Bodytalk
Question: Is ma huang, the Chinese herb, safe to take as a dietary supplement? Steer clear
of any products
containing ephedraAnswer: In a word, no.
Dietary aids that contain ephedra (ma huang) are currently very popular. Metabolife, which contains ephedra, is the number one dietary supplement on the market today.
Ephedra is supposed to raise the metabolism, boost energy and aid with weight loss. Are these claims true? Yes, they are. Ephedra is, after all, a stimulant. And to make matters worse, most products containing ephedra also contain caffeine. This combination is very powerful and very dangerous for some people.
Ephedra has been linked to many illnesses and even to death. To date, 35 deaths in the U.S. have been directly linked to ephedra usage. Anyone with borderline or high blood pressure should definitely avoid products containing ephedra.
The caffeine in these products enhances the effects of the ephedra, and it exacerbates the adverse effects of ephedra, such as high blood pressure, heart rate irregularities, insomnia, tremors, seizures, heart attacks and strokes.
Once informed, would anyone in their right mind want to use these products? My advice: steer clear of all products containing ephedra, especially if they also contain other stimulants such as caffeine. By the way, the kola nut and the guarana herb are hidden sources of caffeine sometimes found in such products.
The FDA is investigating ephedra, and it's likely that products containing this substance will not be available in the future.
Bottom line: be suspicious of any product that promises a burst of energy and/or quick weight loss. If it's energy and weight loss you're looking for, why not try exercise. It's been proven safe and effective by millions of people.
Q: How do I know if I need a stress test for my heart?
A: Because you don't need yearly tests to keep tabs on your heart, stress tests aren't like mammograms or prostate check-ups.
A stress test is recommended if you're experiencing one or more symptoms of heart disease, if you have any of the risk factors for heart disease, or if you're over 60 years of age.
Shortness of breath, chest pain, a persistent dry cough, and sudden and severe water retention are some symptoms of heart disease.
Some of the risk factors for coronary artery disease are hypertension (high blood pressure), high LDL cholesterol levels, unusually high levels of homocystine, having diabetes, being overweight, smoking and a sedentary lifestyle.
If you have some risk factors but haven't experienced any symptoms, it's still recommended that you get a stress test, especially before starting an exercise program. If you're experiencing symptoms, even if you have no risk factors, a stress test is definitely in order.
Everyone, regardless of any other factors, should get a stress test once they turn 60 years of age.
A stress test is the first method used by health care professionals in determining the state of health of an individual's heart.
Health Events
Stephenie Karony is a certified health
and fitness instructor, a personal trainer and the author of
"Body Shaping with Free Weights." Send questions to her at
P.O. Box 262, Wailuku Hi. Her column appears on Wednesdays.