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Weight Loss With Ephedra

by Julie Maria Anderson

Overview

Known in China as Ma Huang, Ephedra, which is a stimulant, has been used as an herbal remedy for more than 5,000 years, mostly to treat asthma, the common cold and hay fever. It is a natural source of the alkaloids ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. It constricts blood vessels and can increase your heart rate. It has been previously sold-loss supplements. It is currently banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration due to negative side effects since 2004.

Ephedra causes an increase in metabolism, promoting weight loss.
Ephedra For Weight Loss

Before being banned by the FDA, Ephedra had become popular as a tool for weight loss because it had shown promise as a weight-loss supplement. If you are living outside the United States, you can purchase Ephedra in a variety of supplements; usually it is combined with caffeine and additional herbs. There have been studies conducted that show an Ephedra supplement that also contains caffeine assists tremendously in weight loss over time. One of the reasons for this is that Ephedra causes an increased metabolism. Online, Ephedra products available for purchase typically contain 25 miligrams of Ephedra, white willow bark, green tree extract, caffeine and hoodia. Instructions say to take no more than three of these tablets per day. As of 2009, the average price (converted to U.S. dollars) was $39.99 per 30 days worth of tablets. Instructions also say that using Ephedra for weight loss should be combined with a healthy diet and a reasonable amount of exercise. Specific directions stated at least 60 minutes of exercise per week. If you are living outside the United States, and using Ephedra supplements for weight loss, please inform and seek advice for your doctor.

Why Ephedra was Banned by The FDA

Ephedra was banned by the FDA due to the risks and side effects involved in taking it on a regular basis, including higher blood pressure and increased heart rate. Other side effects included skin reactions, insomnia, seizures, stroke, and even (in rare cases) death. In 2000, the New England Journal of Medicine linked severe disability and cardiac arrest in young people to Ephedra. In 2003, Steve Bechler, a pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles, died, and the medical examiner linked Ephedra to his death.
Ephedra-Free Alternatives

Because of the U.S. Ephedra ban, other diet supplements have been marketed containing Bitter Orange, a citrus fruit that is a stimulant similar to Ephedra. It has not been banned by the FDA; although, there are concerns about its safety and side effects. Bitter Orange has been linked to higher heart rates and blood pressure. If you are using this alternative to Ephedra, inform your physician, and do not use it if you have heart or blood pressure problems.