blood levels dangerously low, resulting in hypoglycemia and other difficulties such as fatigue, insulin sensitivity and confusion. These complications can lead to a coma and even death. If you are looking to lose weight and suffer from diabetes, your physician can help you with other safer options that do not affect your blood sugar levels.
If you are taking medications for cholesterol, high blood pressure, depression, diabetes and hypertension, the hoodia may not interact well. When taking these or any other medications, get a clearance from your personal health provider that it is safe to do so. Because of the effects hoodia has on your brain, it can also cause your veins to dilate and the blood pressure to drop drastically. Your brains neurotransmitters can ultimately be disturbed, especially if you are already taking medications for blood pressure and mental disorders.
If you are generally in good health looking for a way to shed some pounds, hoodia is a great option; it is claimed to be safe and natural. But since it has powerful properties affecting the brain function that aids in curbing your appetite, be sure to get medical supervision if you have any questions about its use.
Hoodia Weight Loss Tips
If you are a healthy candidate for use of the unique hoodia gordonii to lose weight, realize the weight loss results varies with each individual. To be more successful in your quest for weight loss, consume a low calorie, low carb diet, drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily and join a fitness regiment at least 3 times a week, one hour each session. Diet should include plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean meats and chicken. With proper use of the hoodia, a healthy balanced diet, plenty of water to flush out the system and an increase in physical fitness, you can achieve your goals for successful weight loss.
