The Effects of Ephedra and Ephedrine Alkaloids in Weight Loss and Fitness

The Effects of Ephedra and Ephedrine Alkaloids in Weight Loss and Fitness

With the rise in obesity consciousness and the desire to lose weight rapidly a wide array of dietary supplements have flooded the market over the past few years. Many of these pills, powders and drinks promise accelerated weight loss and increased energy and health without the need for much in the way of diet or exercise. One of the main ingredients of many of these pills is Ephedra (also known as Ma Haung or Ephedrine Alkaloids). The health effects of Ephedra in weight loss and fitness is interesting to me because I went through a period of time a little over a year ago where I was taking an Ephedra based supplement while on a strict diet and workout program and was able in about 6 months to lose 70lbs. After taking some steps backward in my weight loss I recently began taking a new supplement with many of the same ingredients, including Ephedra, but this time the results were not the same and I had a constant nagging sick feeling. I stopped taking the supplement and have since been very interested in the negative effects that I have been hearing so much about.

As I've heard reports and spoke to friends and trainers at the gym I frequent it appears to me that there is no real concrete evidence either way and that the bans and the companies pulling Ephedra out of their products is really just a precautionary move right now. I am not saying that this is a negative thing to do, on the contrary it is very wise. I know that there have been many deaths attributed to the use of Ephedra but on the other hand I wonder how many are using the supplement safely?

I would like to research this topic in a few different ways. I will first do some research on the internet and from some books on the subject of fitness and weight loss. I will also try to do some surveys of individuals who workout frequently to see how many are using Ephedra based products and how their bodies are reacting. Finally I will interview a personal trainer at the gym I use and see what his experience is with Ephedra and his clientele.

My initial beliefs about what I may find is that while Epheda is not safe for some who may be prone to heart disease and while you would certainly not want to use any supplement with Ephedra in certain conditions (for example in 110 degree heat) that Ephedra can be used by some without negative side effects.

The Effects of Ephedra and Ephedrine Alkaloids in Weight Loss and Fitness

With the rise in obesity consciousness and the desire to lose weight rapidly a wide array of dietary supplements have flooded the market over the past few years. Many of these pills, powders and drinks promise accelerated weight loss and increased energy and health without the need for much in the way of diet or exercise. One of the main ingredients of many of these pills is Ephedra (also known as Ma Haung or Ephedrine Alkaloids). The health effects of Ephedra in weight loss and fitness is interesting to me because I went through a period of time a little over a year ago where I was taking an Ephedra based supplement while on a strict diet and workout program and was able in about 6 months to lose 70lbs. After taking some steps backward in my weight loss I recently began taking a new supplement with many of the same ingredients, including Ephedra, but this time the results were not the same and I had a constant nagging sick feeling. I stopped taking the supplement and have since been very interested in the negative effects that I have been hearing so much about.

As I've heard reports and spoke to friends and trainers at the gym I frequent it appears to me that