Ephedrine - Kate Miles

LOOKIN’ LEAN: is ephedrine a safe way to get the look you want?

Photo by Kate Miles

Ephedrine is a well known substance in the fitness and body building industry.  Not only does this particular chemical promote a reduction in the adipose tissue it also increases alertness and energy.  These traits combined with its dehydrating effects result in a substance which works in a number of ways to promote the lean physique that many strive for.  Now that its understood what it does, its time to explore why it does it.

     Any chemicals characteristic can be traced back to two many factors: its components and its configuration.  The components that make up ephedrine are nothing terribly exciting, there’s some carbon, oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen.  It is the composition that gives ephedrine its unique characteristics. 

Ephedrine is composed of a benzene ring and a hydrocarbon chain.  Ephedrine is also an isomer which means if the same components are put together in a slightly different manner we have a related compound called pseudoephedrine.  The question is how do these compounds come together.

    Ephedrine can be natural occurring or synthetic.  The natural occurring ephedrine comes from the Ephedra funerae plant in China and is a banned substance in Canada.   Synthetic ephedrine and pseudo-ephedrine are carefully constructed in a controlled lab environment where the production and distribution can be carefully controlled.  

    There are reasons behind the controls put on this substance.  It seems like we should all just be taking loads of ephedrine and we will be slim and trim but there is another side to it.  Ephedrine, when its dosage is exceeded is shown to induce heart problems as well as issues with stroke, brain hemorrhaging, anxiety and psychosis.  Less severe symptoms include restlessness, insomnia and hyperactivity.  Mixing any of these symptoms with heavy exercise exacerbates the issues making ephedrine a dangerous aide to a weight loss plan.  With the negative effects clearly out weighing the positive outcomes of ephedrine why would it not simply be another banned substance?

    Medical uses for ephedrine are important.  It works as a bronchodilator and a decongestant.  It is a commonly prescribed substance for respiratory issues such as asthma. 

   So ephedrine may have some valuable functions but if you are looking to get lean then good old fashioned diet and exercise is still the best way to go.