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Millions of Americans are taking ephedra supplements for bodybuilding,
weight loss, and other health related concerns. The use of ephedra
is perhaps one of the most controversial topics in alternative therapies
in recent years. Ephedra is a perennial, evergreen shrub, and some
of these contain the alkaloid ephedrine which can cause many detrimental
effects. Ephedra contains several stimulants and may be the most
hazardous of sports supplements because the effects are similar
to amphetamines. USA TODAY reports that ephedra was banned a year
ago in the National Football League because of the recent death
of Minnesota Vikings’ football player, Korey Stringer. Ephedra
is also under examination because of the spring training death of
23-year-old Steve Buchler of the Baltimore Orioles.
There are several risk factors of choosing to use ephedra in combination
with other drugs. Ephedra can be quite dangerous when taken in combination
with monamaine oxidase inhibitors, which are used to treat depression.
The combination of these drugs may lead to fatal increases in blood
pressure and heart rate. Also, the combination of using ephedra
with caffeine is much more likely to lead to symptoms of cardiovascular
activation, jitterness, and anxiety.
Ephedra’s effects are similar to that of amphetamines. Perhaps
the most common effects to a person’s body are increased heart
rate, blood pressure, and heart rate. This has led to kidney failure
and even miscarriage. Even small doses of ephedra extracts noticeably
stimulate the central nervous system, and heighten alertness. On
the other hand, at high doses, people experience anxiety, heart
palpitations, vomiting tremors, and insomnia. People who are addicted
to ephedra for a long term may experience strokes and heart attacks
chest pains, and seizures. There have been at least eight deaths
reported due to excessive use of ephedra. To conclude, it is important
to understand the repercussions of using ephedra.
For additional information on ephedra or ephedrine, please contact
Health Services at 255-4850. The following are essential websites
that will give you a better understanding of ephedrine.
Websites and Links
Safetychecker
- Ephedrine and Pseudoephedrine
Diet &Body
- Ephedrine for Fat Burning?
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