Ephedra has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. However, in the last decade, ephedra products have been thrust into the media spotlight given to high profile lawsuits, the FDA all encompassing ban, and the recent ban reversal.
With all this media attention, you may be wondering what exactly the ephedra product is. Ephedra product is derived from a herbal plant called MaHuang. The main chemical compound in ephedra is ephedrine. Ephedrine is a chemical that simulates the nervous system, dilates bronchial tubes, elevates metabolism and increases heart rate.
People who use the ephedra product may do so for a number of reasons. They use ephedra product to help with asthma, colds, flu, for athletic training or to lose weight. Most users of an ephedra product may experience little to no side effects when taking the recommended dosage. When taking too high a dosage of ephedra based products, one may experience side effects such as:
· Anxiety
· Dizziness
· Headaches
· Restlessness
· High blood pressure
· Trouble sleeping
· Nausea or vomiting
· Dry mouth
· Increasing heart rate and blood pressure
If you are currently taking an ephedra product or have decided that an ephedra product is right for your life, remember to advise your physician. There is some evidence that suggests ephedra may react negatively with a variety of medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart problems, glaucoma, and hyperthyroidism. You should never take any supplements or medication without your physician knowing. Also, when taking an ephedra product, follow the recommended industry guidelines and do not consume more than is recommended. In retrospect, ephedra products can be safe and quite effective when taken properly.
For more information on the public availability of the pure form Ephedra, visit www.EphedraEnergy.com For more information on the latest news regarding the ban lift and Ephedra in athletics, visit the main informational source site at www.DietWeightLossNews.org
Todd Brenner is currently the Executive Vice President of Fitness By Design. He serves on the board for Business Consultant Group of North America and has 23 years of business operations experience. He holds a Masters in Business from University of Louisville.
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