| Your problem is probably under-reported. I myself have used ephedrine at various times in the last 5 years. I never stretched use over three months, which is already more than what I would ever recommend. You probably feel better by now, but why not address the problem anyway.
First, all products containing ephedrine or ma huang (herbal source) mimic adrenaline by acting in a similar manner at the corresponding receptors. Hence, we'll call them agonists. These agonists also increase adrenaline output (probably by the increase in sympathetic tone). These will induce fat loss when combined with caffeine in conjunction with an aspirin. Thus, at first, the supplement will definitely increase vigilance and energy levels. However, I can find many reasons why long-term use could bring about constant fatigue.
I have seen two friends (non-athlete graduate students) develop restlessness or exhaustion after using it in increased dosages (25 up to 75mg) over a year. Also, they could not function without taking at least 25mg upon getting up. One of them managed to get off of it after tree planting for three months (the importance of physical exercise in well-being is far too under estimated in my opinion). He never went back to it and feels great now. He also told me about a fitness athlete (female) who reported mood swings (cried for no reason) after being on ephedrine for over a year. My other friend is still a regular user.
Enough anecdotal evidence, let's move on. The Medline database has many articles reporting ephedrine dependence (notice I didn't say addiction) in collegiate athletes throughout USA. Some female students were taking 6 tablets a day regularly. We could assume going off cold turkey would not lead to a great energy level, but anyway...when you take ephedrine, the ratio of serum T3 to T4 increases significantly after 4 weeks of treatment (20mg three times/day). This means your T3 hormone level increases and your metabolism will do just the same. Hyperthyroid states generally induce a chronic sense of fatigue. No, we could not say ephedrine makes the person clinically hyperthyroid, but it does make him or her use more energy per unit time while the substance is active. This could very well increase the need for nutrients such as in the hyperthyroid state (see Medline). Furthermore, the adrenal glands need Vitamin C and copper (and others) to produce adrenaline. Vitamin C need is increased under physiological stress, nudge-nudge, wink-wink. In another line of thought, Fry (forgot is first name) mentions beta-agonist induced over training (exhaustion due to physical effort). In such a case, ephedrine could push someone's nervous system beyond its ability to recuperate, in the short term of course.
Hang in there as you're sure to expect the rebound low energy level due to decreased cAMP activation following cessation of ephedrine or ma huang and caffeine or kola nut extract. Coffee or tea are milder stimulants that avoid going through the tongue dragging on ground phase. Green tea is verrry good for health, anti-carcinogenic and antioxidant due to cathechins and quercetin. The theophylline in tea has even been shown to increase TSH, the hormone stimulating thyroid hormone production. Fry PhD's book is "Over Training in Sport," I believe.
To Response 1: Electrolyte (ex. Mg or K) or water deficiencies are common causes of cramping, and yes, exercise makes a huge difference (long explanation though).
Please excuse grammar as English is not my first language. This info is not intended to cure or prevent disease nor to replace the advice of a physician. The goal is just to impress you.
| The
NutritionalSupplements.com Bible |
| If you appreciate the unbiased information that you get on this
site, check out The NutritionalSupplements.com Bible. This book will
help you avoid wasting money on ineffective products by giving you the
actual experiences of real consumers who have used them. Click
here for more info.
|
|
