|  | Diet Nutrition | Fad Diets

Acai Berry Cleanse Side Effects

Acai berries look like large blueberries, and come from palm trees in South and Central America. The acai berry cleanse diet has garnered a lot of media attention as a popular fad diet, and even sparked several research projects to explore the proposed miracle food. Dozens of acai berry cleanses are available, some with reports of uncomfortable side effects, and others with no side effects. Scientists have proved that--while some people do lose water weight--the cleanses are not an effective tool for permanent weight loss.

  1. Diarrhea and Vomiting

    • The Acai Berry Cleanse's main function is to cleanse your body of toxins and excess waste. It does this by clearing out your bowels and colon. Taking various acai dietary supplements can cause mild to severe diarrhea and vomiting. Because the supplements can act as a laxative, they can cause you to become dehydrated, which can lead to nausea and headaches. If you are experiencing any of these side effects, it is best you stop taking the supplement and seek the advice of your physician. If ignored, diarrhea and vomiting can also lead to imbalance of electrolytes in the body.

    Nausea & Headaches

    • Taking the acai cleanse can also lead to headaches and nausea. These could be caused by dehydration. There are four types of headaches, vascular, muscle contraction, traction and inflammatory. Nausea can cause you to become dizzy, have stomach cramps and lead to vomiting.

    Allergic Reactions

    • Allergic reactions occur when your body reacts negatively to allergens, whether touched, inhaled or digested. If you are allergic to the berries, you may experience hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, dizziness and fatigue. For some individuals, first-time reactions may be mild and continued use can lead to more severe reactions. Allergic reactions can occur within minutes of first taking a supplement or can erupt several hours later--even a day later. If you are allergic to other berries, speak with your physician before taking the supplement as you may also be allergic to acai berries. If you experience an allergic reaction to the berry seek medical attention immediately.

    Weight Loss

    • The American Dietetic Association reports that there is not research to support that the acai berry helps with weight loss, however people have lost weight as a side effect of taking the supplement. It is most likely that the weight loss is water being lost due to the supplement's laxative properties as it cleanses your bowels and colon.

    Boosted Antioxidant Levels

    • Texas AgriLife researchers recently conducted a research project on whether the acai berry is absorbed by the body when eaten. The berry is a nutrient dense fruit and the study showed results of significantly higher levels of antioxidants in the body after being consumed. Consuming the berry in dietary supplements can raise your antioxidant levels, which helps your body to fight disease.

Fad Diets - Related Articles