What are the pros and cons of ma huang for weight loss?
By Bonne Adams
Taken properly, with accompanying medical advice, ma-huang can help people with weight loss challenges. However, there are things to be careful of...
Note : On February 6th, 2004 The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a final rule prohibiting the sale of dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids (ephedra / Ma huang) because such supplements present an unreasonable risk of illness or injury.
Years and years ago, I worked for a successful weight loss company. I was a counselor who helped people find the right program and helped those individuals stay on track. Part of the program included taking appetite suppressants that contained the natural Chinese herb, ma huang. The supplements worked wonders for many of my clients and for me as well.
I found that the ma huang supplements controlled my appetite perfectly. Other suppressants can make you feel dizzy and nauseous. One of the benefits of using this was that I didn’t feel hungry but I also didn’t feel ill. It is extremely important to make sure that you eat, especially when following a weight loss program. The ma huang suppressed my appetite but didn’t do so in a way that prevented me from eating an adequate number of calories each day.
Many people who try to lose weight actually sabotage themselves by eating too little. Prescription diet pills may make your appetite too weak and you will not eat enough to reap the best long-term benefits. Eating too few calories actually works against your weight loss goals by forcing your body to panic. From my experience, ma huang gave me the right amount of appetite suppression to curb the cravings while still leaving me wanting healthy meals.
I also loved the energy that the ma huang supplements provided. There was a little nervousness at first but it dissolved after a couple of days. The secret to preventing too much nervousness and even sleeplessness is to introduce the ma huang into your system little by little. If you have never taken the Chinese herb before your body will not tolerate high doses very well. It is best to start small and work your way up.
Healthy.net - Ma Huang: Appropriate vs. High-Risk Uses
MedicineOnline - The medical perspective.
On the other hand, the ma huang often loses its effectiveness after extended use. I noticed that I leveled off and did not have the same strength after using it for several months. When this happens it is necessary for your body to take a week or two off. When the ma huang is reintroduced, the effects are as if you have taken it for the first time.
The Chinese herb is a very effective supplement in attempts to reach weight loss goals. Ma huang is also known as ephedrine, which has been taken off of the market because of possible heart palpations and other negative side effects. However, I still believe that the supplement was useful and safe when taken according to the instructions and not in excess.
How do I learn more about herbs? - It would be impossible to tell you everything about herbs in one article. Here's a quick overview and some resources to allow you to gather more information...
| Bonnie Adams is a health and fitness instructor who enjoys writing about the latest fitness topics. We are pleased to have her contribute to http://www.thankyouforasking.com. |
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