Side Effects of Bitter Kola: What You Need to Know

Bitter kola, also referred to as Garcinia kola in repeated sciences, is a famous oat-like fruit that has been in use for many centuries especially in the west African region. It is considered beneficial in that it helps to strengthen the body’s immune system against diseases, fighting off sicknesses and, to some extent, improving the physical ability of a person. But, like any other medication of traditional nature, bitter kola side effects cannot be ignored. Which is why the side effects of bitter kola is a valuable point if a person plans to use it for treating certain diseases or as an add-on to the diet.

What is Bitter Kola?

Bitter kola is an edible, a small, brown nut that usually appears on the kola tree, which is grown in the Central West Africa region. This particularly the plant has a bitter taste, hence the name. No, it’s worth noting that many African ethnic groups have also taken bitter kola for diverse purposes. It is most present in countries with high incidence of malaria, respiratory infection and/intervention for need therapies. Nevertheless, the nut comes with advantages also. Downside to these nuts varies from one person to the other.

Common Side Effects of Bitter Kola

1. Nausea and Vomiting

Bitter kola is perhaps one of the most peculiar herb that is not only used medicinally but also for gourmets purposes. Studies have shown that dizziness, which often goes hand in hand with a particular unpleasant sensation in the head, is one of the side effects of the consumption of bitter kola. This is mainly because the consumption of overeating dense bitter kola causes the stomaches lining to grow fatigue. This has more to do with the tannin that is abundant in bitter kola, which, when taken in excess, aggravates the stomach. Such individuals are cautioned against excessive intake of bitter kola.

2. Insomnia

The psychoactive compound most typical of bitter kola is caffeine G0901a that does not only prevent sleep but quickly gives back energy. While this could be good for people who need a jolt, excessive intake of bitter kola or staying up late in the day might just land you into a pool of insomnia. In some cases, quitting caffeine may even lead to fatigue where patients reportedly complain about not being able to simply over they were prolonged tiredness due to lack of sleep. This should be done to prevent this from occurring and that would be in regard to how many times bitter kola is taken.

3. Increased Blood Pressure

Another notable side effect of bitter kola is its potential to increase blood pressure. It has been discovered that bitter kola has a stimulating effect on the heart resulting in an increase in blood pressure for a moment. This adverse effect is more severe for people who are already hypertensive or are prone to developing hypertension. People with such medical conditions should not use bitter kola without obtaining a doctor’s recommendation.

4. Dehydration

Bitter kola when taken abundantly may also make one dehydrated because – it is a diuretic. A diuretic is a drug that induces diuresis, the increased production of urine, hence causing the body to achieve loss of water and electrolytes within the body than the usual curve. While superficial dehydration may pose mild symptoms like a dry mouth or the sensation of emptiness of the throat, then greater sangkieness of loss is on greater measures such as intense cerebral confusion, dizzy spells and loss of complete consciousness as well. It is important to note that bitter kola works in the opposite way to the above, hence requires people to drink a lot of water.

5. Allergic Reactions

Though infrequently seen, some people do develop an allergy to bitter kola. An allergic response can be anything from mild skin irritation to extreme breathlessness and can cause hives, itching, swelling of the face, throat or tongue, and wheezing. If you think you are allergic to bitter kola, you should stop using it right away and see a doctor if needed. Even when it comes to introducing a new food or supplement, the dose should be gradually increased to understand the body response to it.

6. Potential for Drug Interactions

There are certain medications too that can potentially react with bitter kola, especially those that are concerned with hypertension, diabetes and psychiatric disorders. For example, since bitter kola has stimulant properties, their use might conflict with the use of drugs geared towards lowering blood pressure or aiding in the alleviation of anxiety. If you are on any form of medication, prescription or otherwise, then bitter kola should not be integrated into your practice without clearance from your doctor. In doing this, you will prevent unwanted side effects which may endanger your life.

Some Rare but Important Side Effects

7. Influence on Pregnancy

Bitter kola should not be consumed by pregnant women and mothers in lactation often. There is little scientific evidence supporting the use of kola nut during pregnancy, yet the people do not consider it to be safe for an expectant mother. It has caffeine and also has the ability of elevating blood pressure indiscriminately and hence pose danger to both mother and unborn child. In such cases, women who are pregnant are urged to see their doctor prior to taking bitter kola.

8. Alteration of Blood Sugar Level

Bitter kola was commonly recommended for pill users for the regulation of sugar levels in the body. This is likely to be very useful for people suffering from diabetes. However, this beneficial effect can also be a bane. In some of the population in, especially in people who take diabetes pills, bitter kola could lead to an excessive dip in insulin which results into a hypoglycemic state. Hypoglycemia is the lower than normal band of glucose in a person and its symptoms include dizziness confusion and in some cases full lethargy. For any diabetic individual, the above mentioned procedure is critical as there are risks associated with using bitter kola and there is a need to monitor blood sugar very closely.

9. Potential Impact on Mental Health

Although many individuals consume bitter kola primarily to relieve fatigue, this particular herb may also be detrimental to mental health in some instances. The caffeine’s visceral effect on the bitter kola may contribute to anxiety, jitteriness, and restlessness in most people, more so in those with anxiety disorders. Additionally, prolonged overeating may create a negative alteration in an individual’s balance over time leading to depressive episodes and constant fluctuations. These potential side effects are prevalent but can be avoided with moderation.

How to Safely Consume Bitter Kola

As stated earlier there are some of the side effects of bitter kola; therefore, it is advisable to use it appropriately. It is some of the elements that can expose you to the most of its benefits while reducing associated risks:

1. Start with Small Amounts: If it is your first time chewing bitter kola, please, do not take a lot of it the first time. This is to avoid any unpleasant reactions especially if any exist within your body system.

2. Limit Daily Intake: In an attempt to prevent both users and any persons around them from suffering from the negative side effects, there should be an attempt to restrain on the size of intake especially bitter kola nuts. A broad recommendation is an intake of not more than 1 to 2 nuts per 24 hours.

3. Consult a Healthcare Provider: It is recommended to seek the advice of a doctor before beginning to take bitter kola if you are suffering from any illnesses or on pharmacy medications.

4. Avoid Late Day Consumption: To help prevent insomnia from wicked kola avoid late day or evenings use of the caffeine.

5. Stay Hydrated: When one is on bitter kola, they should take a lot of water to avoid the diuretic effects of the bitter kola.

6. Monitor for Allergic Reactions: Discontinue the use and alert a physician, so that you can be evaluated for possible allergic symptoms that include itching, swelling or any other type of rash.

Conclusion

Although there are various potential health benefits that bitter kola may possess this does not give an exemption to the side effects related to its use. From complaining of enervating stomach upset and being unable to sleep at night, increasing ones blood pressure and interacting with other medication are some of the side effects of bitter kola which the extent of impact will depend on the person taking it. There are ways however in which one can positively benefit from bitter kola without getting its damaging side effects, for instance using it in moderation and with the assistance of a healthcare expert. We must keep in mind that just because it is a natural remedy that might not mean it is completely safe and having knowledge is the first step in making the right choices for your body.