KickChick Posted January 29, 2003 Share Posted January 29, 2003 http://www.karateforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=1682 .... thought I would start off another thread although this has basis to the discussion that occured on this thread regarding supplementing with "ephedra-based" supplements. Ephedrine is classed as a "beta-adrenergic agonist," which means it works on adrenergic receptors on the surface of fat cells, which ultimately causes a breakdown of fat within fat cells. So basically you lose greater amounts of fat when you take it than when you don't. Research clearly shows it aids weight loss and also increases energy. So because of all this, ephedra is one of the most widely sold weight control products on the market today. The problem with that is ephedrine works ... that is, it works almost as well as what might be classified as a "drug." (In fact, ephedrine, the active component in the herb ephedra or sometimes ma huang, is classified as a drug!) So, on one side, you have the major, billion-dollar pharmaceutical companies waging a war against ephedra being sold as an over-the-counter supplement, instead of as a drug (so they can make money on it). And on the other, you have general public concerns over the safety. When compared to many of the approved prescription drugs, ephedrine is one of the safest compounds available. In fact, many pharmaceutical companies use synthetic forms of ephedrine (look for pseudoephedrine, for example) in their over-the-counter cold and allergy products, which many of us use whenever we're sick. These media stories about adverse reactions (including deaths allegedly associated directly with the use of ephedra or ephedrine) have been blown out of proportion. Few products share ephedrine's safety record. The facts are that the deaths associated with ephedrine use clearly stated the individuals consumed levels way above those recommended (or even considered sane) by nutritional practitioners. Like anything else in life, there's no escaping the law of toxicology, which says....too much of anything, ice cream or water, can hurt you. More is not better with anything.... (I think ) and that includes supplements! Think of this way: when you take your car in to change the oil, you'd never say to the technician, "Hey, since I'd like my car to run a little better, instead of the normal 5 quarts, why not throw in 10?!" No... even your car doesn't work that way. The FDA's proposing to reduce the levels of ephedrine-based products sold on the market, which has been seriously objected by millions of people who use ephedrine regularly. Yes there shpuld be a mandatory daily usage limit on all ephedrine-containing products by the FDA (for stupid people). A few individuals who choose not to follow proper usage instructions and over-abuse the daily limit should spoil the availability of this supplement for everyone. I am a user of ephedra-based supplements and it doesn't deserve the bad rap the media gives it. But I don't agree with using it regularly. As with any stimulant, there is a downside. Overuse (or abuse) can lead to an over-stimulated adrenal system, which often leads to lethargy, reduced immune system functioning.(you should not use for more than three or four weeks at a time If you are sensitive to ephedra and cannot tolerate its side effects, as literally millions of people can't.... avoid it altogether. Instead, consider trying some other supplements for energy and fat-loss support. The herbs ginseng and cordyceps and the amino acid tyrosine seem to support energy enhancement... both physical and mental. And supplements like Citrus aurantium, caffeine or the herb guarana, and an exciting new ingredient called Coleus forskohlii may help the body burn more calories (in a process called thermogenesis), leading to more fat burned. ( ok there is my "article" on ephedra supplements!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BladeLee Posted January 29, 2003 Share Posted January 29, 2003 I used to take an ephendrine product, xenadrine, and im about to take it again but the only problem that i really had, was dry mouth! and during class, this was horrible lol. They have come out with an ephedrine free xenadrine, but im sure its not as potent. ~BladeLee~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZR440 Posted February 4, 2003 Share Posted February 4, 2003 New report out today. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/02/04/health/main539230.shtml It's happy hour somewhere in the world. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackBeauty Posted February 6, 2003 Share Posted February 6, 2003 can't be that bad. well not for me anyway. i've been taking something called ECA Stack on and off for almost 12 months. it gives me a great energy boost and amazing stamina and going-power... from the top of my head, basically what's in it is: E - ephedrine - but a natural form C - caffeine A - aspirin - again a natural form from salicylic acid or some willow bark i think.... ==================http://come.to/BlackBeauty================== Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Heel Hook Posted February 8, 2003 Share Posted February 8, 2003 It's bad and shunned from us in the medical community. The stress it does to your heart will only lead to problems in the long run. That's all I have to say. Your heart isn't meant to pump like that when you are not doing anything, never mind when you are working out. No strokes for me, thanks. You want something good for energy, drink a Red Bull. "A deer admires a lion. But all the members of our family are lions. So it doesn't matter which lion I admire. " -Rener Gracie- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KickChick Posted February 8, 2003 Author Share Posted February 8, 2003 You want something good for energy, drink a Red Bull. I'm surprised that (if you are part of the medical community) ...you aren't aware that Red Bull is "not good" for energy. In fact, it is banned in several countries and unfortunately the way that is advertised .... adversely effects the "younger" population who aren't aware of the potential dangers of the concentrated caffeine and taurine that it contains.. not to mention the high sugar content. Red Bull has been used as an alcohol mixer with either whiskey or vodka to heighten the effects of alcohol.... and then later used the next day as a hangover cure..... (.. this is what I hear anyway!! ) Here is the whole story http://www.safefoodonline.com/pdf/appendix_II_red_bull_public_concerns_trans_mgmt.pdf .... and in fact as I stated above.... there's no escaping the law of toxicology, which says....too much of anything even "Red Bull" can hurt you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Heel Hook Posted February 8, 2003 Share Posted February 8, 2003 Hmmm...I am not sure how to respond to that...the questioning my veracity and whatnot. I'll respond by not responding. As for the Redbull thing...it was partially a joke (note the face, most people know Redbull is a joke like most of these new things that come out). Do you just read up on these things, or did you go to school for it? (not an attack on you unlike you did me, I am just curious) "A deer admires a lion. But all the members of our family are lions. So it doesn't matter which lion I admire. " -Rener Gracie- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KickChick Posted February 9, 2003 Author Share Posted February 9, 2003 Yikes .... did I hit a nerve? Wasn't met as an attack on your credibility ... not at all. Sorry....I just found it necessary to disapprove of using Red Bull as a good source of energy.... not everyone is "clear" on use of "humor" around here.... (especially me it seems!!! ) Clearly I am not knowledgeable about anything... you can ask anyone around here ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Heel Hook Posted February 9, 2003 Share Posted February 9, 2003 I was just playing again. I know you weren't...although since it's been a few days since you have touched this post I was starting to think: "maybe she was "attacking" me" So uh, to straighten it out, both my post (save the ephedra comments. I think it is TERRIBLE for you) were really my lame attempts at jesting a bit with you. I guess you can't hear the taunting tone of voice in my mind as I type...and I thought you were psychic...or maybe I am a bit stupid. Oh ( to clarify once again so you don't end up hating me and we don't have to battle to the death, or at least a sweat) did you go to school for such things, or are you just very knowledgeable? You certainly know your stuff. "A deer admires a lion. But all the members of our family are lions. So it doesn't matter which lion I admire. " -Rener Gracie- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZeRo Posted February 9, 2003 Share Posted February 9, 2003 You want something good for energy, drink a Red Bull. I'm surprised that (if you are part of the medical community) ...you aren't aware that Red Bull is "not good" for energy. In fact, it is banned in several countries and unfortunately the way that is advertised .... adversely effects the "younger" population who aren't aware of the potential dangers of the concentrated caffeine and taurine that it contains.. not to mention the high sugar content. Red Bull has been used as an alcohol mixer with either whiskey or vodka to heighten the effects of alcohol.... and then later used the next day as a hangover cure..... (.. this is what I hear anyway!! ) Here is the whole story http://www.safefoodonline.com/pdf/appendix_II_red_bull_public_concerns_trans_mgmt.pdf .... and in fact as I stated above.... there's no escaping the law of toxicology, which says....too much of anything even "Red Bull" can hurt you. thats quite interesting about Redbull, i myself hate the stuff but i do know some of my friends who love it and drink it to get "hyper" and stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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