Ephedra Is Back – But Is It Safe?
It’s been called the world’s oldest medicine, the miracle fat burner, and is known in some parts of the U.S. as "Mormon tea." Ephedra (also called Ma-huang or epitonin) has been used for its healing powers for more than 5000 years by the Chinese, who discovered the plant’s healing properties. So why was it banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2004, and more importantly, why was the ban recently lifted?
What is Ephedra?
Ephedra grows all over the world, and in the Western United States, this flowering shrub can be found in deserts and sagebrush areas. The plant can be ground into powder for capsules, or dried and used in tea. Ephedrine is the "active" ingredient in ephedra, responsible for its healing properties. Ephedrine is a nerve stimulant similar to adrenaline, but not as strong as amphetamine.
What Does It Do?
Dieters have long known the powerful effects of ephedra in promoting weight loss. Basically, ephedrine creates a thermogenic response, speeding up metabolism and expediting the body’s fat burning rate while preserving muscle. Ephedra has proved to be particularly effective for people with a slow metabolism, who have previously had trouble losing weight.
Additionally, ephedrine can be used to treat bronchial asthma and cough by relaxing the air passages in the lungs. For this same reason, the plant is helpful in treating the effects allergies and hay fever. Ephedra can assist in fighting a minor cold by causing perspiration and urination (to relieve swelling and fluid retention). Alternative uses for ephedra include treating muscle and joint conditions such as bursitis, arthritis, and rheumatism. A synthetic (man-made) replacement, called pseudoephedrine, was created and is widely used in common over-the-counter medications such as Sudafed.
Why the Ban?
Possible side effects of ephedrine include insomnia, dry mouth, nervousness, general weakness, poor digestion, irritability, headache, dizziness, increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, and heart palpitations. Not surprisingly, this list is markedly similar to over-the-counter medications with the active ingredient pseudoephedrine.
Some argue that the pharmaceutical companies have organized lobbyists to target ephedra because it was cutting into their sales for weight loss drugs and asthma drugs (bronchodilators). Others believe ephedra is not dangerous, but simply got some bad press as a result of a handful of people who intentionally misused ephedra or a synthetic replication of the isolated part of ephedra (ephedrine). Ephedra activists insist that human nature simply cannot be regulated and no one can control how people use (or abuse) any supplement, herb, or drug. How can you protect customers who ignore warning labels or double their doses?
The FDA inflicted a ban on ephedra in late 2003 (which became effective in early 2004), declaring an "unreasonable risk." This decision was based on public comments, literature review, adverse event reports and scientific studies. Dieters were devastated, feeling that their right to safely and appropriately use this herb had been stripped from them.
Why Was the Ban Lifted?
After the conclusion of several court cases (including some high-profile cases), the FDA stated in its final ruling that only five deaths were attributed solely and directly to ephedra. Keep in mind, according to the American Herbal Products Association, approximately 12 to 17 million people consumed ephedra during 1999. Ephedra sales in 2002 were close to $1.3 billion. What you may not know is that in 1994, over 100,000 people died due to adverse reactions or overconsumption of prescription drugs.
Is Ephedra Safe to Use?
According to the FDA, ephedra is safe for human consumption when it is taken in the recommended dosages, and when all warning labels are strictly observed. Obviously, women who are pregnant or nursing, and people with certain diseases (such as high blood pressure) should NOT consume ephedra or ephedrine. It is advised that you check with your physician before taking ephedra.
Where Can You Get Ephedra?
Currently, one company claims to be the only U.S. supplier of ephedra for weight loss. You can purchase ephedra online at www.BetaFuelDirect.com
Amy S. Grant is an avid fitness enthusiast who enjoys SCUBA diving, photography, and empowering people to achieve their goals.
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How To Lose Weight Quickly and Safely
"I eat like a bird, why do I gain weight?" When someone says that, I ask them “What kind or a bird a sparrow or a vulture"? Studies showed that there is a direct correlation between a person being inactive and weight gain. Experts say that it is inactivity, not excess eating that can add excess body fat.
Losing excess bodyweight is simple as soon as one follows certain systematic procedures. You cannot, however, invent your own rules or follow the advice of the uninformed.
For instance, I recently talked with a woman who was following a well-known franchised diet plan. Her “diet consultant” recommended that she should not exercise while dieting.
Proving this thinking is erroneous are many articles in Medical Journals. They state that if one simultaneously attempts weight loss without following a properly designed exercise program, some or the lost body weight is muscle tissue.
Muscle tissue is dynamic tissue and provides the ability to fulfill daily activities as sitting, standing, and walking. It is extremely important to preserve as much of it as possible. If you exercise while dieting, you will not lose valuable muscle tissue.
Weight Management
Three components to weight control are interdependent and mutually supportive. They are (1. Diet (2. Exercises, and (3. Behavioral change and (4. A support system. Most experts recommend an intake of 1200 to 1500 calories daily. That amount of calories will pro vide the body with enough energy to allow all bodily functions to happen. Typically, less calories are not considered healthy for the average person.
The exact mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in this 1200-1500 calorie vary. Generally, a healthy diet should be high in carbohydrates intake, low in fat and protein. Check with your physician for recommendations. Your diet should also:
I. Satisfy all nutrients needs except most energy needs.
2. Be acceptable to meet individual tastes and way of life.
3. Minimize hunger and low energy.
4. Be readily available and socially acceptable.
5. Favor the establishment of a lasting pattern of eating.
6. Be conducive to improvement of complete health.
Exercise
The following guidelines offer a result producing fitness program for dieters. I. Frequency: Three to five days per week.
2. Intensity: 40 to 85% of your maximum heart rate, depending on your present physical condition. Calculate maximum heart rate by subtracting your age from the number 220.
3. Duration: Up to 30 minutes (or as recommended by you health care provider) at a moderate pace, which allows normal conversation while exercising. Check with your physician or health care practitioner for recommendations.
4. Type of activity: Any activity maintained for a time, using large muscle groups in Rhymtic motions. Example: jogging-running, walking-hiking, swimming, cycling (stationary or on-road), rowing machines, or any endurance-type game activities, such as cycling (stationary or on the road), or any other endurance type activities you prefer.
It will take about three months to reach a maximal improvement in fitness. Then, you must continue to exercise and practice weight management to prevent your body from reverting, slowly but surely, to its previous, out-or shape condition.
Behavioral Modification and a Support System
Behavior change is the most difficult to master and the most complex of the three components; space does not allow an in-depth discussion or it here. However, here are some guidelines that work.
1. Keep precise records daily.
2. Eat roods you enjoy but know when to stop.
3. Enlist the support or friends and relatives.
4. Weigh yourself no more than once a day -morning is best.
5. Don’t be so serious about it that you become disheartened if you “blow it” occasionally.
6. Don’t expect to lose more than three pounds or more per week. That is much fat. Next time, you are al a meat counter, ask the butcher for three pounds or fat. Seeing believes.
7. Expect about a seven to ten day interval time before your diet kicks in and your weigh begins to drop. Do not abandon hope so soon.
8. If possible, divide your total calorie intake for the day into many small instead or three large meals.
9. Be patient! You can do it.
10. Set realistic, long-term goals.
Remember staying fit is a way or life. It calls for above average discipline, motivation, and patience.
Everyone that makes the commitment to lose excess body fat and to become fit, agree on one thing: Once you achieve wellness, you will never want to be average again.
You can and should do it.
Go for it.
Joseph F Mullen
Author/Consultant/Fitness Coach
www.joemullen.org
Joseph Mullen is the author of numerous books, national magazine and newspaper articles, with appearances on numerous radio and television programs.
A former owner of fitness and physical therapy centers, he is a former staff member of Nautilus SportsMedical Industries and former Regional Director of Northern California for MedX West.
He is the President of Fitness Therapy Publishing. His latest book is: The Da Vinci Fitness Code which is available by contacting him at [email protected]
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