The Cactus Diet

If you’re like me, you’re wary of taking any supplement that hasn’t been verified by independent research to be safe and effective. But the urge to take pills becomes much stronger when you see commercials on TV and in other media showing people who have lost so much weight by taking herbal supplements or diet pills. You’ve probably seen commercials recently selling Hoodia or Cactus diet supplements. Before you start taking them, you should have all the information.

Hoodia Gordoni, also know as cactus diet supplements, is a cactus found in South Africa. Tribal Bushmen in the area have been using this cactus for many generations to ward off hunger and thirst. Only recently has this product been commercialized and brought to other countries. Now you can get Hoodia in pill, liquid or tea form.

So how does it work exactly? Hoodia contains a chemical called p57. This chemical affects the way your brain interprets your blood sugar levels. Even though your blood sugar is dropping due to lack of food, your brain doesn’t feel this; so you don’t feel hungry. While they don’t really know why, Hoodia also works well to suppress thirst; you should remember to drink plenty of water when using this supplement.

While Hoodia is often toted as having no side effects, this may just be because it hasn’t been adequately tested. Some people believe it can cause liver damage. This is why you shouldn’t use it if you have liver or kidney problems. Also, because it makes you think your blood sugar is normal when it is actually low, you shouldn’t take Hoodia if you are diabetic or hypoglycemic.

Many people may tell you that they tried Hoodia and it did nothing to suppress their appetite. The reason? It is estimated that 80% of products on the market do not actually contain pure Hoodia. Before you try a product, look around for independent testing of its contents. Official reports are best. Many “recommendation sites” on the internet have been created by specific companies trying to get you to use their brand.

Hopefully this information has helped you make a decision about whether or not the Hoodia cactus diet is for you. Good luck and happy dieting.

Popular Supplements for Weight Loss

The Most Popular Supplements for Losing Weight Naturally

There are a ton of weight loss products on the market. In fact, over a billion dollars was made last year selling these types of products. With all the available options, it’s hard to figure out which one is best for you. Here are some of the most popular natural weight loss supplements on the market today.

Hoodia

Hoodia gordonii, also known as the cactus diet, is a powerful appetite suppressant. It comes from a cactus in South Africa that has been used by native Bushmen for generations. It’s currently available in pill, liquid, or tea form. If you decide to take hoodia, remember to drink a lot of fluids; it’s a thirst suppressant to.

Green tea

This has become a popular item for weight loss in the last few years. It works by speeding up your metabolism so you burn calories and fat faster. Some people also claim that green tea can aid in lowering cholesterol. Green tea contains caffeine, so you should cut back on your other caffeine sources if you’re taking it.

Chitosan

While many diet pills work to suppress your appetite or boost your metabolism, chitosan is used to prevent your body from absorbing fats. The unwanted fat simply passes throughout your system instead of ending up at your waist line. While many people have lost weight with chitosan, it can also cause problems in the digestive tract.

One thing you must remember is that if a weight loss supplement works, that doesn’t mean it’s safe. Many people think that because something is natural, it’s not dangerous. Not only do many supplements have dangerous side effects (think Phentermine and Ephedra); they are usually not rigorously tested so their negative effects are not well documented. It’s always a good idea to check with your doctor before taking any supplement.

While a weight loss pill may be effective, remember that they should be used in conjunction with diet and exercise, not as a replacement. If you do, your diet may just get that extra boost it needs to finally take off excess pounds.