Around 34% of the adult US population have reportedly tried dietary supplements at some point of time for weight loss. This indicates the demand for supplements and products that reportedly help with weight loss. A variety of options are used in the effort to get rid of flab, and this includes natural products. Some have proven results, while others have limited results. The need for careful selection of products for weight loss should focus not only on the efficacy of the products but also on the possible adverse effects. Let’s take a look at garcinia cambogia side effects and its effectiveness in helping achieve weight loss.
What is garcinia cambogia and does it help achieve weight loss?
Before we look at garcinia cambogia side effects it is necessary to understand if the product is effective and worth a try. Native to Indonesia and parts of India, Garcia cambogia is the fruit of a tree, with the fruit having similarities that put it between a tomato and a pumpkin. Also commonly known as Malabar tamarind in India, the fruit is essentially an ingredient used in food preparation. It shot to fame after unverified claims about its effectiveness in helping achieve weight loss.
Purported weight loss properties of the fruit and garcinia cambogia side effects
The weight loss properties of the fruit is attributed to the presence of the phytochemical hydroxycitric acid. The properties of hydroxycitric acid are documented – it reportedly prevents storage of fat and reduces appetite. Additionally, it is known to help boost performance in exercise by ensuring that the muscles do not use the stored energy. Consequently, individuals will experience lesser fatigue and the benefits of Garcinia cambogia include lowering of cholesterol levels and controlling blood sugar levels in the body. It is necessary to understand that these are the properties of hydroxycitric acid.
It is time to look at possible garcinia cambogia side effects to decide if taking the supplement is worth the effort/risk. Hydroxycitric acid is found in the rind of the fruit and the same is extracted for use in supplements. This active ingredient has a dual effect on the body – it prevents fat from accumulation by blocking citrate lyase which is used by the body to make fat. Additionally, it also increases the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain and this helps manage the craving for food more effectively. As a result of the dual action of preventing buildup of fat and by keeping hunger in check, hydroxycitric acid helps maintain weight more effectively.
Common garcinia cambogia side effects
The commonly reported garcinia cambogia side effects include the possible side effects on the liver. In fact, a warning issued by the FDA three years ago tagged supplements made from garcinia cambogia as unsafe for use. This was reportedly due to the effects on the liver. Additionally, other side effects include a dizzy feeling when the supplement is taken initially. Individuals are likely to experience a dry mouth, and there is also the possibility of experiencing a headache. The consumption of supplements made from garcinia cambogia are also likely to cause an upset stomach or trigger diarrhea. This is especially true in the case of individuals who are not used to cuisine with tamarind as an ingredient. These side effects are relatively mild in nature and will typically resolve in a few days without the need for any medical intervention.
Garcinia cambogia side effects that require medical attention
There are other side effects of garcinia cambogia that are relatively serious in nature and require medical attention. For instance, individuals on medications for diabetes are likely to experience drug interactions. Similarly, prescription and over the counter pain medications are also likely to trigger drug interactions when the supplement is taken alongwith pain killer medications. Patients on medications to treat psychiatric conditions may also end up with undesirable effects when the medication and the supplements are taken during the same period. To fully understand possible garcinia cambogia side effects it is necessary to look at the potency and the ingredient percentage of the product in the supplement. Determining the actual dose may be challenging as manufactures may include other ingredients alongside.
Precautions to be taken to manage garcinia cambogia side effects
Due to the inability to actually determine the potency of supplements with garcinia cambogia, it is necessary to take precautions. This will help manage garcinia cambogia side effects better without any serious or adverse outcomes. For instance, individuals who are on insulin or other medication for control of blood sugar need to take specific recommendations of the treating specialist prior to taking the supplement. Similarly, individuals with any kind of existing liver complications are to stay away from the product. This could include cirrhosis of the liver, or any complications that are a result of excessive consumption of alcohol. Patients with renal problems are also expected to avoid taking he supplements as this could have an impact on the effectiveness of medications taken for treating kidney problems
Effect of garcinia cambogia on pregnant women and women who nurse babies
Information on garcinia cambogia side effects on pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding are presently not available. This makes it necessary to exercise caution and preferably stay away from the supplements till there is clear evidence about the safety of the product. The absence of reports or studies about the effect of the product on pregnant women or women who breastfeed, does not necessarily translate into safety. This could be the result of effects that are not documented or studied. The best option is to avoid the products till there is conclusive evidence about its safety.
Simple method to avoid garcinia cambogia side effects while consuming the supplement
Individuals may be confident that the small sample size of studies about the effectiveness of Garcinia cambogia are enough to continue with the product. In such a scenario, there may be a need to take the right quantity of the product to ensure that it does not have a serious or adverse impact. As mentioned earlier, the potency may differ from product to product or manufacturer to manufacturer, and it may therefore be difficult to draw a firm conclusion on how much is safe. The best way to steer clear of this confusion is to limit the intake to a maximum of not more than 2600 milligrams every day. This way, the potency can be limited to an extent where it does not have a serious impact. Products that clearly inform users about the quantity or the concentration are a better choice. Avoid products that do not offer a clear break-up of the active ingredients including garcinia cambogia.
Garcinia cambogia side effects that may remain unrecognized by individuals
One of the most dangerous situations is the onset of conditions that may sometimes be unrecognizable by patients. The condition may manifest to a serious level and the patient may realise it when it has turned serious in nature. There are reports of the supplement causing fulminant hepatic failure, that is attributed to the hepatoxicity of the active ingredient. The product could pose a serious danger to the health of individuals and regardless of the endorsements by celebrities, it is essential to stay informed and stay away from products that are relatively unsafe.
Education: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from New York University. Experience: 5 years of experience writing for physiotherapy and sports medicine blogs, providing expert insights on injury prevention and rehabilitation.
