Garcinia Cambogia, also known as Malabar Tamarind, Brindleberry, and Kudam Pulli (Pot Tamarind), is native to Indonesia and is a tropical species of Garcinia. The name Garcinia Cambogia is a former scientific name of the same species of fruits. It is also known as Garcinia Gummi-Gutta. It is found and grown in moist forests where the climatic conditions are suitable for its survival. They are found in various color variants such as greenish, yellowish, or reddish pumpkins.
In 2012, Mehmet Cengiz Oz, widely known as Dr. Oz, claimed that the Garcinia Cambogia extracts were “an exciting breakthrough in natural weight loss.” The claims were highly scrutinized and the results were that there was no significant scientific evidence to support the claim.
In fact, the usage of Garcinia Cambogia resulted in various adverse gastrointestinal conditions, and almost no weight loss at all. The widespread claims and the supplements available in the market are those that are based on the existence of Hydroxycitric Acid (HCA). HCA is said to boost the fat-burning-capacity of the body. The research into this supplement has yielded mixed results. Majority of the positive results were shown from research performed on animals. Not much research has gone into its effect on humans. There isn’t enough research to determine the long-term effects of HCA extracted from Garcinia Cambogia.
The Garcinia Cambogia extract might or might not aid in weight loss. It might or might not even work on human bodies. This can be due to the complexity of the human body compared to those of the tested animals. However, what is less known are the Garcinia Cambogia side effects. These side effects can vary from person to person. Here is a list of the Garcinia Cambogia side effects, along with a description of each side effect.
- Headaches
A headache caused by Garcinia Cambogia does not occur in every person. It depends on the dietary conditions of the consumer. A headache can be caused when Garcinia Cambogia extracts are consumed before sleeping and might lead to uneasiness. It also depends on the ingredients that are used in the Garcinia Cambogia supplement. It might be due to the caffeine content or the additives and binders that are used.
- Nausea
Nausea can be caused by Garcinia Cambogia for various reasons. It could be an indirect effect, occurring as an after effect of a headache. Nausea can also be caused due to the low blood sugar levels caused by the consumption of Garcinia Cambogia. It can also occur due to gastrointestinal discomfort caused by the HCA.
- Low Blood Sugar Level
Garcinia Cambogia is known to reduce the blood sugar level in the consumer’s body. This is because it makes it easier for the body to use up the readily available glucose. This results in a lower production of insulin by the body. If the Garcinia Cambogia is consumed alongside other medications that are used to treat diabetes, it might result in a very low blood sugar level, which, in turn, results in adverse effects. In a normal human being, proper care needs to be taken in order to maintain the blood sugar level while consuming Garcinia Cambogia extracts.
- Rhabdomyolysis
This occurs in very rare conditions and really rare situations involving consumption of “Herbal weight loss supplements like Garcinia Cambogia.” Rhabdomyolysis occurs when the fatty acid synthesis by the body is curtailed, resulting in reduced supply to the cells in the muscles. This results in the death of fibers of muscles. The content of these muscle fibers enter the bloodstream and thus affect kidneys’ functioning. Death occurring due to this condition is really rare and complete recovery is possible.
- Allergic Reactions
There are various allergic reactions that might occur as Garcinia Cambogia side effects. These might be due to the presence of additive and binders that might cause adverse effects on the body. It might be due to other components that are added to the supplement which might result in the setting off of the reactions. It can also be because of Garcinia Cambogia or the chemical HCA that is found in abundance in the extract. The various allergic reactions are hives, skin rashes, wheezing, chest tightness, swelling.
Alongside the above mentioned widely occurring side effects, there are others that you should know of:
- Intestinal pain
- Digestive tract discomfort
- Testicular Shrinkage (only upon consumption of really high dosages)
- Vomiting
- Sleeplessness
- Restlessness
- Cramps
- Dizziness
- Increased hunger
- Gastrointestinal issues
Even though these side effects might not occur in all of the consumers of Garcinia Cambogia extract, it is always good to tread with caution. There needs to be enough scientific research that must be undertaken to determine the exact effects and benefits of the extracts of Garcinia Cambogia.
