Hoodia Diet: Is It Right For You?
Hoodia Gordonii is a cactus-like succulent plant native to the Kalahari Desert of southern Africa. It has received much attention recently for its use as a natural appetite suppressant. These effects were first noted in 1937 by a Dutch anthropologist who studied the native San Bushmen who live in the Kalahari.
The active ingredient in Hoodia is the appetite-suppressing molecule, which is licensed to the British pharmaceutical company who are researching its potential as diet pills. Its use in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine.
If you are thinking about using herbal supplements, you should ask for the opinion of a primary health care professional. Also, you should consult with a practitioner who is familiar with herbal and health supplements. Finally, make sure you coordinate your treatment with all of your health care providers.
Take Hoodia as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Store it as directed on the package. Do not take it without first talking to your doctor if you have diabetes or if you are taking a medicine to control your blood sugar levels, have any heart problems or take any heart medicines, have a bleeding or blood clotting disorder or are taking a medicine to increase or decrease the clotting of your blood like any other eating disorder.
If you do suffer from any of the conditions we mentioned or are using any of those sorts of medications, it may be possible that you will be foreclosed from taking Hoodia. However, it is not a stimulant, and has not been shown to have any negative effects. While continued research will be necessary to ascertain completely just how safe the extract is, it does seem to be safe for the majority of users. The Oprah Winfrey diet evolved from her own successful struggle with obesity.
If you develop any side effects, notify your doctor. Although research has shown that Hoodia does not interact with other medicines, you should talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider if you are taking any other prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal medicines.
The Kalahari Desert in Southern Africa is the native environment that produces the moist, cactus-like plant known as Hoodia. It was first discovered by Western science in 1937 when a Dutch anthropologist studying primitive peoples of the Kalahari saw how well it worked as an appetite suppressant. It's active ingredient is a molecule that suppresses ones appetite. This compound is licensed to a British pharmaceutical company, who is investigating its potential use in diet pills. It appears to be safe for most people although further scientific studies are required to establish the safety profile of its extract. Oprah weight loss plan is based on it.
Published February 11th, 2008
Filed in Beauty
