Bush bans the sale of Ephedra in '04

[jillybean]

I just read in our local paper that President Bush has decided to ban the sale of ephedra beginning next year. This makes me happy. My MIL is a nurse and takes Ephedra, I said to her, "you of all people should know that this stuff is dangerous." What she said brought tears to my eyes, "Sometimes, I'd rather die thin than live life being overweight." Just thought I'd pass the news along. What do others think?

 

[Rockstar4614]

I think it is an excellent idea because lets face it, the stuff does kill your appetite, and sometimes it is too tempting to break down and take it when you get frustrated even knowing that taking it is like playing russian roulette. I know that a lot of people have taken it for a long time with no problems but I really feel like it is one of those things where, based on a million other things going on with your body on a given day, every time you take it you are at risk. At least now it won't even be available for those of us who might be tempted!

RS

 

[veekcee]

This is good news. You never know what little problems are lurking that this nasty little herb could kick off. I used something while driving all night (1993) to help me stay awake and couldn't stand how awful it made me feel. Much later did I realize it was ephedra. Never used it again. x(

 

[Aquajock]

The comment by your MIL, Jillybean, is indeed sad. Both the mindset and the behaviors that the mindset has created.

I'm glad President Bush has taken that step. Sadly, however, there will always be snake-oil potions like ephedra waiting in the wings, giving you a two-ounce "weight loss" (said lost weight probably comprised of muscle) and a whole host of toxic side effects and vital organ damage. Remember phen-fen or fen-phen or whatever the (*&^ it was?

I wish to all get-out the pharmaceutical industry and the supplementation industry would get off this diet-drug kick.

A-Jock

 

[hounddogs]

This is sincerely not meant to be combative, A-jock, but are you saying that it's okay for the gov't to ban ephedra outright, but you would oppose any regulation of the advertising industry re proven unhealthy foods?

There is at least as much press about the dangers of ephedra as the dangers of high fat, calorically empty foods, so shouldn't a public free to discern dining-out choices be able to make informed choices about an herb from which many legal OTC pharmaceuticals are derived or based on?

I would support regulation, but not banning. Bush has many ties to big pharmaceutical companies, and I suspect he wants to appear concerned about public health risk while maximizing opportunities for his buddies.

In the spirit of healthy debate,

Ann

 

[Carol_is_fit]

Wow. That would have made me cry too, Jillybean, especially when there are other ways to lose weight. I'm glad it's being banned too! There is simply too much evidence proving it is NOT safe.

Carol