In the Feb Issue of Glamour there is an article discussing the "ephedra", "ephedrine", and "synephedrine". They report that several deaths, strokes, heart attacks, distorted heart- rhythms, and blurred vision have been associated with this herb/drug. The article also speaks about how lobbying has caused government agencies to contradict themselves on the investigation of these claims.

I would recommend people checking it out.

I worked for a Health store a couple years back, and ephedra was all the rage.. Ephedra also known as MaHuang(that is the plant ephedra is derived from) is basically a natural amphetimine. It does the body the exact same way as if you were taking speed. It speeds your heart rate therefore increasing your metabolism. It basically tricks your body into thinking its doing moderate exercise. This can overpower your heart, cause heart attacks, and strokes. I took drugs with Ephedra in them for years and started having massive chest pains. I no longer use it and don't recommend it to anyone. Exercise is the only healthy way to lose weight and make you healthy

Jeni

Thanks... its always good to point it out. I can remember 5 years ago talking about the same exact thing.. its very sad that these "herbs" haven't been removed from the market.. but I guess common sense loses out to the $$$$.


Originally posted by lisad00
In the Feb Issue of Glamour there is an article discussing the "ephedra", "ephedrine", and "synephedrine". They report that several deaths, strokes, heart attacks, distorted heart- rhythms, and blurred vision have been associated with this herb/drug. The article also speaks about how lobbying has caused government agencies to contradict themselves on the investigation of these claims.

I would recommend people checking it out.

I used a diet supplement years ago that was supposedly "effedra free", but had the same herb in it ... so it had the same effects.

Herbs are not regulated, so they get away with doing all kinds of things which is really sad.. Some herbs are great but you just have to watch out as some are pretty powerful.. I really think that they should be regulated by the FDA its not fair to people who think they are taking something "natural" and healthy when its not always true

Jeni

I found an interesting web site http://www.ephedrafacts.com/ that has several scientific studies promoting the "responsible" use of ephedra.

Personally, I have taken metabolism boosters in the the past that contained ephedra, and had no noticeable side affects. And, for a period of several months, it did seem to enhance my weight loss. I am not, however, promoting the use of ephedra, or discounting the claims of others that have had problems with the "herb", as I do not know if my experience is the exception or the rule...

Jim

:) Hi!
I think it is better to eat sensibly, and exercise, than it is to take any kind of pill. Even herbal pills can be a danger, the doses can be very high. I take a multivitamin every day, but that's it!
People are fooled by the way these pills work. They do work. So does cocaine and crack, but you wouldn't put that in your body!:)
~LaLa~