Ephedra is a Chinese herb sold as a dietary supplement in the US. Ephedra is a natural source of alkaloids that helps you lose weight by enhancing your basal metabolic rate. When your basal metabolic rate is increased, your body starts burning calories quickly.
Ephedra is commonly used in combination with caffeine and aspirin. Studies show that when Ephedra is taken in a supervised environment, it can lead to marginal short-term weight loss. However, scientists are still not sure whether this weight loss is maintained long term and tests are being conducted to prove the effectiveness one way or the other.
Side Effects and Warnings
Before you start using Ephedra you need to consult your health care provider because it can cause serious side effects. When you take Ephedra for a long period of time it can cause tachyphylaxis (reduced response to the drug). Ephedra is not suitable for children or adolescents, the elderly and pregnant women. If you are suffering from heart disease, high blood pressure, prostate enlargement, diabetes or insomnia, it is advisable that you do not take Ephedra. In some cases, diarrhea can also be aggravated with using Ephedra.
The Right Product
There are a number of Ephedra products available in the market so it is vital that you select right kind of product for your weight loss. For example, manufacturers of Smacker Ephedra say their product results in quick weight loss but it is questionable whether this 25 mg Ephedra product has the ability to burn fat that quickly.
Forms of Ephedra
You can get Ephedra in a number of different forms including capsules, tincture, tablets and dried herb (tea). Do not take high doses of Ephedra because it can lead to serious health issues such as cardiac arrest, seizures and stroke. Talk to your health care provider to develop a dosage plan. Buy Ephedra from reputed companies because there are many companies selling fake Ephedra. Imitation Ephedra causes serious side effects and are not effective in weight loss. |
