What is Ephedra?

Ephedra, or ephedrine sulfate, is a naturally occurring substance derived from plants. Its principal active ingredient is ephedrine, which when chemically synthesized is regulated as a drug under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Thousands of adverse reactions were reported to the FDA. In recent years ephedra products have been [widely|wide|broadly] promoted to [boost|raise|hike|increase|advance|heighten] weight loss, sports performance, and energy. Products that contain ephedra are [banned|prohibited] from amateur sporting events, and [evidence|grounds] of ephedra on drug [testing|examination|scrutiny|exam|test] will [likely|probable|plausible|expected|probably|in all likelihood|in all probability] disqualify athletes from competition. You can find more information on ephedra at The Healthy Place.

Ephedra is often mixed with other thermogenics such as green tea extract or caffeine for the synergistic effect, leading to even more [effective|efficient] and fast fat loss. The major [assertion|statement|argument] is that ephedra diet pills aid in weight loss by increasing caloric [burn|burning|burn off] and suppressing the appetite. On [February|Feb] 6, 2004, the US Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) issued a final rule prohibiting the sale of dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids ( ephedra ) because such supplements present an [unreasonable|excessive|undue] risk of illness or injury . Ephedra products can still be purchased from other countries and through some on-line retailers. A few examples of current diet pills containing ephedra include Ripped Power, Zenalean, Hydroxyslim and many more.

Ephedra and Hypertension

Ephedra is especially [risky|bad|high-risk|unsound] for people with heart disease or hypertension (high blood pressure) and for athletes and others who engage in [strenuous|straining] activity. In fact, scientific [evidence|grounds] has found that ephedra causes hypertension and shortness of breath, and in some cases, may lead to death. Supplements containing ephedra have been linked to heart attack, stroke, psychiatric problems and death. Any of these side effects could be devastating during pregnancy. By taking ephedra, you may be risking your life and the life of your unborn child.

Since the [banning|ban|prohibition|forbiddance|forbidding|banishment] of ephedra-containing products in 2004, a new wave of ephedra-free, herbal weight loss preparations has surfaced. Many of these products contain C. aurantium, a small, sour citrus fruit used to flavor Curacao, Cointreau, and Triple Sec. [CA|Calcium|Ca] has also been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat digestive problems.

Hypertension patients should avoid the use of Ephedra as it can [elevate|advance|raise|lift] systolic and diastolic blood [pressure|pressure level] (due to the Ephedrine content of Ephedra). Ephedra claims to suppress the appetite and stimulate metabolism leading to weight loss. Because it has a [stimulation|stimulant] effect, many side effects are [associated|connected|affiliated] with ephedra especially in combination with caffeine.

Conclusion

Very simple advice for anyone [currently|presently] taking ephedra products or contemplating taking them – USE AT YOUR OWN RISK! There are just too many [documented|authenticated] cases that support that ephedra can have [serious|dangerous|grave|grievous|severe|life-threatening] side effects especially for anyone with high blood [pressure|pressure level] or hypertension. After all, this supplement is [banned|prohibited] by the US Food and Drug Administration – why would you take the chance that this organization is mistaken? Don’t [bet|wager] your life! See more information on Ephedrine and Its Use In Weight Loss.

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What is happening in America? Subsequently, countless people are living with hypertension (high blood pressure) and are not improving. Obviously, this ailment is not understood except to treat the symptoms rather than the underlying problem. American Heart Association stats indicates just how this condition is not improving:

High blood pressure (hypertension) killed 57,356 people in the United States in 2005.

As you can see this is a serious epidemic in the U.S. and it seems we are not taking a deserving all out attack on this enemy. This is a more extreme threat than any terrorist attack. This is the time and place where the funding and exploratory research requires focus. Wouldn’t you concur?

Ignorance of how we are polluting our bodies, obviously contributes to our not discovering an essential solution to high blood pressure.

The UNDERLYING CAUSE 

DO YOU HAVE TOXIC BLOOD? HOW DOES THE BLOOD BECOME TOXIC?

When the blood becomes saturated with unfiltered blood then its ability to maintain body systems and organs is compromised. Blood quality determines every cell’s capability to carry out its function. The blood has the potential to nourish or pollute the entire body. As we age, over-stress, ingest a poor diet, etc. blood components can build up unless detoxification is employed or the primary blood filters in the body are supported to do their function.

If the blood remains toxic for too long then an acidic environment is created. The outcome is a deterioration of circulatory vessel walls. This involves a scarring effect with blood components filling in the damged areas. This build-up complicates the process of cleansing. When circulation vessels are clogged then all body organs become deficient thus impeding the life extension process. Its important at this stage that balance is re-established before established damage occurs.

There are different conditions that are involved with causation of toxic build-up. From a Chinese medicine perspective, the body can involve singular or multiple constitutional conditions. The principal six constitutions of the body are:

cold<—————>hot
damp<————->dry
deficient<——–>excess

At what time, the physical body or its internal organs develop into one of the constitutional conditions (above) then toxicity happens. In order to move the imbalance or over toxicity to a balanced or neutral status, the body or its organ(s) need help to move in the other direction of the continuum.

Additionally, Its very important to discern which constitution is primary so treatment priority can be arrived at before tackling obvious symptoms. Again, the goal of the correction process is to achieve balance or neutral status. That is the mid-point between cold and hot, damp and dry, and deficient and excess. Establishing the center of these continuums brings about optimal health where the symptoms subside, health anchors.

Summary: Excess constitution with heat and dampness characteristics stemming from over-ingestion of rich, greasy, spicy, refined, intoxicating foods. Foods: excess red meat, eggs, cheese, fried foods, salt, excess sweet, refined & stale flour and oil products, chemicals, drugs and acoholic drinks.

When the body becomes overwhelmed by the above foods then the blood, organs and body becomes toxic and malfuctioning. The excess wears the body down into deficiency resulting in conditions of arthritis, tumor, diabetes, etc. The blockages in vasularity produces heat and pressure resulting in the following conditions – high blood pressure, constipation, excess weight, stroke and circulation ailments. The remedy expels and decontaminates.with bitter herbs and foods. Bitter eradicates body heat while cooling and leaches moisture retained in the body. There may be exceptions which require a seasoned Master herbalist’s (traditional chinese herbs) input.

“Sweet makes you bitter while bitter makes you sweeter” Nei jing

For more in-depth knowledge on the cause of High Blood and Food Therapy that benefits this condition go to:  High Blood Pressure Herbs & Food Therapy

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