The human body is a vessel of routine, and when starting a new diet or exercise regimen there are often chances of slight side effects. This is often caused simply by the body’s shock at adjusting to the new system, especially if it involves new and strenuous exercise or the consumption of fewer calories. The HCG diet system is no different.
What is the HCG System?
It is, at its heart, a human hormone. Natural HCG is produced during pregnancy by women and is a cornerstone to a healthy pregnancy. The synthetic version of HCG was originally marketed as a weight loss injection, for both men and women. The injections were, as part of a healthy diet, designed to help the body quickly lose unwanted weight. However, the shots were relatively unpopular due to the painful injection sites. Many people would begin the plan, only to quit early on as opposed to repeated injections. Injection side effects include bruising, soreness and reddening.
The HCG injections are still available, however, the HCG supplement is now offered in an oral drop form. This form is not much safer than the injections yet has still been shown to aid in weight loss. There has also been a low calorie diet released with the drops designed to kick start weight loss. This weight loss strategy has been proven to assist in weight loss in both men and women over the course of testing and release, becoming one of the more popular weight loss systems in America.
Side Effects of HCG
Experiencing side effects from the usage of HCG is rare but certainly not unheard of. It is possible for the body to react negatively or unexpectedly to the hormone. This is often the result of the release of toxins within and from the body. Usually these side effects last only the first few days of usage but if they persist stopping usage of the product and visiting a doctor is advised.
The most common side effect of the HCG system is headaches. This is in part due to the strict diet the system requires. These headaches will often be accompanied by general tiredness, fatigue, dry skin, dehydration and even cramping. These side effects are most common during the first couple HCG doses and should lessen or disappear with time.
Some of the side effects have be credited to the hormone triggering fat to move into the bloodstream and be circulated within the system. Others are due to the water deprivation the drops can inspire within the body, most notably the dry skin and dehydration. This too is partially credited to the strict diet. This side effect can often be overcome simply by stepping up fluid intake.
One major side effect recently brought into question over the usage of HCG is fertility within women. This side effect was later discarded, after results suggested that HCG, being a natural pregnancy hormone, could actually promote fertility within women.
One of the most questionable things within the HCG diet system is the dangerously low calorie diet recommended for the first part of the diet. During this initial phase, it is suggested that dieters eat a mere 500 calories a day and exercise very little. Combining an increase in physical activity with such a drastic drop in caloric intake could easily disrupt the body’s natural comfort and cause other side effects outside of those being caused by the HCG. Other directions have suggested increasing the 500 calories a day to 1000 and avoiding this phase all together.
It is important to note that all of the side effects associated with the HCG supplement are most common among those using the injections and not the oral drops since many of the drops do not have HCG at all in them. The dosage is far less but required more frequently.
Pete Kontakos enjoys writing about health, fitness, animals and green living.
