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Acai Berry Precautions

Though acai berry may have a number of health benefits, you'll need to take some precautions when taking it. Acai berry may cause some mild side effects for some people such as gas or heartburn, and some people also might have an allergic reaction. Keep a few caveats in mind when purchasing and ingesting this supplement.

  1. Products

    • Always take precautions before you buy products containing acai berry. Read over the ingredient list for anything unhealthy such as caffeine or sugar. Also note the amount of acai berry in the product. Many products have such a small amount that you won’t get any benefits. Look for a product that contains 100 percent pure acai berry. Beware of free trials of acai berry, which will usually turn out to be scams. Ask your doctor about taking an acai berry product if you currently take any prescription drugs.

    Allergies

    • If you're allergic to other kinds of berries, you many also have an allergy to acai berries. Some symptoms of an allergic reaction include nausea, headaches, rashes and a sore throat. Acai berries may cause a serious allergic reaction such as wheezing or severe hives in certain people. Sometimes acai berries will agitate pollen allergies. If you’re taking a product containing acai berry and other ingredients, check whether one of the other ingredients could cause a reaction.

    Weight Loss

    • If you plan to take acai berry to lose weight, reconsider. A Texas researcher named Suzanne Talcott has performed clinical trials and proved some of acai's health benefits, but she has also stated that no research has supported any weight loss claims.

    Pre-Existing Conditions

    • Always check with your doctor before you take acai berry if you have any pre-existing conditions. Acai berry has amino acids you shouldn't take in high doses if you have liver or kidney disease. If you have irritable bowel syndrome or other bowel problems, you may get more diarrhea and gas from taking acai berry. Pregnant or breastfeeding women also need to take precautions and ask their doctor whether they can take acai berry supplements.

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