The HCG diet can produce unwanted side effects in men and women. These side effects tend to be uncommon. Side effects to the HCG diet are primarily the result of the significant food changes and caloric restriction the HCG diet entails. It has been said that side effects of the HCG diet are hardly the result of the HCG substance itself. This is because HCG is a natural substance, and the amount that of HCG that is taken are only in small quantities. For instance, a pregnant woman naturally produces 1 million units of HCG a day, whereas the dose of HCG taken is significantly lesser than that amount. The HCG injection has a dose of 125 units, and the oral dose is 500 units.
The HCG diet can cause headaches in individuals, which usually happens within the first few days of commencing the regimen. This side effect is probably the most common complaint that people experience when taking the HCG diet. The headaches occur mainly because of food changes including low caloric intake, low carbohydrates, and insufficient nutrients and also because of hunger. As well as headaches, individuals might also experience nausea, restlessness and irritability, which also tend to be the result of the significant food changes of the HCG diet. Sometimes people on the HCG diet also experience mood swings and depression. Weakness and fatigue are other side effects that can occur as a result of the caloric restriction. Some people might experience low blood sugar reactions, slight water retention and leg cramps. An irregular heartbeat and sweating may arise to the body’s increase in metabolism and subsequent weight loss caused by the HCG diet.
Constipation is another common side effect that may arise from the HCG diet. It is usually treated by mild laxatives and by eating high fiber foods like salads and vegetables. The HCG diet might also lead to nutritional deficiencies and thyroid disorders. It is important that you get your daily nutritional requirements despite a restricted caloric intake. Also, rapid weight loss, because of the HCG diet, can lead to gallstones.
In males, the HCG diet might lead to early puberty in boys, and male breast enlargement in men.In women, a serious side effect that can result from the HCG diet is Ovarian Hyper-Stimulation Syndrome, which can arise particularly during the beginning stages of the treatment. While the condition is quite rare, it is life threatening. Symptoms of Ovarian Hyper-Stimulation Syndrome include severe pelvic pain, stomach pain and swelling, shortness of breath, swelling of the legs and hands, weight gain, diarrhea, nausea and/or vomiting, and less urination. It is important that if any of these symptoms ensure the HCG diet, you seek medical attention. In women, the HCG diet might cause breast tenderness and swelling. In pregnant women, a HCG diet can lead to multiple births such as twins.
Other side effects of the HCG diet include inflammation, and pain that might arise in the injection site. Many of the side effects of the HCG diet are uncommon. Many side effects can be avoided too – it is important that you get your daily nutritional requirements even if you are on a restricted caloric diet. If serious side effects do occur, you should seek medical attention.
