If you are a part of the fitness community, you must have already heard of workout supplements boasting the use of Ephedrine. Although nowadays you can buy ephedrine diet pills from any retail or online store, you should not condone its use until you know everything there is to about it.
Whether you have just started working out or looking for more efficient ways of losing weight, this blog can surely help you gather more information. Here you will learn about everything there is to Ephedrine pills, including what it is, how it helps, and precautions you should keep in mind.
Origin of Ephedrine
Ephedrine is one of the four active agents found in a stimulant herb like Ephedra. The plant species goes by many names like Ephedra Intermedia, Ephedra Equisetina or Ephedra Sinica, but is collectively known by its Chinese name, Ma Huang.
This plant is predominantly found in north-western India, China and Pakistan. For several centuries, dried-up extracts of the same have been used as Chinese medication, helping with a number of different conditions. However, as recently as 1923, scientists discovered the Ma Huang plants main health effects.
They figured that out of the four active ingredients, the two that have the most dominant effects include pseudoephedrine and Ephedrine. Although its benefits were first used to counter complications of conditions like congestion in nasal tracts, users soon understood its benefits for enhancing athletic performance and weight loss.
The Science behind Ephedrine’s Effects
From a scientific point of view, both Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine are sympathomimetic alkaloids. This basically means that they directly affect the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for stimulating a ‘fight or flight’ response in the body. Structurally the same as amphetamines, these alkaloids have direct catecholamine-releasing actions and alpha-beta agonistic properties.
The alpha-beta sympathetic receptors are located on the cell membrane and responsive to both norepinephrine and epinephrine. Such receptors can be found on most cells in the body, including the lungs, heart, and other blood vessels. Ephedrine alkaloids function as an indirect adreno-receptor agonist.
This means they can alter the abundance and action of the organic neurotransmitter and levels of norepinephrine in the heart and brain. Contrary to the function of pseudoephedrine, Ephedrine can regulate its effects by circulating epinephrine. More so, it is a bronchial dilator helping not only with athletic performance but also treating asthma.
Effects on Energy
Ephedrine Pills gained immense popularity as an energy enhancement agent, and quite deservedly so. Since Ephedrine is a central nervous system and sympathomimetic stimulant, it acts as an energy enhancer.
Almost every product containing Ma Huang is used and marketed for better aerobic performance and endurance. In addition, it also helps increase alertness, enhances reaction time, reduces fatigue and, in some cases, improves strength. Many bodybuilders often encourage the use of such products simply because they are organic.
They can further improve your body composition by regulating lipolytic and thermogenic effects. The lipolytic effects also better glycogen sparing and fat utilisation during workouts, improving endurance. This is also a primary reason why you usually find Ma Huang products containing other lipolytic and thermogenic supplements, like caffeine.
Effects on Performance
Ephedrine diet pills UK have shown a prolific effect on weight loss. It essentially enhances the anorectic and anti-obesity effects in the body. Ephedrine, in combination with other supplements, like caffeine, mainly in the form of guarana, can induce great weight loss benefits.
Earlier studies showed that this is a result of the appetite-suppressing effects the supplement can have on your body. However, the latter, more intricate studies showed how it enhances fat utilisation in the body. Simply put, it enhances your fat metabolism, not only giving you more endurance and better performance but also cutting down on excess fat in the process.
How to Maximise the Effects of Ephedrine?
As is evident from the information above, the thermogenic effects of both caffeine and Ephedrine go hand in hand. Much like Ephedrine, caffeine also directly stimulates energy metabolism and the central nervous system. However, the main reason why combining caffeine and ephedrine works is how it increases the effects of the latter.
Ephedrine’s thermogenic effects take place through catecholamine release. However, the increased release after ingestion can be blocked by negative feedback systems. Caffeine interferes with this negative feedback mechanism by regulating the release of agents like prostaglandin and adenosine.
Hence, it is quite clear how combing the two can lead to better absorption and results of ephedrine consumption. This is also a reason why most weight-loss and energy-enhancing supplements nowadays contain a combination of caffeine (guarana), Ephedrine (Ma Huang) and aspirin (White Willow Bark extract).
Having said that, only quality ephedrine pills can ensure positive results in the body. Stores like Century Supplements are the leading name in this industry and have some great reviews for their products.