Ephedra in Weight Loss Pills
Ephedra, also known as ma huang, is a strong
stimulant found in popular "herbal phen-fen" weight loss pills.
Ephedra can be very damaging to the body, especially when abused. When
taken regularly in weight loss supplements, your body can stay in an unnaturally
high gear and there is risk for heart palpitations, heart attacks, and
strokes.
FDA Warning About Ephedra Labels and
Dosage Levels
The FDA urges everyone to consult with a doctor before trying any ephedra
weight loss supplement and experts advise against using any weight-loss
pills that contain the herb. If you do, check the labels to make sure
you don't get more than 8 milligrams of the drug ephedrine in any 6 hour
period, and don't take any ephedra product for more than a week. You should
avoid ephedra completely if you have hypertension, heart trouble, kidney
disease, neurologic disorders, diabetes, or an overactive thyroid gland,
or if you're pregnant or nursing.
Finally, the FDA warns against "herbal"
supplements containing caffeine and ephedrine. Any weight loss supplements
with these twin ingredients the FDA considers a "deadly combination."
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