Side Effects of Maca Root
87Maca is the root of the Peruvian Maca plant. This root has been used in both cooking and medicine by the indigenous people for thousands of years, considered as a superfood by the people who used it.
As Maca entered the common market in the 21st century it was hailed as the answer to everything from fatigue to migraines. It is readily available in most health food and nutrition stores and consumers buy it in a variety of forms without considering possible side effects.
As with all changes in nutrition, always talk to your doctor before adding any herb or nutritional supplement to your diet.
How Does Maca Affect the Body?
Maca is considered an adaptogen; an herb that helps the human body resist stress, both external and internal. Emotional and physical trauma is thought to impact the body less when maca is taken and many people feels that it also fights fatigue.
Proponents of the herb say that it enhances the body’s natural immunity and increases energy levels. Other benefits of maca are reported to be:
- Antibacterial and antifungal
- Hormone Balancing
- Healing acne and other skin conditions
- Helps build muscle
- Improves circulation
- Improves reproductive functions in both men and women
- Prevent migraine
- Prevent cancers
- Speeds healing
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Possible Side Effects of Maca Root
Before trying maca root you should consider the possibilities of side effects and negative reactions. Natural medicine can produce intense side effects as much as a prescription drug can.
Allergies
You can have an allergy to maca, especially if you have other plant based allergies. Be sure to check with your allergist and begin with small doses.
Changes in Hormone Levels
While hormonal changes can be good they can also cause increased acne, changes to menstrual cycles and other problems. Never take maca if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
Headaches
Some people report an increase in the number and severity of the headaches they have.
Heartburn
Heartburn is a possible side effect of taking maca – especially if you are taking it in a higher dose.
Increased Heart Rate
Maca is a stimulant and therefore may cause increased heart rate.
Iodine
Maca is high in iodine so people who have thyroid problems should always check with their endocrinologist.
Increased Testosterone
Maca increases the production of testosterone in both men and women. It can lead to problems in women that include:
- Anger
- Breast and uterine cancer
- Change is body shape
- Growth of facial hair
- Insulin resistance
- Mood swings
- Voice change
It is important to note that New York University's Langone Medical Center reports that they have not found any evidence that there is an increase in testosterone among those who take maca regularly.
Sleeplessness
Maca increases energy and may lead to insomnia.
Stomach Upset
Maca can upset sensitive stomachs.
All About Maca
Take Maca with Caution
The University of California at San Diego reports that there are no known interactions between maca root and prescription drugs. You should monitor your health carefully however, and discontinue taking maca at the sign of any problems.
It is important to check with your health care provider before taking any herb. If you decide to take maca be sure to slowly build up to the recommended dose. If you experience any side effects or unusual symptoms stop taking it immediately and contact your doctor.
Some nutritionists recommend cycling when taking the supplement to reduce the possibility of side effects. To do this you would take the maca for two weeks and then take three days off before repeating the cycle.
Food and Drug Administration
Maca root, its reported benefits, and side effects, has not been evaluated by the FDA and no official studies have been done on humans.
Build Up Safely
Remember that it can take several weeks before either benefits or side effects begin to show up. Keep a diary or journal for the first few months that you are taking maca root and keep track of how you feel, any benefits you may have, or possible negative reactions.
It is important to proceed with caution when making any changes in your health care routine.
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Thanks much for this super overview of Maca--so important to be aware and keep information like this in mind.
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Like anything, it needs to be taken carefully and responsibly
Very interesting information. It is so true about herbal supplements having the same reactions as prescription drugs. I have had problems with both, and neither of them are fun to have. I had not heard of the maca before, so I will be checking this out some more.
I'd never heard of maca before your hub, so found the information useful and interesting. I'm happy to note you've pointed out that herbal preparations should be approached with caution.
Thank you. :)
Thank you for this post! Very helpful information!
I've tried Maca before, on the recommendation of Mary Shoman, thyroid guru. I've tried many supplements. I also have lots of sleep issues. Great reminder about side effects for natural products, including possible sleep issues.
:)
Too many people think because it is natural it is harmless
I too use to think natural remedies must be Ok. Interesting to see that some natural remedies have as many side effects as pharmaceutical products.
I can't afford to take anything, that has the potential of making my migraines worse. They sometimes send me to the ER.
Interesting, I was thinking about taking this, and I never heard about any of this. I am trying to put on muscle weight and I was hoping this would be a safe alternative.
This Hub was interesting about Meca. I've never heard of it. With all the side effects, I'd be a little leery of trying it, though.
I've been taking it for a couple of months now to help balance my hormones and so far have not noticed any side-effects of any kind. It hasn't proven to be a miracle drug, but I do feel quite a bit better than before.
Donnacha C Level 2 Commenter 4 months ago
I have been taking Maca now for about 6 months, but I always take breaks inbetween. I have found, that there is such a thing as taking too much of a good thing, and would find myself slightly hyper at times....As I suffer from Chronic fatigue, I do find the Maca powder very useful in small but regular doses, however the taste is something I cannot get used to still.