Controlled burn: How ephedrine-based fat-burners work and how you can use them properly

Muscle & Fitness/Hers, Feb-March, 2002 by Beth Sonnenburg

the big picture

We advise looking at the big picture before deciding to use an ephedrine-based product. First get your diet and exercise plan in order, and investigate whether your lifestyle is contributing to your lack of fat loss or energy to train. Then consider your individual cost-to-benefit ratio and take careful note of any side effects you experience with ephedrine.

Stay safe by following the guidelines provided in "Safety Tips to Keep in Mind," above. The bottom line? "Listen to what your body tells you," Dr. Morris suggests. "If taking ephedra creates intolerable side effects even when taken as recommended, don't press your luck."

(*.) Names have been changed for privacy

RELATED ARTICLE: SAFETY TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND

If you choose to take ephedrine-based tat burners tallow these guidelines:

* Let your doctor or pharmacist know that you're taking it, especially if you're on any other over-the-counter or prescription medications, says Sheri Barke, MPH, RD.

* Choose a product with no more than 20-25 mg ephedrine per pill, and do not exceed 90 mg total per day.

* If the label doesn't list the precise quantities of all ingredients and/or doesn't carry a warning label, don't buy it, says Barke.

* If you already consume caffeine through your usual food and beverage intake and aren't willing to give these up, choose a caffeine-free product, advises Barke.

* Brake recommends avoiding products containing yohimbe, any herbal laxatives (like senna and cascara) or herbal diuretics (such as nettle leaf and sarsaparilla).

* Don't use if you have heart disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, depression or other psychiatric disorder, glaucoma, difficulty urinating, prostate enlargement or seizure disorder; if you're using a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAQI) or any other prescription drug; or if you're using any other over-the-counter products containing ephedrine, pseudoephedrine or phenyl-propanolamine (ingredients found in certain allergy, asthma, cough/cold and weight-control products). Do not use if you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

* Discontinue use of ephedrine-based fat-burners and call a health professional immediately if you experience rapid heartbeat, dizziness, severe headache, shortness of breath or other similar symptoms.

PERFORMANCE PLUS?

Many people swear that ephedrine improves their workouts, but Leslie Bonci, MPH, RD, director of sports medicine nutrition at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Health System, recommends taking a closer look at the relationship between ephedrine and exercise performance. She advises keeping a detailed training log of the reps, sets and pound ages you to in an exercise session so you can really tell if ephedrine improves your performance.