Ephedra Dangers

Ephedra Side Effects

Ephedra dangers began to be the center of a regulatory storm during the 1990's when authorities began to question ephedra's safety.

Indeed, the medicinal herb that have been used for thousands of years as a decongestant as well as a remedy for allergies, hay fever, colds, and flu has become a highly controversial herb. At the time of this writing, ephedra dangers have been well documented.

What is Ephedra?

Ephedra is an ancient Chinese herb called Ma huang that many herbalists recognize as the world's oldest medicines. Its therapeutic properties are derived from two alkaloids, ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, which continues its traditional use. As such, it is used in modern times as a decongestant to relief a stuffy nose, watery eyes, and other cold and allergy symptoms.

In addition to its old folk use, Ephedra, more specifically ephedrine, is used in many weight-loss products because of its ability to turn up metabolism while suppressing appetite.

Ephedra Dangers

Ephedra Side Effects

In recent years, products containing high doses of ephedrine (ephedra's chief compound) entered the market place being promoted as a means for achieving euphoria – a legal and natural "high," which is dangerous and should not be used. In fact, there have been deaths linked to the abuse of ephedrine, resulting to authorities investigating its safety.

Our research on ephedra dangers reveal that when the herb is abused and taken in high doses it can have very serious side effects such as heart attacks, strokes, and, as we mentioned earlier, even death in otherwise healthy people.

Other possible ephedra side effects may include increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, insomnia, and anxiety.

It's important to note that ephedra gained its primary claim to fame as a weight loss supplement and is often times used in combination with caffeine containing herbs to achieve better results.

However, the better effectiveness of ephedrine-caffeine combinations in promoting weight loss is offset by the potential ephedra dangers and side effects.

Ephedrine-caffeine combinations at appropriate dosages can be used safely by most people, but it should never be taken at higher dosages than recommended unless directed by a physician.

The possible common ephedra side-effects of ephedrine-caffeine combinations include anxiety, nervousness, nausea, heart palpitations, sweating, increased blood pressure, dizziness, increased heart rate, and falling asleep difficulties.

It is recommended that anyone using ephedrine-caffeine combinations monitor both their heart rate (pulse) and blood pressure and discontinue use if there is an increase in heart rate (72 beats a minute) and/or an increase in blood pressure (120/80 mm Hg) to avoid ephedra dangers and side effects.

In addition, many products combined large amounts of ephedrine with caffeine, which increases the risks for very serious side effects.

Ephedra Dangers - Precautions

Individuals with certain health conditions including anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, glaucoma, heart disease, lupus, prostate enlargement, difficulty urinating, seizure disorders, impaired circulation to the brain, psychiatric disorders, thyroid disorders, nervous disorders, and diabetes should not take ephedra.

Those taking medications for high blood pressure or depression, and women who are pregnant or nursing, should avoid ephedra. To determine whether ephedra is safe and appropriate for you, its extremely important that you consult a knowledgeable healthcare provider.

Ephedra Dangers – Ephedra side effects

Key Factors to Consider

On April 12, 2004 the FDA announced that the sale of any dietary supplement containing ephedra was prohibited in the U.S. due to the risk of illness or injury.

However, on April 14, 2005, federal judge Tena Campbell of the Utah federal district court reversed the ban on ephedra. Companies that sell ephedra are allowed to resume selling whole herb ephedra products with no more than 10mg of naturally occurring ephedrine alkaloids.

Moreover, due to the possibly of severe side effects associated with using ephedra, the U.S. military and several athletic organizations, including the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the U.S. National Football League (NFL), and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) prohibited its use well before the FDA ban was announced.

***UPDATE**** It appears that ephedra on August 21, 2006 has been banned again according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which states:

"Background: On Aug. 17, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit in Denver upheld the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) final rule declaring all dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids adulterated, and therefore illegal for marketing in the United States, reversing a decision by the District Court of Utah."

Finding a High Quality

Ephedra Free Weight-Loss Supplement

First, it's important to note that there is no magic pill that achieve and maintain weight loss, but there are supplements that can help.

However, we here at Nutritional-Supplement-Educational-Centre personally do not recommend any supplements that contain ephedra, even if appeals are achieved in up-coming years because of all the ephedra dangers.

Second, while supplements can help - a successful weight loss program consists of all of the following interrelated components:

  • Reducing calorie intake and increasing exercise since there are no magic potions

  • Life time commitment to healthy eating and exercise will maintain and keep excess weight off

  • A positive mental attitude

    Now, let's take a look at herbs that help aid weight-loss without ephedra dangers.

    The following ingredients are from Native Remedies website, a highly respected supplier of natural supplements.

    Fucus vesiculosis is a sea vegetable that is a concentrated source of minerals including iodine, potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron. As a source of iodine, it assists in the production of thyroid hormones, which are necessary for maintaining healthy metabolism in all cells of the body.

    Gallium aperine grows wild in many parts of the world and is traditionally used as a diuretic and lymphatic cleanser. It helps to rid the body of toxins and can clear skin problems and other conditions caused by a build up of toxins in the body.

    Garcinia cambogia has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a wide range of conditions and is also used as a natural appetite suppressant. The extract hydroxy citric acid inhibits lipogenesis (fat storage), lowers the production of glycogen in the liver, suppresses appetite and boosts metabolism.

    Taraxacum officinalis is found in many parts of the world and contains bitter principles that have a stimulating effect on the liver and digestive system. It is also a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamins A, D, C, and B, iron, silicon, magnesium, zinc and manganese.

    Glycorrhiza glabra originates in the Mediterranean and the Middle East and has many uses, including being a tonic stimulant for the adrenal cortex and digestive system.

    Erythrea centaurium is a liver stimulant and is an excellent blood purifier and general tonic.

    Paulina cupana (guarana) is a nervine tonic and stimulant which boosts energy levels.

    Curcuma longa was used more than three thousand years ago by Indian healers to treat obesity. Modern research has shown that Curcuma has a beneficial effect on the liver, stimulating the flow of bile, which is responsible for the breakdown of dietary fat.

    Zingiber officinalis has been used for a variety of ailments. It is a powerful antioxidant and it stimulates the production of energy and improves digestion.

    Capsicum minimum is traditionally used in herbal medicine as a circulatory tonic and digestive aid, stimulating the production of gastric juices and improving metabolism. _________________________________________________________________

    **Featured Ephedra Free Weight Loss Supplement**

    To get all of these ingredients in one product, click on the link below for more information from Native Remedies, which is a highly respected manufacturer of all natural supplements.

    Get More Info on EcoSlim for Ephedra-Free, Safe Weight Loss

    ______________________________________________________________

    Avoid ephedra dangers by only taking ephedra free weight-loss supplements

    Are you better off with a single herb or a more comprehensive weight loss product?

    If possible, we believe that you should a comprehensive ephedra free weight-loss product that contains a selection of herbs created by a highly qualified formulator.

    Here's why………..

    1. It could be very dangerous to your health to mix and match supplements and nutrients on your own.

    2. In general, all nutrients work in harmony and synergistically with one another to achieve the highest health benefits. As such, a formulated ephedra free weight loss product using carefully selected ingredients can enhance their therapeutic benefits, often much better than taking a single herb or nutrient on its own.

    3. Ratios of nutrients have to be balanced perfectly in order for it to be optimally effective.

    4. Taking each herb or nutrient separately could get extremely "pricey."

    Avoid ephedra dangers by only taking ephedra free weight-loss supplements

    Tips on Selecting a Comprehensive Ephedra Free Weight-Loss Supplement

    1. Select an ephedra free weight-loss comprehensive supplement from only pharmaceutical GMP compliant manufacturers. These facilities adhere to the most stringent regulatory standards for the manufacture of dietary supplements.

    This is extremely important because dietary supplements are loosely regulated and many do not contain the ingredients listed on the label or they harbor harmful contaminates. It's hard to believe but it's true!

    2. Ensure that your comprehensive ephedra free weight-loss supplement contains only standardized herbal extracts, many do not since it's far cheaper for the manufacturer to use low-quality ingredients.

    Featured Ephedra Free Weight-Loss Product

    After extensively researching the market, we here at Nutritional-Supplement-Educational-Centre.com are proud to feature EcoSlim from Native Remedies. The product meets the highest pharmaceutical standards, using only top quality well-researched, natural, safe and effective ingredients.

    Here's one testimonial about this product:

    "I tried every diet in the book. I was always on a different diet but if I lost weight it would go straight back on. Your weightloss drops helped me to stay on track and I realized for the first time that I did not have to starve to lose weight! The slimming drops made a big difference and every time I stood on the scale I had a smile on my face! After two weeks I had already lost 11 lbs, after 6 weeks I weighed 30 lbs less than when I started! I have never felt or looked so good!"- Janey, USA

    To learn more about EcoSlim from Native Remedies, please click on the following link below:

    Get More Info on EcoSlim for Ephedra-Free, Safe Weight Loss

    We hope this ephedra dangers web-page was useful to you.

    To Your Health!

    The Editors

    To minimize possible ephedra dangers and ephedra side effects, always consult a physician before taking any dietary supplements. In addition, you can avoid ephedra dangers if you purchase only ephedra-free supplements from GMP compliant facilities to ensure quality, potency, and purity.

    Much more than Ephedra Dangers can be found at our Herbal Guide web-page.

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