WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF HERBALIFE
What Are the Dangers of Herbalife?
Herbalife Side Effects
By Ezmeralda Lee, eHow Contributor last 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.
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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
Read more: Herbalife Side Effects | eHow.com
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.
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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.
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Anxiety and Restlessness
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Herbalife supplements contain caffeine. Caffeine helps increase metabolism (which helps with weight loss), but caffeine can also cause anxiety and restlessness.
Increased Blood Pressure
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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
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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
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Negative Effects 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.
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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.
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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.
Why is Herbalife Not Recommended for Children?
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 Problems
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
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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
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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
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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
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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.Herbalife Joint Support Side Effects
By Catherine Chase, eHow Contributor
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.
Herbal Medication Side Effects
By Vincent Madrone, eHow Contributor
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.
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BACTERIA IN HERBALIFE DAMAGES LIVER
‘Bacteria in Herbalife damages liver’
Two years ago liver doctors sounded the alarm about cases of liver damage
in users of Herbalife products. They were unable to say which component
in Herbalife products was causing the liver damage, but researchers at
the University of Bern made an attempt to do so in an article published
this year in the Journal of Hepatology. They found the bacteria Bacillus subtilis in Herbalife products.
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In the article the doctors discuss two cases of people who became ill
after using Herbalife products: a man aged 78 and a woman aged 50. The
man's urine
had turned dark brown, he had hepatitis and had been feeling unwell for
a couple of weeks. He had been using the Herbalife F1 Shake [Strawberry
and Cappuccino flavours] for three years on his daughter’s advice [she
was a Herbalife salesperson], as well as various other medicines.
According to the analyses, the man had a liver complaint. When the
doctors took him off the shake his blood values recovered, but they
deteriorated again later. The doctors gave the man corticosteroids and ursodeoxycholic acid, after which he recovered completely. You can see the fluctuations in the man’s blood values in the graph below.
The woman sold Herbalife supplements. She took half a dozen different
Herbalife supplements, including the Personalized Protein Powder Mix
Formula 3. She had stomach pain
and hepatitis and the doctors found signs of liver damage in her blood.
They got the woman to stop taking the supplements and the graph below
shows how the liver values in her blood improved.
The researchers examined samples from the livers of the man and the
woman and found signs of damage in both. The doctors turned the
supplements that the men and women had used inside out, but found no
contaminants: no heavy metals, no pesticides, no antibiotics, nothing.
But when they examined the Herbalife products for micro-organisms, they
did come across something. The meal substitutes the man and woman had
been using contained the bacteria
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Hmm.
Honestly speaking, we’re not sure what to make of this. As far as we know, B. Subtilis is found in pretty much everything, and it’s not particularly dangerous. [Wikipedia]
Some studies even regard it as a probiotic. It would seem pretty unlikely then that B. subtilis is the cause of such serious liver damage.
