The article discusses such energy and thermogenic drugs as ephedrine, caffeine. Content of articles:
- What is thermogenesis
- Ephedrine
- Caffeine
- Phenylpropanolamine
- The use of thermogenics
The sports pharmaceutical industry now produces a large number of nutritional supplements. They are designed for a variety of purposes, such as losing weight or gaining an extra boost in training. But today we will only talk about those drugs that have a thermogenic effect, which allows you to speed up metabolism. So, the topic of the article is thermogenics: PROS and CONS.
What is thermogenesis
The term "thermogenesis" refers to the generation of heat by the human body in all forms. This is due to the burning of calories. Thermogenesis and metabolism increase at the time of digestion, assimilation and replenishment of the body's energy reserves. This process takes place several hours after a meal. This is the main reason for advising you to eat five to six times a day. This scheme is designed to combat excess weight and build muscle mass.
When the breakdown and subsequent absorption of macronutrients occurs, thermogenesis is triggered by the body, which allows you to increase the number of calories expended. Also, two-time trainings give a similar effect. Moreover, if training is carried out on an empty stomach, then thermogenesis is triggered in people with different physiques, and during training after eating - only in thin people.
Most of the calories are spent on processing protein compounds, slightly less for carbohydrates, and the least energy is spent on processing fats. On average, about 10% of the total daily energy requirement is spent on digestion.
For bodybuilders, this number is higher, as they have to consume more protein compounds. Also, during thermogenesis, the body temperature rises by 0.5-2 degrees. It was found that thermogenic drinks start to work faster and have a greater effect on the body in comparison with tablets.
Ephedrine as the Best Thermogenetic
Of all the known thermogenics, ephedrine is the most potent. For its production, dried shoots of a shrub growing in Asia are used. In its chemical structure, ephedrine is very close to amphetamines and has a similar effect on the body.
The tool acts on the entire central nervous system, increasing excitability, physical activity and performance. Some sports organizations have banned the use of ephedrine, as there is an opinion about its ability to increase strength and endurance. Ephedrine is very effective at burning fat cells, which is directly related to its thermogenic properties. Also, the substance suppresses appetite and increases energy tone.
The sap of the plant, from which ephedrine is now obtained, has been eaten for several centuries and was considered the "juice of longevity." Almost a third of all sports supplements currently produced contain ephedrine. Also, the substance is one of the ingredients in a large number of medications aimed at treating asthma. From all this, we can conclude that with the correct dosages, ephedrine does not produce negative effects on the body.
If you use the substance constantly, starting with small dosages and gradually increasing them to the required level, then all undesirable phenomena disappear completely, and the efficiency of fat burning increases. We also note the higher efficiency of natural ephedrine, in comparison with its synthetic analogues, for example, norephedrine or pseudoephedrine. The daily safe dosage of the drug is from 18 to 25 milligrams. You should not exceed the dose of 75-100 milligrams.
Caffeine use
Caffeine drinks have been known to mankind for centuries. When consumed in moderation, they are perfectly safe for adults. Caffeine in its pure form does not have thermogenic properties and does not lead to the activation of the fat burning process.
It invigorates well and can give strength. But when combined with ephedrine, the effectiveness of the second doubles, and at the same time the duration of the thermogenic effect on the body increases.
A combination of 20 mg of ephedrine and 200 milligrams of caffeine is used to enhance fat burning. The effectiveness of the mixture can be increased by the addition of theophylline extracted from black tea.
Phenylpropanolamine use
This drug is a synthetic ephedrine and has similar effects, but not as strong. The substance is widely used in medicine and sports and does not pose a health hazard.
The effectiveness of the drug can be increased by combining it with caffeine or L-tyrosine. In this regard, it should be noted that L-tyrosine is able to enhance the effect of almost all known thermogenic agents.
The use of thermogenics
Most often, athletes take 10-50 milligrams of ephedrine and caffeine before starting a training session. Both of these can work well with phenylpropanolamine, quercetin, or yohimbine. The latter two also have thermogenic properties.
An important aspect of using thermogenics to burn fat is not relying on the stimulatory properties of drugs. To enhance lipoid processes in the body, it is necessary to maintain a high metabolism for a long period of time.
In clinical trials, it was found that the maximum fat burning effect can be achieved using the following scheme: 8 to 10 milligrams of ephedrine and 100 milligrams of caffeine is consumed three times throughout the day, 30 or 60 minutes before meals.
Watch a video on the use of thermogenics:
In this case, it is necessary to ensure that the stimulating effect of taking drugs passes in a week. Otherwise, damage can be caused not only to the central nervous system, but also to the entire body.
