Hoodia

[emilija]

Hi everyone. I've gained a considerable amount of weight on my current "cocktail" of meds and I can't seem to lose it. But my meds have also given me a life after many, many dysfunctional years. But if I could lose the weight I'd reallly like to.

A bunch of the physical therapists where I work are taking weight loss supplements that include hoodia. I got really curious this weekend and started reading about it. I would like to try it, but I'm wondering if this is a no-no for someone who takes meds (anti-depressant, anti-convulsant, zyprexa, benzo). And, does it work in the first place? Does anyone have any experience?

I know, check with my doctor. But I don't see her for 3 months. And I know what she is going to say- that she doesn't know, so don't try it.

Thanks!

Emily

[wifezilla]

I have also been looking into hoodia. Hoodia itself is just a type of cactus. It has a chemical compound in it that supresses appetite. Sounds perfectly safe to me..BUT...there seems to be different formulas. One is called 20:1, but some sites say this doesn't contain any of the compound you need for it to work. I have been leaning towards trying a 100% dried hoodia mix.

In the past I tried Chitosan fiber suppliments to lose weight. I lost 40 lbs and, with exercise added (had the energy to do it after losing 40 lbs!!!) I have kept it off for 2 years. I still need to lose another 40, and the stuff I was using stopped working. I just recently read an article about chitosan dosage, and I think the stuff I was taking had a formula change..which is why it pooped out on me. If you want to try chitosan fiber, again go for the 100%. (You can't use this if you are allergic to shell fish) Since chitosan absorbs stuff, I would worry about this effecting meds. It might work if you did not take this at the same time you take your meds, but this is something you would need to talk to a doctor about.

Article on hoodia

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/11/18/...ain656458.shtml

Article on Chitosan

http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/chitopro.html

[Batou]

emilija,

You mention the classes of medications you are taking but not the exact medications you are taking, which could have a huge effect regarding any possible interactions with hoodia.

What medications and what dosages are you currently taking? Even though you do not see you doctor for another 3 or 4 months, it is essential that you talk to your doc before taking any supplements.

[zomby]

http://www.florahealth.com/flora/home/cana...rugInteractions

Recent scientific studies have shown that Hoodia's appetite-suppressing active ingredient, dubbed P57, is estimated to be up to 100000 times as potent as glucose in sending a signal to the brain that the body is in a state of satiety.

Hoodia works in a similar way as sugar to stem hunger and make a person feel full - but without the calories. In clinical trials on obese subjects it has been proven to reduce calorific intake by as much as 40%.

Hoodia plant extracts suppress appetite naturally, are organically grown in the Kalahari Desert, contain no synthetic or artificial appetite control agents, and have no known side effects.

The active ingredients fool the brain into believing that the body is full and even stops people from thinking about food.

Drug Interactions: 

None known.

Side Effects: 

None known.

Contraindications: 

None known.

Suggested Amount: 

A typical serving of raw Hoodia is 35g obtained from a 250g portion of the whole plant. Dried extracts (20:1) are recommended with a dosage ranging from 400-800 mg daily.

Maybe in 5 years or so there will be some known interactions or contraindications but for now it doesn't look like there are any.

You want to get it from a reputable source or you might get scammed.

[Dixie_Amazon]

Yep be sure to check how much is in some of the diet pill blends. Not usually enough to be effective.

[wifezilla]

I was just at the mall yesterday looking for suppliments (I was checking prices on both Hoodia and the chitosan) and I stopped into a GNC. Their Hoodie was about $40-$50. The were out of the chitosan, but it normally sells for around $35.

I did not want to spend that kind of money. Luckily there was also a Vitamin World in the same mall. I popped in there and found the chitosan for $14 and the hoodia for $13. I ended up buying the chitosan (since I am familiar with it) and was told if I signed up for their free passport membership, I could get an additional bottle for half price. So I got 2 bottles of chitosan at VW for much less than 1 bottle from GNC.

If you do not have a vitamin world in your area, they also have a website. www.vitaminworld.com

[emilija]

Thank you all for your advice. I will indeed talk with my doctor before trying it, although I don't think that it is going to be a useful conversation.  I'm going to try to do some more research on drug interactions, but I'm leaning towards trying it if she can't give me a good reason why I shouldn't.

Afterall, excess weight is dangerous too.

[Dixie_Amazon]

When you are ready this might help... Hoodia Directory

[chUCKIT]

YMMV but my mom sent me 3 bottles @ $50/each

100% Hoodia Gordonii (millennium in CA) 60 x 400mg

after she had seen some 60 minutes type of show about it

if I take at least 4 caps I feel hyper, no shakes, but no appetite suppresant action either

sucks I wish she would have just sent me the bucks!

[Guest Guest_Jaelyn_*]

I have been looking into this as well - I actually have a bottle sitting in my cupboard, but am hesitant to use it just yet.

My local health food store guru says that it can sometimes take 2-3 weeks to notice any appetite suppressant effects, so hang in there if it doesn't seem to work right away.  And, yes, it can be very expensive and it is good to make sure it is high quality.

Thanks for bringing this up and do let us know what your doctor says or if you find out any additional info.

Jaelyn