You should be very careful when choosing ephedra products, because many commercially prepared ephedrine supplements have been proven harmful to the body, especially when taken in large quantities. Ephedra is an herb which comes from the plant Ephedra sinica, and it has been used for centuries to treat a host of health problems. More recently, it has been widely marketing as a weight loss supplement thanks to its abilities to speed up the metabolism.
In ancient times ephedra products, or the actual plant, were used to treat things like allergies and breathing problems like asthma. The plant has never been proven effective for these purposes, and due to ephedra’s stimulating effects on the body, it is not recommended that it be used for these reasons. As a weight loss aid, supplements called ephedrine are generally effective at increasing the metabolic rate, which may actually lead to weight loss.
When looking for safe and effective ephedra products to buy, it is important that you speak with your doctor or pharmacist before using any ephedrine based supplements. If you have heart problems or are taking certain medications, they should be avoided altogether. While health warnings have circulated for years about the health risks associated with ephedrine supplements, they may be used without harm if taken according to the manufacturer’s instructions and under the close supervision of your physician.
Be sure that you are taking the lowest dosage possible of any ephedra products you are trying. You should also check with the makers of the product to ensure that no added stimulants have been added, since ephedrine also acts as a stimulant, and the combination could be too much for the heart. It is also important that if you are using supplements for weight loss, that you also eat a healthy diet and get the recommended amount of exercise for your fitness level. Supplementation alone is not enough for long-term weight loss success.
Ephedra products have many potential side effects, including dizziness, rapid heart rate or heart rate irregularities, trembling, dry skin, itchy skin, high blood pressure, and nervousness or other mood changes. If any of these things occur, you should discontinue use of any supplements you are taking and consult your doctor right away. Seek emergency medical assistance if these side effects are severe or accompanied by any other symptoms of a heart attack or stroke. These may include the aforementioned symptoms accompanied by pain in the chest or left arm, shortness of breath, blurred vision, or faintness.
