Ephedra Weight Loss Supplement

Ephedra (ma-haung) used as a weight loss supplement

Ephedra is a potent herb

Ephedra is a potent herb that is present in many weight loss supplements, especially those designed to give pep or lose weight. It goes by many names, such as ma huang, herbal ecstasy, mahuang and ma huang root.

Ephedra is found in Xenadrine, Hydroxycuts, Super Diet Max, Metabolife and Herbalife weight loss supplements, among others. Most of the companies that made these weight loss supplements have been driven out of making ephedra products for weight loss. Many have gone bankrupt over questionable lawsuits.

When ephedra is combined with caffeine, ephedra is supposed to suppress your appetite and stimulate your metabolism. Ephedra weight loss supplements may increase risk of heart attack, seizure, stroke and sudden death when not taken as directed. The new recommendation is just 10 mg per day.

Ephedra's main active extract is the alkaloid ephedrine. Pseudoephedrine is a chemically derived version used in Sudafed ™. Ephedra also contain various tannins and related chemicals. The stem contains 1-3% total alkaloids, with ephedrine accounting for 30-90% of this total. The concentration of these alkaloids depends upon the particular species of ephedra used.

Ephedra Weight Loss Supplement Advice to Consumers

Safety should be the primary concern for all users of ephedra.

Those under the age of 18 or pregnant or nursing women should not use ephedra products.

You should consult a health care provider before using ephedra products if they have a history of high blood pressure, heart or thyroid disease, a seizure disorder, depression, diabetes, difficulty urinating, prostate enlargement, glaucoma, or are using any prescription drug.

You should consult with a physician prior to using dietary supplements containing ephedra if they are also using a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAO inhibitors are drugs used in the treatment of selected atypical depressions) or any allergy, asthma, or cold medications containing ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine.

Consumers should discontinue use of ephedra weight loss supplements and consult a physician if any of the following symptoms are experienced: rapid or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, severe headache, shortness of breath, dizziness, loss of consciousness, sleeplessness, or nausea.

Millions Have Used Ephedra Weight Loss Supplements Safely

Many people use herbal ephedra products for weight loss. This has proven very effective at initial weight loss, but unfortunately, there's no magic pill for keeping the weight off. The best and safest way to take off weight and keep it off is to eat well and exercise regularly. Use ephedra as a starting point for weight loss, not as the only component to a weight loss regimen.
If you decide to use an ephedra herbal weight-loss product, use the same caution that you would with any prescription weight-loss drug.

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