The Truth About the Weight Loss Product Containing Ephedra

Taking a weight loss product containing ephedra can be very risky. Ephedra has been linked to serious side effects such as seizures, strokes, and even death. Fortunately, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken action and banned every weight loss product containing ephedra in the market starting April 2004.

What is ephedra?
Ephedra used to be a popular ingredient in dietary supplements and weight loss products. It comes from the plant Ephedra sinica. It is also known as Ma Huang, and is used by the Chinese as a medicinal herb to treat respiratory illnesses like asthma, the common cold, and hay fever. Ephedra also works as a powerful stimulant that directly affects the cardiovascular and the nervous systems.

Ephedra also works as a thermogenic, which can cause your metabolism to increase since there is an increase in your body heat. This has made ephedra gain its popular reputation as a fat burner. Many people take a weight loss product containing ephedra together with caffeine and aspirin. Studies show that when taken with proper caution, it is very effective for short-term weight loss.

Known side effects
Ephedra has been known to increase heart rate and constrict blood vessels, resulting in high blood pressure. A weight loss product containing ephedra may cause irritability, dizziness, trembling, nervousness, severe skin irritations, insomnia, dehydration, itchy skin and scalp, vomiting, profuse perspiration, headaches, hyperthermia, seizures, irregular heartbeat, stroke, heart attack, and even death.

Dosage
There is actually no standard requirement for the dosage of any weight loss product containing ephedra, mostly because they vary from brand to brand. Here is an example:
Dosage for Metabolife 356: 2 tablets for 2 to 3 times a day, an hour before meals, and on an empty stomach. It is highly advised not to take more than 8 tablets in a day.
Dosage for Ma Huang: Not more than 100mg a day and not more than 12 weeks. However, because of its serious side effects, it has been recommended that ma huang should be taken in doses not bigger than 8mg per serving every 6 hours, but not exceeding 24mg in a day.

Ma huang
Ma huang is classified as a fat burner and an appetite suppressant. It is also known as ephedrine, ephedra alkaloids, sea grape, ephedra, yellow horse, joint fir, Mormon tea, teamster's tea, sea grape, postillion, and squaw tea. Since it has not been formally evaluated by the FDA for safety, purity and effectiveness, there are no manufacturing standards set for ma huang. That is you should consult your doctor before taking Ma huang or any supplements containing it.

Metabolife 356
Metabolife 356 is another example of a weight loss product containing ephedra. It contains a blend of ginger, Siberian ginseng, ma huang, guarana, spirulina, bovine complex, lecithin, chromium picolinate, vitamin E, magnesium, and several other herbs. Caffeine and ephedrine are the most active ingredients of Metabolife 356. They both work to produce more body heat to speed up your metabolism so you can burn more calories. Furthermore, it also works as an appetite suppressant, making you feel less hungry and limiting your food intake.

No precautions
Ephedra is not a regulated drug, and so many manufacturers are making false claims. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has sent letters to a number of online manufacturers because many of them lack sufficient warnings. The label should tell the user to stop taking the drug upon experiencing side effects such as irregular or rapid heartbeat, severe headache, chest pains, shortness of breath, insomnia, dizziness, nausea, and fainting spells.

Is ephedra legal?
The FDA has reviewed the data on ephedra's safety, effectiveness, side effects, pharmacology, and its RAND Corporation report (which contains a review of published scientific literature on the safety and efficacy of ephedra). The FDA considered several studies that confirm the side effects of ephedra on the circulatory system. On February 2003, they evaluated whether weight loss products containing ephedra pose a significant threat to a person's health.

Ephedra and traditional medicine
The FDA has prohibited the sale of any weight loss product containing ephedra in the United States. However, some medical conditions many call for the use of ephedra-containing drugs. Before taking any supplements, be sure to consult your doctor to see whether it will work for you.

Phillip England is a weight loss expert and Author of the popular report "The Ultimate Weight Loss Secret". To receive your free information on the secret that doctors, and health companies either don't know, or don't want you to know, please see http://www.theultimateweightlosssecret.com/secret

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Hope for Treating Arthritis Naturally

About eleven million people in the United States have arthritic symptoms and are looking for help. Arthritis is not a mystery! You can improve your existing condition, carry on and improve your life! But first you need to know what actually causes arthritis. Some say that it is not a disease but a symptom that is a result of the body not being healthy. But many say that this explanation is a little vague! These people say that arthritis is a specific disease that only affects the joints and won't realize or admit that the whole human body's health condition is involved.

Some symptoms that can be associated with arthritis are constipation, poor circulation, digestive disorders, fatigue, cold and clammy hands and feet and numbness. Arthritis seems to develop rather slowly without one even realizing that a serious condition is taking place. Sometimes arthritis can happen suddenly, but usually the problem has been occurring for a long time in the body.

Arthritis affects different individuals in different ways. One person may react differently to a treatment than another one. But most specialists consider the main underlying cause to be nutritional deficiency. Some have found that diets of arthritic persons are deficient in trace minerals, have a vitamin B deficiency and the sufferers eat mostly a carbohydrate diet. The body must be put back into its correct chemical balance in order to treat arthritis.

Mental conditions can also affect the chemical balance of the body. Arthritic people will often feel worse when depressed or are under emotional strain. For some people this condition can cause an attack of arthritis. When the emotional state returns back to normal the aches and pains of arthritis usually disappear.

There are many different natural techniques that have given people relief from their arthritic aches and pains. First, deep and fast breathing for five minutes can help when the stiffness is starting to come on. Massage also can be helpful when correctly done. It can help with the joint function, and for the muscles that have been unused or impaired. Hydrotherapy, or water treatment, can really help to relieve arthritic pain. It has a stimulating effect on the blood circulation and can help to sooth the muscles.

To use the technique of hydrotherapy, soak the affected areas such as the hands or feet in water for ten minutes at least three times a day. Stir the water while soaking to help stimulate the skin. Wet compresses and wet packs can also provide relief. Make sure when you remove the wet pack that you wash the skin with fresh water and dry it with a clean soft towel. Then rub the area with your hands in order to provide stimulation to the blood.

Other natural remedies for arthritis that have been used are ultrasonic wave treatment, drinking a Southwest Indian tea made from the leaves of the Creosote bush (larrea divaricata) called "Gobernadora", bee venom which is surgically injected and the wearing of copper bracelets. Talk to your doctor about these alternative remedies and your diet, vitamin and mineral intake. If you have arthritis don't give up hope! Make sure you practice good nutrition and try these methods, along with your doctor's advice for relief from your arthritis!

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Arthritis

East Yoga Ctr New York

Features in Two Way Radios for Outdoor Users

Two way radios are now being manufactured in amazing models having numerous features. Earlier these radios were just crude models that were used for free communication within a particular range. one got to see these radios only in the hands of army men, police men or marketing personnels i.e., mostly in the hands of people constantly on the move. but owing to the introduction of exciting features and smart models, these radios are now used for communication among family members as well.

Despite being used by families as well, two way radios are still more popular for outdoor usage. The higher the price, the more the features. one of the exciting features in high end models that is useful for outdoor users is a key that locks your channel so that it does not change when a person moves around. Other features include a digital camera, an AM/FM radio tuner, digital compasses, alarms, thermometers and barometers and even stop watches.

Another exciting and innovative feature available in two way radios is the Auto Squelch that keeps the radio silent until a signal is received. It also has a last channel recall button that is similar to the redial button on a normal phone. Other useful features include an auto channel scan that scans all channels for signal, along with a backlit LCD that enables the user to see the display even in the dark. There is also a provision to attach more speakers and microphones.

For outdoor users, Two way radios now come with various accessories that not only enhance its look and makes it user friendly, but some also prevent wear and tear of the radio when it is exposed to harsh conditions. These include waterproof cases, charging units, headsets and shoulder and belt holsters.

All these features and accessories make two way radios the best communication gadgets for outdoor usage.

Dennis Jaylon is a renowned business writer who has years of experience in writing technical reviews, product descriptions and product feature analysis of technical gadgets and gizmos. He has won appreciation especially for enlightening people about the latest communication gizmos...the Two way radios

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