Ephedra is one of the most dangerous of all dietary supplements. Well over 800 injuries have been reported, including more than 50 deaths. Most of these cases involve the heart attack, high blood pressure leading to cerebral bleeding or stroke. Since 1994, the FDA has received and investigated more than 800 reports of adverse events associated with the use of these products. Reported adverse events range from episodes of high blood pressure, irregularities in heart rate, insomnia, nervousness, tremors and headaches, to seizures, heart attacks, strokes and death. Most events occurred in young to middle aged, otherwise healthy adults using the products for weight control and increased energy.
Ephedra is inexpensive and readily available. Ephedrine alkaloids are amphetamine-like compounds with potentially powerful stimulant effects on the nervous system and heart. Hundreds of consumer illnesses and injuries associated with the use of ephedrine have been reported. Ephedra has been included in a very wide variety of products marketed to increase strength and lead to weight loss. These products may list ephedra as Ma Huang, Chinese ephedra, ma huang extract, ephedra, Ephedra sinica, ephedra extract, ephedra herb powder, or epitonin. Consumers should be aware that just because a product is labeled 'natural' or from an herbal source it is not necessarily safe.
Hoodia, on the other hand, is not amphetamine-like, and it is not a CNS stimulant. Hoodia suppresses appetite from a steroidal glycoside, called P57. This chemical simulates glucose receptors in such a way as to decrease the feeling of hunger. Hoodia (P57) stimulates these glucose receptors the same way as does sugar, itself, but this P57 glycoside is a receptor stimulator ten thousand times as strong as is glucose. The effect is in the mid-brain, and gives the sense of 'fullness,' even if glucose levels are low.
Diatain combines the central effect of Hoodia with the peripheral glucose-modulating action of Vanadium and Chromium. Obesity is associated with increased serum insulin levels, resulting in part from chromium and vanadium deficiency. Vanadium and chromium increase peripheral insulin receptor sensitivity, thereby resulting in decreased insulin levels. This, in turn results in a decrease in trunkal fat deposition. The balanced approach modulates insulin metabolism while controlling the behavioral issues in weight disorders.
This balanced approach is very effective. The dosage requirement is relatively consistent among adults and the product is priced affordably. From a value standpoint, the hoodia-vanadium-chromium combination is offered in this product for a small fraction of what the individual components would cost.
For a complete biography of David S. Klein, M.D. and information on his nutritional products, and medical practice, Pain center of Orlando, Longwood FL, please visit his website at www.suffernomore.com
Diatain(TM) is not available in stores and can only be ordered at www.weightlossdietpill.net
