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Information About Ephedra Weight Loss SupplementsWhat is Ephedra? What Are Ephedra Weight Loss Supplements?Ephedra (aka ma huang), is a plant with strong stimulatory effects which is found in some popular herbal weight loss pills. Ephedra/Ma huang has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine. Ephedrine is one of the alkaloids present in Ephedra. Other alkaloids include the less powerful pseudo-ephedrine. [Cf. synthetic ephedrine, used in a number of common cold remedies, which is not a naturally occurring substance. Synthetic ephedrine is listed on labels as ephedrine hydrocloride. Some governments/states ban the use of synthetic ephedrine in Ephedra weight loss products.] The ephedrine alkaloids in Ephedra weight loss or dietary supplements have amphetamine-like properties and are formulated to boost metabolism thus assisting weight loss. Do Ephedra Supplements Cause Weight LossStudies show that when used in conjunction with a healthy diet, ephedra pills do lead to weight loss. Are Ephedra Weight Loss Supplements Safe?Some experts say Ephedra supplements are unsafe; others say Ephedra is only safe when used as part of an overall weight-loss program and when ephedra dosages are observed. [FDA guidelines advise no more than 8 milligrams of ephedra should be taken per day, for a maximum of 7 consecutive days.] The Problem of Ephedra Weight Loss SupplementsOne cause for concern about ephedra pills is the fact that they are classified as "dietary supplements." As a result, labelling laws and health scrutiny are less onerous. This means that when you buy weight loss supplements containing epheda you may not be told exactly how much ephedra is in them. Most ephedra product manufacturers are now following a voluntary code of precautions and warnings concerning ephedra but not all do, so check the label of your ephedra supplements to make sure it bears the recommended dosage limits and warnings. How Does Ephedra Work?In simple terms, the human body reacts to ephedra as it does to a surge of adrenaline. Adrenaline is the "fight-or-flight" hormone which is released by the body during periods of stress and exercise. It speeds up heart rate and sends extra blood to muscles. The difference is, that whereas an adrenaline rush typically lasts only a few minutes, the effects of ephedra can last for hours. Ephedra also stimulates the release of large quantities of adrenaline. Such a surge of adrenaline can make the heart beat even faster and deplete the oxygen that keeps the heart working - resulting in heart strain or even heart attack. This revving of the system is made worse by the addition of caffeine. So anyone taking weight loss supplements combining ephedra with caffeine (or guarana) may be asking for trouble. Ephedra Weight Loss Supplements and AERsAdverse Event Reports (AERs) are anecdotal reports of drug/supplement-related health consequences, compiled by the Food and Drug Administration. Ephedra has been implicated by over 16,000 AERs, although manufacturers say that this is a relatively small fraction of ephedra supplement users. Furthermore, controversy exists as to how reliable these AERs are in assessing the side-effects of ephedra supplements. For example, one panel of experts concluded that the AERs do not provide sufficient evidence to link significant adverse events to Ephedra. For more, click: Ephedra Diet Pills Information Ephedra and the US DHHS and FDANevertheless, the US DHHS have stated that dietary supplements containing ephedra may present significant or unreasonable risks as currently marketed, and have announced a series of actions designed to protect Americans from these risks. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently reviewing the status of ephedra, which has been linked to almost 100 deaths, including high school and college athletes who have collapsed during games or practice. The supplement is banned from the National Football League (NFL), National College Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Olympics, but not from major league baseball. Meanwhile, the Ephedra Education Council (EEC) insists that the herb is safe when used as directed. Ephedra Weight Loss Supplements - Your ChoiceIf you have tried and failed to lose weight with conventional diet programs, you may decide to give ephedra supplements a try. However, please observe official guidelines for ephedra usage and for best weight loss results combine your use of ephedra supplements with a healthy diet and exercise program. Information About Obesity Drugs and Weight Loss Supplements |
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Reviews of Obesity Medications and Diet SupplementsThis web site provides only general advice on popular weight loss pills and dietary supplements. Under no circumstances should this information be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Before taking any diet or weight loss pills, we recommend that you seek advice from your doctor. Only your doctor can safely advise you about which drugs or supplements are best for you.© 2006. Diet-Pills-Information. All rights reserved. |