Are There Any Side Effects While On The HCG Diet?

HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) is a hormone that occurs naturally in the placentas of pregnant women. It is also synthetically produced for use as a fertility treatment. It helps to produce progesterone which is important for the development of the placenta during the pregnancy term. But it has another use and that is in the administration of what is known as the HCG diet. The HCG diet, in simple terms, consists of administering injections or sub-lingual tablets of the hormone while placing a 500-calorie per day food intake restriction on the participant. Many of the diet’s supporters claim that it is extremely effective in reaching their weight loss goals, but are there any side effects to this diet? There are not many but a few minor ones. Let’s examine further.

Some report headaches and mood swings which are more than likely because of reduced calorie intake. This happens when participants reduce all calories to include the important ones. For example, you need carbohydrates to help with brain functioning but what many do is cut them out altogether. Instead, you should go for the complex carbohydrates like those found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grain products. These digest slower and don’t give you the elevated blood sugar levels that normally result in weight gain.

There are other initial side effects from the 500-calorie diet. These include insomnia, fatigue, and constipation. Insomnia comes from a vitamin deficiency in the diet. Fatigue can be caused by the insomnia but also as a direct result of a vitamin-deficient diet. Constipation oftentimes occurs in any diet because of the lack of bulk in the intestine that helps you have a bowel movement.

Include sources of Vitamin B6 in your diet to help with insomnia. Insomnia is relieved by serotonin which is a neurotransmitter that helps to calm your nerves and allow you to sleep better. Vitamin B6 helps in the production of serotonin and you get it from food sources like green vegetables, bananas, fish, and eggs.

There are other factors that can cause fatigue. For example, not getting enough water can result in dehydration which could lead to fatigue. It can also be caused by not getting the energy you body needs because of the reduced food intake. Make sure you eat foods that supply your proteins, essential fatty acids, and complex carbohydrates each day.

Constipation also comes from eating less. You need bulk in your intestine so that waste can bond with it for passing in a bowel movement. This is achieved by eating foods high in fiber. For example, eating an apple with its peel is a good source of fiber. Other foods include beans, blueberries, broccoli, and whole wheat grain products.

Many have different experiences while on the diet. All have unique conditions when starting a diet along with metabolisms that are different for each individual. The above are just a few of the reported side effects that you should be aware of. You may experience some of them or none at all. The good news is that many of the initial effects from eating less subside in a few weeks.