Ephedra - Dangers of
Posted: Saturday, May 03, 2008
by Dr. Suzanne Skinner
Ephedra is added to diet formulas because the ephedrine in the herb raises cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels.
The cAMP regulates the buming of body fat. Normally a liver enzyme breaks down the cAMP shortening it's working time.
To counter this, a methylxanthine is added such as kola nut or guarana which both contain caffeine. The caffeine blocks the liver enzyme to prevent the breakdown of the cAMP.
In hospitals, asthma patients are often given theophylline, another methylxanthine found in sources such as tea. Theophylline prevents the breakdown of the cAMP giving long term relief from the asthma.
Sounds good so far doesn't it? But ephedrine has plenty of down sides. Ephedrine is both a CNS stimulant and vasoconstrictor (blood vessel constrictor).
This means the heart will be working harder and the blood pressure rises. It is not recommended, for this reason, in anyone with heart irregularities or arterial blockages.
Because of it's vasoconstrictive effects it is not recommended for people with diabetes, kidney disease, Raynaud's syndrome, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), or any other circulatory disorder.
I would also be cautious if taking any drugs which constrict blood vessels such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.), aspirin, and naproxen sodium (Aleve).
Part of the reason for ephedrine's stimulatory effect occurs from the prolonged activity of ephedrine (adrenaline), produced by the adrenal glands.
Though excess epinephrine levels can cause anxiety. Ephedrine can also lead to urinary retention in men with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH).
Some diabetics are overweight and may try diet aids containing ephedra. Again this is not recommended since ephedrine raises blood sugar levels.
Ephedrine also binds with iodine creating an insoluble complex, but can also raise thyroid hormone levels. This could make it difficult to maintain proper thyroid function.
Ephedrine is also contradicted in myasthenia gravis since it can cause an increase in muscle weakness.
I would also recommend that people suffering from autoimmune disorders avoid ephedrine, caffeine, and other stimulants since they adversely affect the adrenal glands which can aggravate these conditions.
Injections of ephedrine have been shown to reduce numbers of the white blood cells known as eosinophils.
Ephedrine produces a temporary relief in asthma, but it is in no way a cure. In fact chronic use of ephedra or ephedrine will make asthma worse in the same manner as cortisone drugs.
The adrenal glands produce epinephrine and natural cortisones which counter allergic responses, such as asthma. Synthetic cortisone drugs are designed to reduce immune response so your body will not react to antigens.
The drugs do this in part by atrophying (shrinking) the adrenal and thymus glands which leads to immune suppression.
Unfortunately this also leaves the person open to other infections, which may help explain why a side effect of steroid use is cancer.
Anyway back on subject. Stimulants also weaken adrenal function by overstimulating the adrenal glands. This weakening of the adrenal glands reduces the formation of epinephrine and adrenocorticosteroids leading to more asthma attacks.
Ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and phenyl-propandamine; all from ephedra, and caffeine; found in herbs such as kola nut and guarana are common stimulants used in diet preparations that weaken adrenal function.
Other side effects of weakened adrenal function include lack of energy, blood sugar imbalances, and hormone imbalances.
Generally when ephedra is used medicinally it is combined with adaptogenic herbs to counter the adverse effects on the adrenal glands.
Finally ephedra is a uterine stimulant and can cause spontaneous abortion in pregnant women.
I've noticed that people are regarding the safety level of ephedra based on whether or not someone died from it.
This is not the only criteria. There are plenty of other adverse effects other than death that can occur
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