Herbalife Side Effects By Ezmeralda Lee, eHow Contributorlast updated October 03, 2012 Herbalife
is a line of herbal supplements and weight loss products. According to
the Herbalife website, they have a formula to treat anything from anemia
to weight loss. There are approximately 16 different products in all,
with their weight loss formulas being the most popular. Like with any
other weight loss product, Herbalife products have potential side
effects you should be aware of. Other People Are Reading
Negative Effects of Herbalife Herbalife Problems Types
Because Herbalife contains a variety of ingredients, there is a
potential for a variety of side effects depending on the product being
used. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that all known
side effects be listed on the label of each product, along with
instructions regarding what to do should you experience any of these
side effects. There is also the potential of interactions with
prescription drugs, so it is important to contact your physician or
pharmacist before starting this or any other type of weight loss
program.
Ephedra
Herbalife, like many other diet
products on the market, at one time contained the stimulant ephedra
(also called ma huang). This drug was found to cause primary pulmonary
hypertension, and in 2004 the FDA outlawed the sale of ephedra.
Herbalife then removed the ingredient from their products. According to
the FDA, side effects from the use of ephedra may not show up for
several years after it was initially taken, so physicians have been
warned to check for ephedra use in patients who have primary pulmonary
hypertension.
Many Herbalife products contain caffeine as a stimulant and
metabolism booster. Caffeine can cause high blood pressure, nervousness
and headaches, especially when taken in excessive amounts. An average
cup of coffee contains about 85 mg of caffeine per cup, and most of
Herbalife's products that contain caffeine have an average of about 75
mg of caffeine per serving. Those who are allergic to caffeine need to
check the product labels carefully for this ingredient.
Soy and Shellfish
Soy and shellfish are two ingredients in Herbalife that could pose a
threat for potential allergic reaction. Again, because of the vast
variety of Herbalife products available, consumers who plan to take any
of these products should check the label carefully for these
ingredients. Other Possible Problems
Diarrhea and
constipation have been reported by some individuals who used Herbalife
supplements, especially in the first few weeks of use. In a report
published by the "Journal of Hepatology" in 2007, there has been an
association between the use of Herbalife products and sudden extremely
acute hepatitis
Herbalife was founded by Mark Hughes
in 1980. Hughes proclaimed that the company's mission was to improve
the health of people all around the world. Many dieters rave about the
weight-loss success they achieve following the Herbalife plan; others
are not as enthusiastic about the product and claim harm from its use.
Caffeine Overload
Herbalife
contains caffeine. Many people who who take Herbalife supplements have
claimed to feel restless and nervous, along with experiencing the
jitters and anxiety.
Lead
Herbalife
products, when analyzed, were found to contain high levels of lead.
The amounts found in Herbalife products were above what the laws allows
and were deemed toxic.
Hypertension
Herbalife products have been liked to hypertension, which can lead to heart failure.
Unsubstantiated Claims
Herbalife's
checkered past includes warnings from the FDA for false claims about
their products.These artificial claims included helping to treat many
diseases, getting rid of tumors, increasing circulation, improving
alertness and improving overall health.
Side Effects
Many
users of Herbalife have filed lawsuits and complaints about side
effects they experienced when using the products. Headaches,
constipation, diarrhea, lightheadedness, nausea, and stomach upset are
some reported side effects.
Questionable Ingredients
Ephedra, a
main ingredient in Herbalife, has been known to cause psychosis,
tremors, kidney stones, high blood pressure, sweats, rapid heartbeat,
and damage to the heart and other organs. It has been linked to
strokes, seizures and death.
-------------------------------------------- Risks of Herbalife By Therese Pope, eHow Contributor
Herbalife is a natural diet pill supplement. Herbalife sells supplements
and shakes that increase energy and raises metabolism. It has been
associated with controversy over the years because it used to contain
the drug ephedra. Ephedra was taken off the market by the FDA because it
was associated with causing heart problems. The following health risks
are associated with Herbalife products.
Anxiety and Restlessness
Herbalife supplements contain caffeine. Caffeine helps
increase metabolism (which helps with weight loss), but caffeine can
also cause anxiety and restlessness.
Increased Blood Pressure
Because Herbalife contains caffeine, it can increase blood
pressure. When blood pressure (hypertension) increases over an extended
period of time, cardiovascular problems such as heart disease and stroke
can occur.
Counteraction with Prescription Medication
Because Herbalife contains a wide variety of herbs, it can
counteract with prescription medication. People with medical issues who
take prescribed medication should consult with their doctor before
taking Herbalife.
Headaches
Herbalife's herbal formula helps boost metabolism to lose
weight. However, the caffeine (yerba mate extract) can cause headaches.
Warning
Herbalife is not a herbal supplement approved by the Federal
Drug Administration (FDA). Herbalife has also been accused of using
too much lead in their products, and has recently been involved in a
court case because their supplements exceed the normal lead limit. More
information about the risks of Herbalife are available at the Resources
below.Risks of Herbalife
Founded
in 1980, Herbalife is a global nutritional company that sells a line of
weight loss and herbal products that are sold solely by independent
distributors. According to the official Herbalife website, all products
follow the rules enforced by the Food and Drug Administration, and are
labeled according to the laws and regulations. However, a variety of
products sold by Herbalife carry a risk for negative effects, depending
upon which product you consume.
Shellfish Products
According to the Herbalife website, many of its products contain
shellfish. This can pose a problem for those who are allergic to this
item when consumed. According to the Mayo Clinic, shellfish is among the
top foods that cause food allergies, with symptoms ranging from
dizziness, wheezing, congestion, itching abdominal pain and swelling.
Check with your physician before taking any supplement containing
shellfish. Caffeine
Herbalife contains caffeine, which in turn can lead to restlessness,
anxiety, hypertension and insomnia. According to the Mayo Clinic,
caffeine effects are different according to each individual. Some people
may experience jitters from a small amount of caffeine, while others
experience no side effects at all. However, the Mayo Clinic states that
the consumption of over 500 mg of caffeine daily can lead to
aforementioned unpleasant side effects. Herbalife pills, tablets and
products contain between 65 and 75 mg of caffeine per serving. Bowel Problems
Because of the milk-based ingredients found in some of the Herbalife
products, consumption can lead to diarrhea, constipation and
stomachaches for those who have problems digesting lactose. The Food and
Drug Administration received complaints dating back to 1981, in which
consumers complained of nausea, diarrhea and constipation after
consuming Herbalife. Lead
According to the Herbalife website, Herbalife herbs and supplements
contain small amounts of lead that fall within the normal range of the
FDA guidelines. However, per the Mayo Clinic, even a tiny amount of lead
can cause health issues such as weight loss, stomach pain, fatigue,
vomiting and irritability.
Herbalife
is a weight and nutrition management company, which offers large
variety of wellness and health products around the world. Herbalife
Company has been promoting social responsibility and healthy living.
Herbalife is offering a large variety of products under several
categories. They are offering products for personal care, energy and
fitness, weight management and several others. All the products that are
produced by the herbalife company are developed by nutrition experts,
renowned doctors and award winning scientists, ensuring that the product
they are creating are safe as well as effective to their customers.
Products of herbalife are unregulated dietary supplements. Even though
they are natural and safe but they tend to cause many side effects such
as primary pulmonary hypertension, liver damage, and even death.
Herbalife
international company was founded in 1980. It sells all the health as
well as weight loss products around the world through many distributers.
Herbalife produces weight loss and herbal supplements products for many
years. According to their website, they are containing a formula for
treating any kind of problem from anemia to the weight loss. They have
approximately sixteen different products. Among those, weight loss
product is the most popular product. Like all other weight loss
products, herbalife product has also some potential side effects. The
herbalife products consist of some toxic ingredients such as poke,
mandrake, and now-banned Ephedra, which is responsible for causing
certain side effects. Mostly commonly it causes hepatitis, pulmonary
hypertension, other liver diseases and even death. The liver damage due
to usage of herbalife can cause serious conditions like as liver
failure, acute hepatitis, cholestasis, necrosis, cirrhosis, and also
other liver diseases. Due to the usage of herbalife products, many
people liver gets damaged, which leads to many serious condition, even
they may undergo a liver transplant.
The ingredient ephedra is
responsible for causing primary pulmonary hypertension. In 2004, the FDA
banned the usage of ephedra. Hence, now herbalife are not using this
ingredient in their product because of its severe problem. Another
ingredient in the herbalife, which is responsible for causing side
effect, is caffeine. Usually, many herbalife products consist of
caffeine as a metabolism booster. This ingredient can cause nervousness
and headaches, high blood pressure, particularly when it is taken in
large amounts. Shellfish and soy are the other two ingredients in the
herbalife product that can cause a threat for potential allergic
reaction. Another problem such as constipation and Diarrhea has also
been reported by few people who used the herbalife products. Other
Herbalife side effects products include
stohttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifmach cramps, nausea, vomiting,
headaches, and in few cases anxiety. Hence, before buying any diet
product, you must consult your doctor about the product. Almost all the
products cause side effects, if they are not consumed properly or if the
ingredients present in the product may interact with other supplements,
medications or few may indigestible by our body. Nowadays, the
herbalife side effects products have been reduced greatly, because the
FDA has altered some of the herbal and natural ingredients present in
their products. Find out more about energy enhancements http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifand their side effects here: http://www.superdrol.net/ What Are the Dangers of Herbalife? By an eHow Contributor
Herbalife
was founded by Mark Hughes in 1980. Hughes proclaimed that the
company's mission was to improve the health of people all around the
world. Many dieters rave about the weight-loss success they achieve
following the Herbalife plan; others are not as enthusiastic about the
product and claim harm from its use. Caffeine Overload
Herbalife contains caffeine. Many people who who take Herbalife
supplements have claimed to feel restless and nervous, along with
experiencing the jitters and anxiety. Lead
Herbalife
products, when analyzed, were found to contain high levels of lead. The
amounts found in Herbalife products were above what the laws allows and
were deemed toxic.
Sponsored Links CardioMEMS Study Results
CHAMPION Study Published in The Lancet www.cardiomems.com Hypertension
Herbalife products have been liked to hypertension, which can lead to heart failure. Unsubstantiated Claims
Herbalife's checkered past includes warnings from the FDA for false
claims about their products.These artificial claims included helping to
treat many diseases, getting rid of tumors, increasing circulation,
improving alertness and improving overall health. Side Effects http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Many users of Herbalife have filed lawsuits and complaints about side
effects they experienced when using the products. Headaches,
constipation, diarrhea, lightheadedness, nausea, and stomach upset are
some reported side effects. Questionable Ingredients
Ephedra, a main ingredient in Herbalife, has been known to cause
psychosis, tremors, kidney stones, high blood pressure, sweats, rapid
heartbeat, and damage to the heart and other organs. It has been linked
to strokes, seizures and death.
Herbalife
is an adult diet that combines low-calorie shakes with herbs and other
supplements to help you lose weight. You consume two shakes a day and
then eat one meal, typically dinner, and take supplements designed to
speed up metabolism, reduce hunger and provide nutrients. The Herbalife
adult diet is not recommended for children.
About
The Herbalife company was founded in February 1980 and has been considered a popular diet option for adults. Safety
According to the company website, Herbalife tests its products with
clinical studies at major universities to determine safety and
effectiveness. The company also established its own Nutritional Advisory
Board to train salespeople. Children
The
Herbalife diet program is not recommended for children due to its
restrictive caloric intake and lack of well-rounded nutritional
offerings. Supplements
Children should never take
supplements, herbal or otherwise, that are meant for adults only.
Consult a doctor with any questions. Herbalife Kids
Herbalife makes Kids Shakes that claim to offer protein, fiber and
important nutrients for children. Only use these shakes to compliment a
normal, healthy diet and never as a replacement for meals.
Herbalife
is a popular multilevel marketing company that offers weight loss and
nutritional supplements. Its products are sold through independent
distributors and online. Although it has grown substantially since its
inception in 1980, many consumers have reported unpleasant side effects
associated with some of its products. Below is an overview of just a few
of the cited problems.
Food Additives
Many Herbalife products contain silicon dioxide (silica), a
common food additive found in many commercially processed foods.
Additionally, a medical report in Bio-Medicine revealed that Herbalife
was found to contain high levels of lead. While these additives can be
ingested safely in minute quantities, large quantities of silica and
lead, or even small amounts taken over a long period of time, can be
toxic.
Side Effects
According to a consumer report, some people may experience
skin rashes with Herbalife products. Skin irritation is a possible side
effect of ingesting silicon dioxide, although most people are able to
consume it without a problem. The side effects of lead poisoning are
well known. The extensive list of possible complications includes:
behavior or attention problems, kidney damage, slowed body growth,
anemia, constipation, difficulty sleeping, headaches, irritability and
low appetite and energy.
Theories/Speculation
Ivan Fraser of The Truth Campaign magazine claims that
consuming products that contain silicon dioxide (such as Herbalife) over
long periods may lead to chronic fatigue syndrome and even
fibromyalgia. His theory, in part states that "Mineral silicon dioxide
is indigestible and is not bio-available, therefore will not be
metabolized. Instead, tiny particles that are not excreted will be
trapped in the tissues. Excess accumulated silicon dioxide in the body
causes localized reactions: granulomas, fibroids and an overproduction
of collagen, causing thickening and hardening of connective tissue."
Considerations
In addition to the possible side effects of Herbalife
products which many investigators have reported, other complaints about
the company itself lead one to question its very ethics. The company
promises its independent distributors almost overnight wealth and
success, while a number of consumer reports show otherwise. As with most
multilevel marketing (MLM) schemes, the individual distributor is left
to shoulder the financial burden of marketing their product with little
support from the company. Before investing in any MLM plan, research the
company online and read the consumer reports about the products.
Prevention/Solution
To avoid possible side effects associated with Herbalife
products, it is best to avoid the products themselves. As with any
supplement or food, it is important to read the label. Become educated
on the different additives in many commercial products and avoid
consuming anything with ingredients which are known toxins. There is no
magic pill for weight loss. A balanced diet of whole grains, fresh
fruits/vegetables and lean protein, coupled with a safe exercise program
is the best way to lose weight permanently.
Joint
pain can have many different causes, and there are many different
supplements designed to combat worn out joints. Even if you do not
suffer from joint pain, you can take joint support supplements to
maintain your healthy joints.
Ingredients
Herbalife Joint Support is composed of glucosamine sulfate, selenium, manganese and potassium.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a very safe supplement, but if you have a few
preexisting conditions, you should consult with your doctor. If you have
diabetes, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are allergic to shellfish,
you should discuss glucosamine with your doctor.
Selenium
Adults should take no more than 400 mcg of selenium daily; the minimum
daily requirement for adults is about 55 mcg. Toxic levels of selenium
can result in mild nerve damage, hair loss, irritability, fatigue and
gastrointestinal discomfort.
Manganese
Manganese is
essential for many bodily functions; the daily limit for adults is 3 mg.
Manganese supplements may lead to hypoglycemia in people with
insulin-dependent diabetes, so consult with your doctor if you are
diabetic.
Potassium
If you have kidney disease, or are
taking medications for high blood pressure or a heart condition,
consult with your doctor before taking any supplements containing
potassium.
Many
people believe that because herbal medicine is natural and mostly
unregulated that it is completely safe. However, many herbs contain
powerful compounds that can produce a wide variety of unwanted and even
dangerous side effects if taken for too long or in high doses. Recently,
the scientific community has published studies that document cases
where herbal supplement have resulted in toxic reactions and in some
cases, potentially life-threatening side effects.
History
Herbal medicine is by far the oldest system of medicine on earth. In
most traditional communities, herbs were administered by elect
individuals who specialized in studying the effects of herbs on the
human body and who could administer them with varying degrees of
guidance. In the modern age, and with the advent of the Internet, herbal
medications are at most people's fingertips, and there are potentially
millions of people self-medicating with little or no professional
oversight.
Cancer
Although herbal treatments for
cancer are becoming very popular and many herbs have been studied and
determined to have activity against cancer, some herbs could have the
opposite effect. An article published on June 8, 2000, in the New
England Journal of Medicine documents the case of several patients who
developed urothelial carcinomas by consuming an herbal weight-loss
supplement that mistakenly contained the herb Aristolochia fangchi.
Hepatitis
Since the liver is the organ responsible for filtering out toxins from
the blood stream, liver complications are a common side effect of the
misuse of medications, whether herbal or pharmaceutical. In an article
published on November 15, 1994, in the Annals of Internal Medicine,
researchers found that seven people experienced liver injury and
hepatitis from consuming Lycopodium serratum in a Chinese herbal
formula.
Eye problems
The eyes are delicate organs and
are often subject to acute side effects from toxic substances that
enter our body. In a review of cases of ocular side effects of herbal
medicine, taken from the World Health Organization (WHO), researchers
found that several herbs, including chamomile, licorice, datura and
echinacea are all associated with ocular side effects. The study was
published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology in October 2004
Considerations
Herbal medicine has been practiced for thousands of years and in most
cases presents a lower risk of side effects when compared with
pharmaceutical drugs. However, the range of quantity and quality of
herbal medicines available to the public has never been as large as it
is today, and without the safeguard of the doctor's prescription that
comes with pharmaceutical drugs, herbal medication is potentially
dangerous to the user.
Because of the milk-based ingredients found in some of the Herbalife
products, consumption can lead to diarrhea, constipation and
stomachaches for those who have problems digesting lactose. The Food and
Drug Administration received complaints dating back to 1981, in which
consumers complained of nausea, diarrhea and constipation after
consuming Herbalife.
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