Ephedra: It's Not Just for Weight Loss Anymore

Written by Amy S. Grant


Continued from page 1

What you may not know is thatrepparttar ephedra plant has been used to treat a number of respiratory and circulatory conditions, including asthma, allergies (such as hay fever) andrepparttar 140767 common cold. Ephedrine, orrepparttar 140768 synthetic equivalent called pseudoephedrine, can be found in many over-the-counter cold and allergy medications, including Sudafed. Ephedra is a vasodilator, which means it relaxes (or dilates) blood vessels, which allows blood to flow more easily, and allows nasal passages to open wider. In Chinese medicine, ephedra has been used for thousands of years to increase blood flow and improve circulation.

Athletes have used ephedra for centuries, since it helps build muscle and burn fat. Many people report increased energy and stamina while using ephedra, which increases overall athletic performance.

Ephedra is generally considered safe when adhering torepparttar 140769 recommended doses. Since ephedra is a very powerful and effective supplement, you should check with your physician before using ephedra if you have any ofrepparttar 140770 following conditions: anxiety, high blood pressure, glaucoma or heart disease. Do not take ephedra if you are pregnant or lactating. It’s recommended to check with your physician before beginning any weight loss program.

Sincerepparttar 140771 ban was lifted so recently, only one company currently offers ephedra supplements online. You can purchase ephedra while supplies last at: http://www.BetaFuelDirect.com or http://www.EphedraBurnsFat.com

Amy Grant is an avid fitness enthusiast who enjoys scuba diving, photography, and empowering people to achieve their goals.


Weight Loss: Carbs? Or No Carbs?

Written by Michael Lewis


Continued from page 1

During ketosis, your carbohydrate-depleted body grabs other sources, including ketones from stored fat or protein, to satisfy daily energy needs. This leads to ketoacidosis, a state similar to that seen with type 1 diabetes. This type of diet can have a negative long-term impact on health.

"Next time you talk to someone on one of these diets, pay attention to their mental state, how alert they seem," says Holden. "The lack of carbohydrates tends to make them seem a bit fuzzy mentally becauserepparttar brain is not getting enough fuel. Is that any way to diet?"

New Research Supports It --------------------------------------------------------- But a study inrepparttar 140753 July 2002 issue ofrepparttar 140754 American Journal of Medicine showed thatrepparttar 140755 most famous of low-carb diets, repparttar 140756 Atkins diet, does work.

Study participants lost an average of 20 pounds while onrepparttar 140757 Atkins diet for six months, but they were not followed longer to see if they keptrepparttar 140758 weight off. Most people also had improved cholesterol levels atrepparttar 140759 end ofrepparttar 140760 study, even thoughrepparttar 140761 eating plan permits unlimited quantities of cholesterol-rich foods such as eggs and meat.

The study was funded by a grant fromrepparttar 140762 Robert Atkins Center for Complementary Medicine. Duke researcher Eric Westman, MD, says he became interested in studyingrepparttar 140763 Atkins diet after several of his patients lost large amounts of weight on it.

But though researchers were impressed byrepparttar 140764 weight loss, they say more study is needed to pronouncerepparttar 140765 carbohydrate-restricting diet safe.

Safe Dieting ------------------------------------------------------- Here's howrepparttar 140766 American Heart Association says to take weight off, and keep it off.

Be active: try walking 30 minutes a day most days ofrepparttar 140767 week.

To lose weight, most women should eat 1,200-1,500 calories per day.

To lose weight, most men should eat 1,500-1,800 calories a day.

A loss of one to two pounds per week is considered a healthy weight loss.

People who lose weight gradually are more likely to keeprepparttar 140768 weight off.

Eat no more than 30% of your total calories from fat.

Include at least five servings of fruit and vegetables in your diet each day.

Examine your eating habits -- keep a written journal of what and when you eat.

Weigh yourself only once a week.

Eat breakfast to curb binge eating.

"There are still a lot of things we don't know about food and nutrition," says Holden. "Nutrition is a relatively young science, but we do know that you can trickrepparttar 140769 body's mechanisms inrepparttar 140770 short run. Inrepparttar 140771 long run, however, those short cuts catch up with you inrepparttar 140772 form of weight gain."

Source: WebMD

About The Author ---------------- Michael Lewis has been collecting articles and information on Weight Loss and HGH (Human Growth Hormone and related health benefits. He has created and edits numerous web sites about this subject. Michael is a staff writer for www.ageforce.com


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