Maca Root Side Effects

Before using maca root as an herbal remedy, it is important to consider the maca root side effects. Maca root has received a lot of press lately as the “super food of the Andes,” so a number of people are using it in an attempt to realize its many benefits. Before jumping on the latest good health bandwagon, however, take the time to learn the maca root side effects so that you can make an informed decision about your health.

Is energy maca’s only side effect?

Maca root is an herbal supplement that comes from the Peruvian maca plant. It has been hailed in Peru for years as a superfood that can help improve health and vitality.

The latest in a long line of superfoods making their way to North America and Europe from other continents, maca is believed to be an adaptogen. It is believed to enhance immunity and increase energy. It may also elevate energy levels, improve immune function and provide vital nutrients to malnourished bodies.

There are many other promoted benefits of maca root, including hormone balancing, healing skin conditions, preventing migraines and many more.

Be aware of possible side effects before using Maca Root.

If you believe the press, maca root is all benefits. Are there maca root side effects? Before trying maca root yourself, consider the following caveats, side effects and cautions.

• Maca root is extremely high in iodine. While some iodine is necessary for thyroid function, too much can worsen the symptoms of thyroid disease. Those with thyroid disorders should proceed with extreme caution and check with their endocrinologist before consuming maca root.
• Maca root has a chemical in it called Glucosinolate, which may lead to the growth of goiters.
• Some people may have allergic reactions to maca root. If you have plant-based allergies, it is best to check with your allergist before consuming maca root.
• Maca root increases testosterone production, which could cause issues in women.
• Maca root may cause breakouts due to increased hormonal activity.
• Maca root may alter the levels of hormones in the body. While this may be beneficial, disturbing the delicate balance of your body’s hormones can lead to a number of physical problems including disturbed menses, increased or decreased sex drive, weight loss or weight gain and changes in your skin.
• Maca root may cause upset stomach.
• The root is a stimulant, and can caused increased heart rate. If you have a history of heart disease or disorder, check with your cardiac care physician before taking maca root.
• All of the claims made about maca root have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, so caution is advised.
• Some people taking maca root have reported increased incidence of heart burn.
• A number of people taking maca root report experiencing mood swings, anxiety and excessive anger – most likely attributable to the increased testosterone.
• Maca root may cause hot flashes.
• Some people taking maca root report headaches that are increased in frequency and severity.
• The stimulant properties of maca root may make it difficult to sleep.
• If you have any other health conditions, check with your personal health care provider before taking maca root.
• If you do decide to take maca root, it is best to slowly build up your dosage to the recommended amount to reduce incidents of side effects.
• If you do experience any of the above side effects, stop taking maca root and talk with your personal health care provider.
• Cycling on maca root supplements is recommended to reduce the incidence of side effects. A typical recommended cycle is two weeks on followed by two or three days off.
• Never take more than the recommended dosage of maca root.
• It may take a few weeks for side effects to show up; they may show up immediately, or you may not experience any side effects at all, so it is important that you carefully monitor yourself while you are taking maca root.
• No human studies have been done on maca root to support a recommended dosage, so it is difficult to know how much – if any – is a safe dosage.

As you can see, while maca root may have benefits, it is important to always proceed with caution when taking an untested herbal supplement. There have been enough reports of side effects that further study and personal care is warranted.

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