Pure Garcinia Cambogia Review – Should You Be Worried?

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garcinia cambogia side effectsGarcinia Cambogia Review

The newest “holy grail” of the weight loss industry, the multi-functional Garcinia Cambogia extract is claimed to be a potent appetite suppressant, help stimulate metabolism, inhibit fat production, and improve lean body mass. Sounds pretty good, right? Of course it does, but at what cost?

What is an Allergic Reaction?

An allergic reaction can display symptoms due to an increase in the amount of antibodies which will cause typical allergy symptoms such as fatigue, swelling, and watery eyes. Allergic reactions are usually quite mild and are very temporary.

In the minority of cases some reactions can be more severe and result in swelling and potentially difficulty in breathing.

The reality is that Garcinia Cambogia is not a common trigger for allergies. A significant majority of people who take Garcinia Cambogia in order to lose weight show no signs of an allergic reaction.
From research it appears that you would be more likely to be allergic to common citrus fruit  like lemons or oranges than Garcinia Cambogia.

What are Garcinia Cambogia side effects you should be aware of?

While the final verdict is still out, as it usually is with relatively newly discovered ingredients (although Garcinia Cambogia Extract has actually been studied for its weight loss properties for well over a decade, it’s just now reaching mainstream attention), the initial judgement is that it is proving to be an effective supplement with essentially no negative side effects.

As recommended with any nutritional or herbal supplement, one should consider the many lifestyle and health variables that play into their own lives before taking – and seeking the advice of their doctor with any major questions.

Background on Garcinia Cambogia Extract

Garcinia Cambogia is a rare, tropical fruit that has been used for centuries in Southern China and Northern India as a natural appetite suppressant and digestive aid with no known side effects. About the size of an orange, and either greenish-yellow or red, its a sour fruit that contains Hydroxycitric Acid (HCA), the active ingredient in the extract.

Who Should Take it?

It’s probably easier to use common sense and heed the advice of the the Herbal Safety Guidelines.

For the vast majority of people, there will likely be no side effects of taking a garcinia cambogia extract supplement…except maybe some lost weight, a decrease in appetite and cravings, and probably the ability to fit into your “skinny jeans” again! Check out our garcinia cambogia reviews for some recommendations. The feedback from people that use this supplement varies dramatically. Nearly 80% of users believed that they benefited from Garcinia whilst other users reported minimal benefits and a range of side effects.

What to look for When Purchasing Garcinia

You follow some basic protocol when ordering. Since the famous daytime TV host on his hit show, attention and promotion of weight loss products containing the extract have skyrocketed.

Look for a product with at least 1000 mg per serving and clearly stating it contains 50% HCA (hydroxycitric acid), the key active ingredient derived from the garcinia fruit rind.

Allergies

  • This supplement should be avoided by people with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to Garcinia cambogia.

Garcinia Cambogia Side Effects and Warnings

  • Garcinia has been well tolerated for up to 12 weeks in available human trials. Hydroxycitric acid from the rind given by mouth is likely safe in recommended doses.
  • Garcinia may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in patients with diabetes (high blood sugar) or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that also have an affect on blood sugar. Serum glucose levels may need to be monitored by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, and medication adjustments may be necessary.

 

  • Rhabdomyolysis (serious and potentially fatal disease involving degeneration of skeletal muscle ) has been reported three hours after ingestion of a weight-loss herbal medicine containing a combination of ma huang (ephedrine), guarana (active alkaloid caffeine), chitosan, Gymnena sylvestre, Garcinia cambogia (50% HCA), and chromium.
  • Since there were multiple substances, it cannot exclusively be attributed to Garcinia cambogia. Nevertheless, use cautiously in patients with a history of rhabdomyolysis or in patients taking HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (“statins”) as they may increase the risk for rhabdomyolysis.
  • Avoid in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia syndromes due to the theoretical possibility of forming acetylcholine in the brain.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

  • Garcinia is not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of available scientific evidence….plus you don’t want your baby’s appetite being suppressed!

Interactions with Drugs

  • As mentioned above, Garcinia Extract may lower blood sugar levels so caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. Patients taking drugs for diabetes, by mouth or insulin, should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
  • Taking hydroxycitric acid with statin medications, such as atorvastatin calcium (Lipitor®), may increase the risk of rhabdomyolysis (disease involving the degeneration of skeletal muscle). An incidence of rhabdomyolysis was reported in a case report of a patient taking a weight-loss herbal medicine that contained 50% hydroxycitric acid

Interactions with Herbs & Dietary Supplements

 

  • Garcinia cambogia extract may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using herbs or supplements that may also lower blood sugar.
  • Blood glucose levels may require monitoring, and doses may need adjustment.
  • The combination of HCA-SX (calcium/potassium-bound hydroxycitric acid complex) with niacin-bound chromium or Gymnema sylvestre may increase the effects on weight loss.
  • Consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, before combining therapies.

Garcinia Cambogia Extract Side Effects – FDA Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary.

You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

 

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