Ephedrine Weight Loss; Can I really lose weight by using
Ephedrine products?
Ma Huang (Ephedrine) has been shown to increase the effectiveness of
thermogenesis (fat burning) in the body. It contributes to the release and
blocks the re-uptake of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. This gives
norepinephrine the ability to continuously stimulate receptors in your body,
causing fat cell "flood gates" to open and facilitate fat loss
resulting in weight loss.
Not only does ephedrine increase the rate at which fat is
lost, it preserves muscle at the same time, making it an ideal dieting aid for
athletes. The most comprehensive look at ephedrine for weight loss is a recent
meta-analysis published in The Journal of the American Medical Association.
This meta-analysis was done by the request of the US Department of Health and
Human Services. It reviewed 44 controlled trials on the use of ephedrine for
weight loss. It found that on average, it increased weight loss 1.3 lbs. per
month more than placebo. However, combinations of ephedrine or ephedra with
caffeine or herbs containing caffeine resulted in an average weight loss of 2.2
lbs. per month. Through nutrient repartitioning, ephedrine promotes fat loss
while preserving fat-free mass.
One of the reasons why it is such a powerful weight loss
agent is that it operates through a variety of mechanisms, including increasing
levels of norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine, and stimulating both alpha
and beta adrenoreceptors. It (through facilitating the release of adrenaline
and noradrenaline) stimulates the alpha(1)-adrenoreceptor subtype, which is
known to induce hypophagia (appetite suppression). It is estimated that
appetite supression accounts for 75-80% of the weight loss with ephedrine.
What is Ephedrine?
Ma Huang (Ephedrine) is known as one of the world's oldest medicines. Ma Huang
(Ephedrine) is a member of the family of herbs known as the Ephedraceae. Ma
Huang is a shrub-like plant found in desert regions throughout the world. It is
distributed from northern China to Inner Mongolia. The dried green stems of the
three Asian species (Ephedra sinica, Ephedra intermedia, Ephedra equisetina)
are used medicinally. The North American species of ephedra, sometimes called
Desert Tea or Mormon Tea, does not appear to contain the active ingredients of
its Asian ephedra counterparts.
Ephedrine is a naturally occurring central nervous system
stimulant obtained from the plant Ephedra equisetina. Ephedrine is produced by
chemical synthesis, the synthetic product being marketed in the form of its
salt, ephedrine sulfate; it occurs as a white crystalline powder with a bitter
taste, soluble in water and very soluble in alcohol. Ephedrine's peripheral
stimulant actions are similar to but less powerful than those of epinephrine
(also called adrenaline), a hormone produced in the body by the adrenal glands.
What is Ephedrine used for?
Ephedrine has been used in China for more than 5,000 years to treat symptoms of
asthma and upper respiratory infections. It has also been used in the treatment
of headaches, fevers, colds, and hay fever. Today, compounds derived from this
herb are commonly found in many over-the-counter (OTC) cold and allergy
medications. Ma Huang is also found in some weight loss and energy products.
For dieters, Ephedrine suppresses the appetite and stimulates metabolism
through a process known as thermogenesis. Recently, Ma Huang has been the
subject of scientific research for obesity because of this thermogenic fat-burning
effect. It is used to increase heart rate, blood pressure and performance. This
is normally released by your body under stress to enhance sports performance.
Ephedrine has moderately potent bronchial muscle relaxant
properties, and therefore is used for symptomatic relief in milder cases of
asthmatic attack; it is also used to reduce the risk of acute attacks in the
treatment of chronic asthma. Ephedrine is also used to treat low blood
pressure, because it constricts blood vessels and stimulates certain actions of
the heart.
What are the side effects of use and Ephedrine Weight Loss?
Some of the more common side effects people experience from taking the drug are
nervousness, dizziness, tremors, rapid heart rate, headaches, jitters,
palpitations, insomnia, increased blood pressure. When taken at higher levels,
ephedra can cause drastic increases in blood pressure, as well as cardiac
arrhythmias. Discontine use if you experience any side effects.
Do not use this ephedrine weight loss product if you are now
taking a prescription containing Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) (Certain
drugs for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, Parkinson's disease)
or 2 weeks after stopping the MAOI drug. If you are uncertain whether your
prescription drug contains an MAOI, consult a health professional before taking
this product. Do not store above 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Protect from
moisture.
What is an ECA stack?
The ECA Stack is a component found in thermogenic weight loss pills, composed
of ephedrine, caffeine and aspirin working to speed up the metabolism and thus
cause calories to burn faster and result in weight loss. Anyone with high blood
pressure or heart problems should not take the stack.
Benefits of Ephedrine (Ephedrine Weight Loss)
o ephedrine increases metabolism
o ephedrine suppresses appetite
o ephedrine preserves muscle tissue
o ephedrine treats symptoms of asthma and upper respiratory infections
Chester is a health nutrition consultant and is the owner of AstroNutrition -
a provider of premium health nutrition and sports supplements. (link to
category product page).
EzineArticles.com by : Chester_Ku-lea.