Ephedra can be deadly, doctors warn

[AndrewR]

Here is the article.

This is a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, which is just slightly (that's sarcasm, BTW) more credible than supplement manufacturer sponsored studies that "prove" how safe ephedra, also known as ma huang, is.

One interesting snippet, for those who think it's use can be easily controlled:

<< Also, past research has shown that the dosage in ephedra pills often varies widely from what is on the label. >>


There have been some supplement threads on here with some people asserting that ephedra is perfectly safe. Probably not. Why risk it? You know that if you don't take it, you won't die from a heart attack or have other severe side effects. If you do take it, you might. Is it worth it?

 

[skywhr]

Anyone who ever looked up any information on ephedra would have known this months and months maybe even years ago. They have been saying this for a while.

 

[StageLeft]

Oh I think anybody who says it is perfectly safe is kidding themselves. In great quantities (beyond recommended amount) it has killed people. However, even in recommended doses it has been known to kill perfectly healthy people as well.

I have taken it in the past, and possibly would in the future...but the more I read about these weight loss stacks from health food stores the less I am likely to use them again. Sitting there shaking and having a faster heart because of something I just took in is not my idea of a healthy supplement afterall...

 

[Eug]

I'm always confused by this. Some people seem to consider most drugs in pharmacies as &quot;dangerous pharmaceutical company-sponsored chemicals that pollute our bodies&quot;, and most herbal remedies as &quot;safe natural foods that have been used for centuries&quot;. Bizarre.

The bottom line is that drugs are drugs, although it is very true that many are much less harsh than others. However, most people would be much better off eating sensibly, getting plenty of exercise, and taking NO medicines. That's too much work I guess, for those wanting a quick fix.

That's sort of like those who promote a vegetarian lifestyle because of the health benefits, but then head to McDonald's to eat their french fries and coke dinner.

I have nothing against vegetarianism or health food supplements per se. In fact, much of the Western world would probably benefit from a properly controlled vegetarian (or almost vegetarian) diet, and most (but not all) supplements are probably pretty harmless. It's the people who don't understand and misrepresent the facts about these things that bother me.

 

[AndrewR]

I've known it wasn't safe for awhile, and there's been plenty of information on that premise for some time. However, there have been people on this very board and elsewhere who have asserted that it's perfectly fine. Now there's a peer reviewed medical study in the most respected medical journal in the world saying that it ISN'T healthy or safe. I wanted to get that information out.



<< However, even in recommended doses it has been known to kill perfectly healthy people as well. >>



The problem, and I was unaware of this also, is that according to that quote above, there is no way to accurately check the dosage if the package is incorrect. Since it's not a controlled substance, you're relying on the manufacturer to precisely control the amount per dose, which is simply not going to be consistent enough when you're playing around with your heart. One slip at the production facility and twice the normal dosage goes into the pill -- you get a stroke or a seizure with your workout. End of healthy living and the ideal of a toned body.

Hopefully, the young people will heed the facts and avoid this garbage.

 

[AndrewR]

Eug:

<< In fact, much of the Western world would probably benefit from a properly controlled vegetarian (or almost vegetarian) diet >>


God, man, could you imagine the smell???

 

[Isla]

yeah, but how many women would rather be dead than fat, eh?

 

[AndrewR]

Isla: I agree that there is a problem with the portrayal of women and the body types that many TV and movie stars exhibit. Lara Flynn Boyle, for instance -- damn, she's ugly. I want a woman who is toned and healthy, not emaciated and skeletal. If I wanted that, I'd head to a medical supply outfit and buy a lab skeleton -- it would save on the dining out expenses (well, I guess that's not an issue with these women anyway, unless they're bulemic).

However, I do not think that means we can go the opposite way and call for &quot;fat acceptance&quot;, something I've been hearing about more and more. There is the National Society for Fat Acceptance, or something like that, and I think that's just plain wrong. There is a point to being happy with yourself, but if you are grossly overweight, or even obese, it's flat out unhealthy, and it WILL SHORTEN YOUR LIFE. That's the danger in &quot;accepting&quot; obesity, and that has been proven time and again in studies that cite obesity as a contributing factor in diabetes and other debilitating and life threatening conditions.

I am not saying that you advocate that position, only that it exists and that it is widely reported.

I once entered into a rather heated debate with an overweight woman who thought it was ok to be &quot;fat and happy&quot;, for lack of a better phrase. I am not saying that those people have less merit or are lesser people, only that it is in their best interest if they work constantly toward their ideal weight. Yes, perhaps it is unfair, and they have to work harder than some other people. However, aren't YEARS added to your life, and a more fulfilling life in general worth the effort? I think it is. We need to promote HEALTHY living, not thin bodies. There's a distinct difference, and I just hope the former becomes the norm.

Somewhat off topic from the thread, but I wanted to say it.

 

[Isla]

I agree, AndrewR.

That's why I am out the door now, time to work out...

I believe in being healthy and balanced. Extremes are out for me.

peace~