Are you considering adding maca powder to your diet?
This superfood has been touted for its energy-boosting and hormone-balancing properties.
However, some people have reported experiencing heart palpitations after taking maca powder.
So, can maca powder really cause heart palpitations?
In this article, we’ll explore the potential side effects of maca powder and what you can do to minimize them.
Whether you’re a long-time maca user or just starting out, it’s important to be informed about the possible effects on your body.
Let’s dive in!
Can Maca Powder Cause Heart Palpitations?
While there is no scientific evidence linking maca powder to heart palpitations, some people have reported experiencing this symptom after taking the supplement.
It’s important to note that everyone’s body reacts differently to substances, so it’s possible that maca powder could affect some individuals in this way.
However, it’s also important to consider other factors that could contribute to heart palpitations, such as stress, caffeine intake, and underlying medical conditions.
If you experience heart palpitations after taking maca powder, it’s recommended that you stop using the supplement and consult with your healthcare provider.
What Is Maca Powder?
Maca powder is a supplement made from the root of the maca plant, which grows on the high plateaus of the Andes Mountains. It has been cultivated as a root vegetable for over 3,000 years and is known by several names, including Ginseng Andin, Peruvian Ginseng, Lepidium meyenii, or Lepidium peruvianum.
Maca powder is commonly used to improve mood and sexual function, as well as to boost overall health and energy levels. It is also believed to have potential benefits for male infertility and health problems after menopause. However, research on its benefits and side effects is limited.
While maca powder is generally considered safe, it can cause some side effects in certain individuals. Some people have reported feeling “jittery” or “wired” after taking maca powder, while others have experienced digestive issues or an increase in acne.
It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or take medications. They can help you determine if maca powder is safe for you and recommend an appropriate dosage based on your individual needs.
The Benefits Of Maca Powder
Despite the potential for side effects, maca powder has been touted for its various health benefits. For example, maca contains flavonoids, which are believed to improve mood and reduce anxiety. In fact, a study conducted on postmenopausal women found that maca may reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. Additionally, a 2015 study found that maca could reduce symptoms of depression in Chinese postmenopausal women.
Maca is also believed to have positive effects on sexual function and fertility. According to the University of Michigan Health System, a double-blind study found that treatment with maca increased sexual desire in young and middle-aged men. Some sources even claim that maca can improve fertility in both men and women.
Furthermore, maca is rich in antioxidants, fiber, and amino acids, making it a nutrient-dense food. While more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of maca powder, it’s clear that this root vegetable has been used as a food and medicine staple for centuries in the Peruvian Andes.
Reported Side Effects Of Maca Powder
Although maca powder is generally considered safe for most people when consumed in food amounts or in recommended doses, some individuals have reported experiencing side effects after taking the supplement. Here are some of the reported side effects of maca powder:
1. Feeling “jittery”: Some people have reported feeling jittery or wired after taking maca powder, especially if they take too much at once. This may be due to the energy-boosting properties of maca. To alleviate this symptom, it’s recommended to reduce your dosage.
2. Insomnia: A small number of people have reported experiencing insomnia after taking maca powder. To prevent this symptom, it’s recommended to take maca before 2pm and/or to reduce your dosage. However, it’s worth noting that maca has also helped some women in perimenopause or menopause to overcome insomnia.
3. Digestive issues: About 5% of customers have reported upset stomach, slight cramping, or gas after taking raw maca powder. This may be due to the starch content in raw maca, so it’s recommended that people with sensitive digestive systems consider taking gelatinized maca instead.
4. Acne: Some customers have reported an increase in acne after starting with maca powder. However, this is usually a temporary symptom that disappears as the body balances its hormones.
5. Heartburn: While rare, some individuals have reported experiencing heartburn after taking maca powder. If this affects you, it’s recommended to read up on tips for managing heartburn or consult with your healthcare provider.
It’s worth noting that little is known about the safety and risks of long-term use of maca powder, and that those with certain health conditions (such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids) should avoid using maca extracts due to their potential estrogen-like effects. As always, it’s important to consult with a trusted healthcare professional before taking any new supplement or making changes to your diet and lifestyle.
How To Minimize The Risk Of Heart Palpitations From Maca Powder
If you are considering taking maca powder, there are some steps you can take to minimize the risk of experiencing heart palpitations:
1. Start with a small dose: Begin by taking a small amount of maca powder and gradually increase the dosage over time. This will allow your body to adjust to the supplement and reduce the risk of any adverse reactions.
2. Check for interactions: Make sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking maca powder, especially if you are currently taking any medications or supplements. Maca powder may interact with certain medications, such as those used for high blood pressure or diabetes.
3. Monitor caffeine intake: Caffeine can contribute to heart palpitations, so it’s important to monitor your caffeine intake while taking maca powder. Consider reducing or eliminating caffeine from your diet to see if it reduces your symptoms.
4. Consider other factors: If you experience heart palpitations while taking maca powder, consider other factors that may be contributing to your symptoms, such as stress or underlying medical conditions. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or questions about your symptoms.
By following these steps, you can reduce the risk of experiencing heart palpitations while taking maca powder and ensure that you are using the supplement safely and effectively.
Other Potential Side Effects Of Maca Powder
While maca powder is generally considered safe and well-tolerated by most people, there are some potential side effects to be aware of. These side effects are usually mild and uncommon, but it’s important to know about them before using maca powder.
One possible side effect of maca powder is feeling jittery or wired. This is more common in people who are new to using maca powder or who take too much at once. To avoid this, it’s recommended to start with a small dose and gradually increase it over time.
Another potential side effect is insomnia, which some people may experience when first starting to take maca powder. To prevent this, it’s recommended to take maca powder earlier in the day or reduce the dosage.
Digestive issues such as upset stomach, cramping, or gas may also occur in some people after taking raw maca powder. This is due to the starch content in the raw form of the vegetable root crop. If you have a sensitive digestive system, it’s recommended to use gelatinized maca powder instead.
Acne may also be a temporary side effect of using maca powder, as the vegetable root crop can affect hormone levels in the body. However, as the body balances its hormones, the acne should lessen and disappear over time.
Lastly, excessive consumption of maca powder may lead to other potential side effects such as overloading on iron, extremely high estrogen levels, impaired thyroid function, hot flashes, fatigue, increased endurance, abdominal cramping, and headaches. It’s important to use maca powder in moderation and consult with a healthcare provider if you experience any of these symptoms.
