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Energy Boosters

Energy has become a primary focus of gym conversation: "What supplement can help me get through my workout more easily?" If you've been to the health food or grocery store lately, you probably noticed that this question isn't sounding on deaf ears. There are all kinds of products in colorful little packets promising to perform miracles. Let's look into the ingredients of these concoctions and unravel the mysteries of their energy-boosting properties:

Ephedra

This herb comes from the Mahaung plant, which is most commonly grown in China. It acts similar to adrenaline and is becoming very popular in gyms. It entices the release of norepinephrine, the main hormone produced by the adrenal gland, increasing the intensity level of physical training as well as mental focus. Because ephedra can also zap the adrenals, leaving you in a worse state than before, it can easily become addicting. Use it in moderation for best results.

Health Canada imposed a voluntary recall of some products containing Ephedra and Ephedrine. The government announced on January 09, 2002 that products which don't meet federal guidelines on the herb and its chemical derivative, such as some weight loss and stimulant pills, can lead to stroke, heart attacks, heart rate irregularities, seizures, psychoses and even death.

Other commonly used products that contain Ephedra or Ephedrine, such as nasal decongestants, are mainly unaffected because they contain safe amounts.

The voluntary recall is aimed at products that recommend a single dose greater than eight milligrams or more than 32 mg a day, those that combine ephedrine and stimulants such as caffeine, and products that claim to aid appetite suppression, promote weight loss, enhance metabolism, increase exercise tolerance, aid bodybuilding, cause euphoria or other simulative effects.

Ginger

This root warms the body from the inside out and invigorates. The heat it produces aids in muscle flexibility and decreases muscle soreness. You can use it quite freely because of its soothing and gentle effect. Ginger is also helpful for ailments involving nervousness or stress-related edginess, whereas caffeine or ephedra may make them worse.

Octacosanol

This is derived from wheat germ, and increases oxygen utilization during weight training. Octacosanol also improves glycogen storage in the muscles, aids in reaction time and endurance and helps in tissue oxygenation.