Hoodia Side Effects: Is Hoodia Safe When Breastfeeding?
If you are a new mom you are probably ready to lose the weight and get your pre-pregnancy figure back. Diet pills that promise quick and easy weight loss can surely be tempting. One such diet pill is hoodia. Although there are virtually no hoodia side effects with this diet pill, it is still strongly advised that you avoid taking hoodia if you are breastfeeding.
You should wait until your baby is no longer breastfeeding to start this, or any other, weight loss supplement. Yes, it is true that hoodia gordonii has no reported side effects, but if you do any research on it or simply read the labels on hoodia supplements, you’ll see the warning against breastfeeding moms taking it. There doesn’t appear to be any specific reasons for this warning but I have a couple theories.
Hoodia diet pills work as appetite suppressants. It would be reasonable to assume that if the effects of the pills are passed in your breast milk, your baby may feel the effects too. Babies need their nourishment, and the last thing you want is for your baby to be feeling artificially full. You do not want your baby to be consuming less than he or she needs.
Another reason why breastfeeding moms may want to stay away from hoodia is a lactating mom needs a lot of calories to stay healthy and strong. Taking an appetite suppressant will make a woman feel full sooner. This means she will eat less, which means she probably won’t receive the caloric intake and nourishment she needs to sustain her own health.
An excellent way to start getting back into shape is to put your baby in the stroller and go for a brisk walk each day. Start off slow until you build up your energy levels. When doing any form of exercise while breastfeeding it is vital to keep your water intake up. Take a water bottle with you and make sure you drink it. Dehydration and breastfeeding do not go hand-in-hand.
If exercising on your own for weight loss doesn’t motivate you, consult with your medical practitioner or local clinic for post natal exercise groups in your area. Surrounding yourself with other new moms may be exactly what you are looking for to keep you interested and motivated.
It can be tempting to take diet supplements when you are breastfeeding. But, keep in mind that breastfeeding itself increases your metabolism. You don’t need weight loss supplements now. Eat a healthy diet and combine that with exercise and you will soon be on your way to your pre-baby figure.
Despite the recorded hoodia side effects being almost unheard of, it is still not recommended that breastfeeding mothers take this diet supplement. Postpone the hoodia diet pills until after you have finished breastfeeding. A sensible diet and gentle post natal exercise will have you glowing and toned up in no time.
