About Weight Loss Products Containing Ephedra
Many overweight individuals would like to believe there's power in pills, specifically over-the-counter weight-loss pills that are relatively inexpensive and widely available. But there are no quick fixes to weight loss, according to a cautionary report in a recent issue of Mayo Clinic Women's Health Source. Drugstores, pharmacies and even grocery stores sell diet pills, and many more options are available on the Internet. Many diet pills haven't been proven safe, and the effectiveness of these pills is also questionable. In many cases the dangers outweigh the results.
Other People Are Reading
-
Forms of Ephedra
-
Ephedra is also known as ma huang. The active ingredient is a stimulant found in over-the-counter diet pills and weight-loss products. Epehdra may also be found in prescription medicines like bronchodilators, decongestants and allergy medications. Ephedra is thought to boost energy, and is therefore a main ingredient in many energy supplements and fat-burning formulas.
Ma Haung
-
According to the Mayo Clinic, ma haung contains the alkaloids ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, and have been proven to induce central nervous system stimulation, bronchodilation, and vasoconstriction. When combined with caffeine (another known stimulant) ephedrine appears to promote weight loss. However, significant safety concerns have been associated with the use of ephedra.
-
Safety
-
An article reviewed by Forrest Batz, Pharm.D., an assistant clinical professor at UCSF's school of pharmacy and a consultant in natural medicines based in Santa Rosa, California, states that although ephedra appears to be safe in some forms, such as Chinese medicine, and as a decongestant prescribed by a doctor, pharmacist or acupuncturist, the dangers exist when the ingredient is part of a diet pill or energy supplement. Because epedrine is a chemical relative to amphetamines, which stimulate the central nervous system and increase blood pressure and heart rate, the risks of heart attacks and strokes exist. Experts say those using ephedra on a regular basis are risking their health, as permanent damage to the heart muscle could result.
Epehedra and Exercise
-
Weight loss products containing ephedra are often times combined with exercise, though great dangers exist. Exercising speeds up the heart rate and increases blood pressure. When ephedra is combined with these strenuous activities the risk of heart attacks is also increased, especially among individuals with pre-existing conditions such as hypertension.
Warning
-
According to the Mayo Clinic, the United States Federal Government banned the sale of ephedra in 2004. Because of the many adverse effects that can be linked to ephedra, including death, these products are not recommended. Taking any form of ephedra (in any dosage amount) that has not been approved by a doctor is unwise.
-
