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The herbal supplement ephedra has been used for thousands
of years to treat asthma and similar respiratory problems.
Ephedra elicits physiological responses, such as increased
blood pressure and heart rate and constriction of blood vessels,
which led to its introduction to the U.S. in the 1920s to
treat nasal decongestion and to stimulate the nervous system.
More recently, the herb became extremely popular in supplements
used for weight loss and increased energy, but its safety
has been called into question after numerous reports of negative
side effects.
>Herbs
are considered dietary supplements in the U.S., and are thus
sold without the Food and Drug Administration approval required
for pharmaceutical drugs. A recent study estimated the safety
of ephedra by comparing the frequency of negative reactions
per unit sold between this and other supplements, a method
often used for gauging the safety of pharmaceuticals. Information
on adverse reactions to ephedra and other herbs in 2001 was
available through the American Association of Poison Control
Centers.
Even when considering ephedra's extremely high share of the
herbal market, risks for negative reactions to supplements
containing the herb remained 10-40 times higher compared to
other products. Possible negative reactions to this herb range
from increased blood pressure to life-threatening heart attack
or stroke. Considering that the American Medical Association
and the organization Health Canada have recommended banning
legal sales of ephedra, there are certainly safer weight-loss
options. Talk to your chiropractor for information on which
supplements can help you achieve long-lasting health and wellness.
Reference:
Bent S, Tiedt TN, et al. The relative safety
of ephedra compared with other herbal products. Annals
of Internal Medicine 2003:138(6), pp. 468-471.
To learn more about herbs and supplements, go to www.chiroweb.com/find/tellmeabout/.
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