By
Nick Nilsson
You've probably
heard all these phrases before but are the fat
burners containing ephedra that these claims
are attached to really that effective and are
they safe?
The primary ingredient
in fat burners is the herb ephedra, also known
as ma huang, or it's manufactured version ephedrine.
It has been used in Chinese herbal medicine
quite safely and effectively for thousands of
years. It is often combined with synthetic or
herbal versions of caffeine (e.g. guarana, yerba
mate or kola nut) and aspirin (e.g. white willow
bark).
But does ephedra
burn fat?
The answer to
that question is yes. Ephedra does effectively
help the body to preferentially burn fat for
energy. But, according to medical studies, there
can be side effects, some of which are quite
serious.
Ephedra works
to burn fat through several means.
- Its chemical
makeup increases the breakdown of fatty tissue
for fuel.
- Its stimulatory
properties help to increase resting metabolism.
This process is known as thermogenesis, which
is essentially excess heat production. You
body burns more calories simply by producing
more body heat.
- When ephedra
is combined with caffeine and aspirin, it
may have appetite suppressant effects.
- The nervous
system stimulation you get can help you maintain
your energy levels, which can aid you in your
exercise program.
When used according
to instructions and in moderate doses, studies
suggest that fat-burning formulas containing
ephedra, caffeine and aspirin can be safely
and effectively used to SUPPLEMENT a good fat-burning
program.
Fat burners should
never be used as the sole means to achieve fat
loss. A good fat loss program must also address
diet and exercise, contrary to the hype you
see on television and in print. Anyone who relies
solely on pills to lose fat is usually doomed
to regain the lost weight and potentially quite
rapidly after they stop taking the pills.
There is a reason
for this weight gain. These pills are effective,
therefore the person does not necessarily have
to change the habits that made them overweight
in the first place. When a person discontinues
use of ephedra without changing those habits,
almost inevitably the weight will come back.
The fat-burning
effects of ephedra do not come without a price,
however. Ephedra has a number of side effects
and should not be taken by people with certain
conditions.
Some of these
side effects may include: jitteriness, sleeplessness,
increased heart rate and blood pressure, anxiety,
skin flushing or tingling and nausea.
People who should
not take ephedra include those suffering from
heart disease, anxiety attacks, high blood pressure,
diabetes, adrenal disease, thyroid disease or
prostate disorders. If you are taking medication
for high blood pressure or are taking antidepressants
or MAO inhibitors, you should stay away from
ephedra. Also, it is not recommended for pregnant
women to use this herb.
Now that you know
some of the pros and cons of taking ephedra
supplements you, along with your doctor, can
use this information to help decide whether
or not ephedra is right for you.
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