What You Need to Know About Ephedra
Should taking ephedra be part of a natural weight loss plan? It’s natural, ancient and included in many weight loss formulas but does that mean it is good for you?
Ephedra is sought after because when it comes to weight loss because it really is a solution. It absolutely causes the pounds to peel off. However this is one of those bullets that can really kill you. Ephedra does have lots of side effects and at one point was banned by the FDA. This is because some people who took the weight loss drug were having heart attacks and dropping dead.
People take ephedra because you can lose up to five pounds a week without having to diet. You have the type of weight loss that makes others notice. It is also the kind of pill that can help you lose pounds practically overnight so that you can fit into a size 8 dress before a special event.
The key to taking ephedra wisely is to take it in moderation. You do not have to lose five pounds a week! How much weight loss is possible is completely up to you. If you take less you might get yourself to the point where you lose two pounds a week instead of a harmful five pounds a week. In fact doctors recommend that you only lose two pounds a week to stay fit. Five pounds can cause real health problems. You need to be patient.
The thing about ephedra is that it works so well that you end up being starved of the nutrients that you need to survive and be healthy and you end up sickly. You increase your risk of a stroke or heart attack.
If you consume any less your body could start to conserve your body fat. This is because your brain will interpret the limited caloric intake as a state of famine and give your system the mess. If you do decide to embark on any diet that is below 1200 calories a day be aware that you are sabotaging your health. You should never do it without your doctor’s approval.
People that should avoid ephedra include pregnant or nursing women and people, people taking antidepressants and people with the following chronic conditions –heart disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, depression or other psychiatric conditions, glaucoma, difficulty in urinating, prostate enlargement or seizure disorder. It can cause mania if used in combination with St. John’s Wort. It should also not be taken with cough or cold medicines or if you are allergic to aspirin.