There is a part of your brain, the hypothalamus. Within that mid-brain there are nerve cells that sense glucose sugar. When you eat, blood sugar goes up because of the food, these cells start firing and now you are full. What the Hoodia seems to contain is a molecule that is about 10,000 times as active as glucose. It goes to the mid-brain and actually makes those nerve cells fire as if you were full. But you have not eaten. Nor do you want to.

Which Hoodia Does Mary Shomon Recommend? The only brand of hoodia that I recommend and have used is Hoodia from Paradise Herbs. I've found this product effective, and of good quality. You can easily order Paradise Herbs Hoodia from reputable online retailer Iherb.com, and it's available at the lowest prices on the Internet for this popular product. Order Paradise Herbs Hoodia from Iherb.com

How Quickly Will Hoodia Work?

Some people report that hoodia works for them immediately, suppressing appetite within 20 to 30 minutes after taking the capsules. Generally, though, people typically need up to two weeks of regularly taking hoodia before they begin to notice the effects of hoodia, which include:

• A reduced interest in food
• A delay in the time after eating before hunger sets in again
• Feeling full more quickly
• General feeling of well-being

Does Hoodia Have Side Effects?

Hoodia gordonii is not a stimulant, and has no known side effects. Of course, there is always someone who has a reaction to even the safest supplement, so your own experience -- in conjunction with the advice of your practitioner -- should guide you.

How to Take Hoodia?

Prescription drugs containing hoodia or its synthetic P57 derivative are years away from being on the market. But natural hoodia supplements are currently available.

You need to be particularly careful that you take a hoodia that contains the actual plant -- some brands out there claim to contain hoodia, and have been tested to show they have no hoodia whatsoever. My favorite brand is Hoodia Slim from Paradise Herbs. Another quality brand is the Canadian-based MHSCI Hoodia.

Some people start by using 1-2 capsules an hour before lunch and 1-2 capsules an hour before dinner daily for the first two weeks. As the appetite suppressant effect kicks in, some people drop back to 1 or 2 capsules per day. Always follow the directions of your qualified healthcare professional.

My Own Experience With Hoodia

I'm not promising you that hoodia is some sort of miracle diet pill. You can't just pop a few hoodia every day, eat all you want, and lose weight. It just doesn't work like that, and I would be misleading you if I suggested it.

The reality is that for many people -- but for most thyroid patient in particular -- in order to lose weight, you have to cut some calories, focus on eating enough good fats (but limit the saturated fats), eat enough healthy protein, eat good carbs (high fiber vegetables and some fruits), avoid the high-glycemic simple carbohydrates (like sugar, flour, and rice), drink sufficient water, and ensure that you are doing things -- like aerobic and weight bearing exercise, and various supplements -- to safely raise metabolism.

It's a healthy -- but surprisingly effective -- approach I've described in great detail in my book The Thyroid Diet, a New York Times bestseller, Quills Award nominee, and Amazon.com Top Ten Health Book of 2004!

I've been using hoodia, because I have found that it helps me with that critical issue -- limiting calories. As I describe in The Thyroid Diet, I am not one of those people who can follow the "eat-all- you-want-as-long-as-it-doesn't-have-carbohydrates" Atkins-style approach because I have a good appetite, and it is not suppressed enough by eating low-carb to substantially cut calories and result in weight loss. But hoodia gives me that extra bit of willpower, and that feeling of well-being, and makes it easier to avoid snacking, and that keeps me feeling full for longer periods of time.

Is Your Thyroid Making You Fat? Is an undiagnosed or improperly treated thyroid condition causing you to pack on the pounds, or dooming you to diet failure? The New York Times bestseller The Thyroid Diet has the answers! It's the first book written to help thyroid patients -- and those who don't even know they have a thyroid problem yet -- to effectively lose weight. The book features information on how to get that important diagnosis, optimal treatment. Also included are Diet Planning Worksheets, Eating Plans, Food Lists, Gourmet Recipes, Information on Safe & Helpful Supplements and Herbs BE SURE TO GET YOUR COPY NOW!! Order from Amazon.com, or get the book at a discounted price from Iherb.com FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE THYROID DIET! Read the Table of Contents and Introduction for The Thyroid Diet online now. A Fantastic New Weight Loss Resource Support your efforts to follow the Thyroid Diet, or any healthy eating program you've chosen, with a terrific new audiobook, The Self-Hypnosis Diet, by Steven Gurgevich. I'm listening to this every night to help keep me on track, and making the right choices about food and exercise. I LOVE THIS AUDIOBOOK!!

Sticking Out Our Necks and this website are © Copyright Mary Shomon, 1997-2007. All rights reserved. Mary Shomon, Editor/Webmaster
All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician or health practitioner before starting a new treatment program. Please see our full disclaimer.