Ephedra Side Effects
Ephedra has been considered an important herb in China, with many of traditional Chinese medicine practitioners using it as an effective herb for colds and other respiratory illnesses, inflammation and pain in muscles and joints, sinusitis and bronchial asthma. As it became popular, it later on became a common ingredient in many weight loss products due to its inherent property of stimulating the body, which can lead to a faster metabolism.
The main compounds found in ephedra are the alkaloids ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. These are potent plant alkaloids that are known to interact with the neurotransmitter norepinephrine and cause the stimulation of the body’s natural “fight or flight” reactions. When taken beyond allowed dosages, ephedrine can act the same way amphetamines do. Due to several complaints received by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the use of ephedra as an element for weight loss supplements has been banned in the U.S.
Risks Associated With Ephedra
Because ephedra reacts the same way amphetamines do, it is also addictive and can lead to over use of products containing it. There are several risks that ephedra can cause to a person’s health, such as the following:
- Heart palpitations
- Hypertension
- Headaches, dizziness and nausea
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Gas pains
- Kidney stones
- Nervousness and irritability
- Insomnia
- Inability to focus mentally
- Tremors
- Strokes
These risks are magnified among people who are diagnosed with pre existing conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, thyroid disease, general anxiety, mental illness, kidney disease, as well as those who have histories of strokes, seizures and heart attacks.
Why People Still Take Ephedra
With all these risks associated with ephedra, why then do people still prefer to use weight loss products that contain this ingredient? There is so much misinformation going on in the weight loss industry that people get convinced to try diet supplements with toxic ingredients in them, because of the promise of losing weight fast. Some consumers may already be aware of these dangers, yet still get convinced to buy ephedra based weight loss pills because of the massive advertising that the manufacturers of these products do.
In response to numerous complaints about the high incidences of side effects and even death in some cases, the FDA finally banned the use of ephedra as an ingredient in weight loss supplements. Following the ban on ephedra, weight loss supplement manufacturers started labeling their products “ephedrine-free”, and instead used other herbal stimulants such as bitter orange. In reality, bitter orange has the same stimulating effects as ephedra, and in the same way, do not have any medical basis yet of its efficacy in helping reduce weight.
A Better Alternative
Although it is always safer to lose weight the natural way, which is through diet and exercise, it is also possible to take weight loss supplements that will not put you at risk. Phen375 is one of the better weight loss alternatives because it is made from chemicals that are blended in FDA approved labs. Aside from the 100% money back guarantee that its manufacturers offer, you are also guaranteed of its efficacy, as many of its users would vouch for.
Save yourself from the health risks of ephedra. Use only weight loss products that are proven to be safe and effective.
