Ephedra Is Back: What You Need To Know

Here is some useful information on a hot subject...

See also other article in this blog on Ephedra.

Ephedra Is Back - But Is It Safe?
By Amy S. Grant

It’s been called the world’s oldest medicine, the miracle fat burner, and is known in some parts of the U.S. as “Mormon tea.” Ephedra (also called Ma-huang or epitonin) has been used for its healing powers for more than 5000 years by the Chinese, who discovered the plant’s healing properties. So why was it banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2004, and more importantly, why was the ban recently lifted?
What is Ephedra?
Ephedra grows all over the world, and in the Western United States, this flowering shrub can be found in deserts and sagebrush areas. The plant can be ground into powder for capsules, or dried and used in tea. Ephedrine is the “active” ingredient in ephedra, responsible for its healing properties. Ephedrine is a nerve stimulant similar to adrenaline, but not as strong as amphetamine.
What Does It Do?
Dieters have long known the powerful effects of ephedra in promoting weight loss. Basically, ephedrine creates a thermogenic response, speeding up metabolism and expediting the body’s fat burning rate while preserving muscle. Ephedra has proved to be particularly effective for people with a slow metabolism, who have previously had trouble losing weight.
Additionally, ephedrine can be used to treat bronchial asthma and cough by relaxing the air passages in the lungs. For this same reason, the plant is helpful in treating the effects allergies and hay fever. Ephedra can assist in fighting a minor cold by causing perspiration and urination (to relieve swelling and fluid retention). Alternative uses for ephedra include treating muscle and joint conditions such as bursitis, arthritis, and rheumatism. A synthetic (man-made) replacement, called pseudoephedrine, was created and is widely used in common over-the-counter medications such as Sudafed.
Why the Ban?
Possible side effects of ephedrine include insomnia, dry mouth, nervousness, general weakness, poor digestion, irritability, headache, dizziness, increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, and heart palpitations. Not surprisingly, this list is markedly similar to over-the-counter medications with the active ingredient pseudoephedrine.
Some argue that the pharmaceutical companies have organized lobbyists to target ephedra because it was cutting into their sales for weight loss drugs and asthma drugs (bronchodilators). Others believe ephedra is not dangerous, but simply got some bad press as a result of a handful of people who intentionally misused ephedra or a synthetic replication of the isolated part of ephedra (ephedrine). Ephedra activists insist that human nature simply cannot be regulated and no one can control how people use (or abuse) any supplement, herb, or drug. How can you protect customers who ignore warning labels or double their doses?
The FDA inflicted a ban on ephedra in late 2003 (which became effective in early 2004), declaring an “unreasonable risk.” This decision was based on public comments, literature review, adverse event reports and scientific studies. Dieters were devastated, feeling that their right to safely and appropriately use this herb had been stripped from them.
Why Was the Ban Lifted?
After the conclusion of several court cases (including some high-profile cases), the FDA stated in its final ruling that only five deaths were attributed solely and directly to ephedra. Keep in mind, according to the American Herbal Products Association, approximately 12 to 17 million people consumed ephedra during 1999. Ephedra sales in 2002 were close to $1.3 billion. What you may not know is that in 1994, over 100,000 people died due to adverse reactions or overconsumption of prescription drugs.
Is Ephedra Safe to Use?
According to the FDA, ephedra is safe for human consumption when it is taken in the recommended dosages, and when all warning labels are strictly observed. Obviously, women who are pregnant or nursing, and people with certain diseases (such as high blood pressure) should NOT consume ephedra or ephedrine. It is advised that you check with your physician before taking ephedra.
Where Can You Get Ephedra?
Currently, one company claims to be the only U.S. supplier of ephedra for weight loss. You can purchase ephedra online at www.BetaFuelDirect.com
============================
Amy S. Grant is an avid fitness enthusiast who enjoys SCUBA diving, photography, and empowering people to achieve their goals.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amy_S._Grant

See also other article in this blog on Ephedra.
============================
Losing weight is not enough. You may need plastic surgery. Don't gasp in disbelief it is very much within reach these days. In recent times exposure on TV reality shows has opened up a whole new market for plastic surgery which is no longer viewed as a luxury but as a necessity and a great way to improve one’s quality of life. Now located among the world-famous boutiques and bistros in Los Angeles is the first and only plastic surgery center on Rodeo Drive. At los angeles plastic surgery patients are sure to receive world-class service at competitive prices in an environment that befits plastic surgery’s growing mass appeal.
============================
Be sure to visit the shopforweddings site which provides plenty of inspiring favor ideas to help you get creative with your own gracious gifts. Just the place to visit for bridesmaid gifts. Here’s one favor idea. Jordan Almonds are the quintessential wedding favor: They're steeped in tradition. You can learn more about this favorable treat by reading all about Jordan Almonds, but how are your guests supposed to know about their significance? Be sure to attach a little card with a note explaining the almonds' meaning: Jordan Almonds for Thee Five sugared almonds for each guest to eat To remind us that life is both bitter and sweet. Five wishes for the new husband and wife -- Health, wealth, happiness, children, and a long life!

A Lot Of Talk About Ephedra Side Effects

There has been a lot of talk about Ephedra side effects. The following article should help clear the air and give anybody a better understanding of exactly what Ephedra is and the side effects as well as good pints about it...

Ephedra Side Effects
By Todd Massey

Many people looking for a weight loss supplement or diet pill have heard of or considered ephedra. If you have never tried ephedra then hopefully you will attempt to search out the ephedra side effects you need to be aware of.
Like most any herb, drug or chemical, there are good and bad influences on your body that should be fully considered before you delve into buying an ephedra based product.
Obviously, an ephedra side effect is weight loss, and this is why most people are interested in this particular herb.
Lets break up the major known side effects of ephedra into the two categories of positive and negative.
Positive ephedra side effects
• Weight Loss
• Appetite Suppression
• Increased Energy
• Exercise Enhancement
It should be noted that most of the weight loss usually experienced is typically through the effects of appetite suppression.
Negative ephedra side effects
• Heart Palpitations
• Increased Blood Pressure
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
Many people that experience insomnia are taking the herb too late in the day and are still under the influence when they head to bed. This can be easily solved by not taking ephedra any time beyond the late afternoon.
Of course it needs to be noted that everybody will have different experiences with herbal ephedra and you may have none of these side effects or you may have all of them at different times and to varying degrees of intensity.
==============
Todd Massey is the author of the 3 year old top selling book Black Market Report on Ephedrine. You can learn more about positive and negative ephedra side effects by visiting Ephedra Side Effects

==============
With 43 million tourists annually Orlando is both a tourist and real estate hot destination. Anybody with an eye for Winter Park Real Estate will be interested in contacting Buyers Broker of Florida, a unique exclusive Buyer Agency Office that always represents the best interest of the homebuyer and not that of the seller like so many others do to the homebuyers great disadvantage.

Lose Weight While You're At The Movies

Did you ever believe that movies could help you lose weight? No? Even I ddi not believe it until I read the following beautiful article that makes so much sense.

Movie-fans: Lose those Last 5 lbs With Help from Movies

Sticking to good eating habits to achieve better health and our dream figure is not easy. I know because I've been there. I had to take 4 months off my work to learn how to use food properly to stay healthy and trim. In the process, I learned many lessons--not about the food groups and my eating habits, we all know that stuff--but about how important discipline is in success.

I didn't lose weight just because I ate less and exercised more. I lost weight because I was forced to be disciplined. This means that I stuck to an eating and exercise plan and used every means possible to stay disciplined every time my "inner demons" kicked in, meaning to sabotage my efforts.

To battle those demons, I practiced what I preach: I got help from movies.

If you are not successful in sticking to healthy eating habits, this is because you lack the patience and discipline to do what it takes to see results.

There is only one solution: To teach yourself discipline and slow down your reactions of using food for emotional comfort. If you are like me—a movie-fanatic determined to conquer her self-sabotaging demons—teach yourself self-discipline with help from movies.

Instead of grabbing food, grab these DVDs:

--"The Karate Kid" to see how staying disciplined and focused transform you into a winner. Like martial arts, eating healthily is a learning process that requires discipline.

--"The Nutty Professor" to learn how to be patient with yourself as you are and not "cut corners" with your transformation. Cutting corners eventually backfires and defeats your purpose.

Follow up: Note What these movies teach you about battling inner demons. Write one thing you can do to resist those self-sabotaging demons every time they attack you. Post it in a visible and private place and read it every time you need strength. If you don't have privacy, put up pictures of "The Karate Kid" and "The Nutty Professor" instead. Let them be your symbolic reminders of how to achieve success.

Author’s Note: If you want to know how to use more than 200 movies to achieve your goals successfully and help your loved ones fulfill their dreams, read "Reel Fulfillment: A 12-Step Plan for Transforming Your Life through Movies".

Maria Grace, Ph.D., is a psychologist, public speaker, author and self-fulfillment expert. She helps individuals, families, groups and organizations fulfill their dreams and achieve their goals using inspiration from popular movies. She shows you how to use reel entertainment for real self-improvement. You acclaimed method “Reel Fulfillment: A 12-Step Plan for Transforming Your Life through Movies”, (McGraw-Hill, 2005) was hailed as a “harbinger of the new generation of self-help” and was featured in dozens of newspapers and magazines, including The New York Times, Glamour, Elle, and Self. Order “Reel Fulfillment” now, at: http://www.reelfulfillment.com Subscribe to Dr. Grace’s free Ezine, at: http://www.mariagrace.com Contact Dr. Grace at: mariagrace@mymyth, or call her at: 917-816-7632.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maria_Grace
=======================
Here is something very important to note if you ever intend to send flowers to millionaire pop super star Elton John. Sir Elton loves flowers and usually spends a fortune on them. He is however very particular and fussy about them. He doesn't like greens or foliage. He loves red and white floral arrangements but does not want to see any green anywhere near them. It takes very experienced florists like Simonis in the UK to fulfill such unusual requests for flowers.
=======================
Personal bankruptcy is generally considered the ultimate debt management option and although it will get you off the hook as far as many of your creditors are concerned, it is important to realize its’ long term effects and impact on your life. Although in certain situations it is the only option, it will stay on your credit report for 10 years and make life difficult for you in many ways. That is why many opt for debt consolidation instead. Debt consolidation involves taking out a low-interest loan that will pay off all your debts, leaving you with just the one loan to pay off.