Hi Guys.

My wife and I have been trying to get pregnant for a few years. I have good sperm count and motility. It was recommended to try maca to increase drive and sperm count etc. I did notice an increase in drive however I also get bad sinus congestion and dark circles under my eyes shortly after taking maca or similar supplements. The symptoms last for a few days if I stop immediately. I have searched online and can't find any info on sinus symptoms caused by these types of supplements. I just tried a product called fertilaid which did contain a small amount of maca and got the symptoms again. its easy to just avoid these products, but was wondering if there is some other factor that I am missing. I am 38 and in pretty good shape. I excercise daily with weights and cardio, also have a physically active job. It should be noted that I really don't need to take these types of supplements, but am curious why I get these side effects.

Thanks

Do you drink lots of water? Dark circles under the eyes can sometimes be a sign of dehydration. Congestion of the sinuses could also be a result of dehydration. Due to western lifestyle, most of us do carry toxic burden with us in our bodys. Maca is a powerful herb that may be "helping" your body in other ways, that may result in the elimination of some sort of toxic, or pathogenic items in your body. Clean water is an important ingredient when your body attemps to do this. The two symptoms you describe could be your body telling you it doesn't have enough water to complete this process effiecently.

Thanks for the response. I drink a lot of water daily. I generally have a few glasses before I leave for work, then at least a half gallon during the work day (I carry a half gallon with me and sometimes refill on warmer days), then several glasses once I'm home again at night. I still like the theory, but i am not sure I could drink much more water each day. Would that mean I should try some means of detoxifying? I have read previously that most people who have allergic reactions to maca are actually showing signs of some other dietary/health issue. thanks again.

That does sound like you are getting a lot of water, let me add that it should be filtered water. You may be correct, and doing a detox or a cleanse would hurt, I would (and have) give it a try.
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My first impression is that it is an allergy. These symptoms happen to me with allergies to some herbs or foods. They are not listed as allergies to maca though. Not everyone reacts the same way. In my case, it is not only dark circles but also bags. Hard to get rid of once I discover the allergy.

https://www.livestrong.com/article/13...cts-maca-root/

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- Jim
"Show me a sane man and I will cure him for you." �Carl Gustav Jung

Interesting. I wonder if you are not having an allergic reaction. What you are calling sinuitis, is it congested or difficulty breathing through your nose? Or if your throat feels like there is a lump or difficulty swallowing? Rarely, a person has an allergy to a additive mineral or colloids but it does happen. Usually if allergy presents the person is allergic to the by products that go into making the medicine. I don't know but your post caught my attention.