Ingredients to be Cautious With

[Larger]

I remember continually hearing from members that they were considering trying a pill to see what happens or anything else for that matter. I looked up a few ingredients and some studies involved with them and I almost tore my hair off, because this information should be common knowledge.

Since I've seen some people asking about taking certain enhancers that have strange ingredients, I think it's time to start a thread where there is a list of ingredients to avoid, because they may be incredibly harmful for the body. I'm going to make a list, that will be edited as needed.

If you would like something added to the list:
1. Provide some information about the item.
2. Provide sources (links) detailing what you have described.

If your sources are valid (I will check them), then I will add the item to the list, linking it to your post.

Ingredients To Be Cautious Of
- Yohimbe
- High Fructose Corn Syrup

[Larger]

See the article on Yohimbe. And there is a difference between Yohimbine and Yohimbe.

A sample from the article:

Yohimbe Side Effects to Report
There are a number of potential side effects with yohimbe that you should report to your healthcare provider and which might indicate that you should stop taking the herb. These side effects are generally seen only at a high yohimbe dosage. These include but are not limited to:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Severe anxiety or agitation
• Paralysis
• An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
• Kidney failure
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:

A rash
Hives
Itching
Swelling of the mouth or throat
Wheezing
Difficulty breathing.

Bothersome Yohimbe Side Effects
Not all yohimbe side effects are dangerous; some are merely bothersome. Some of these bothersome side effects include:

• Excitation
• Shakiness (tremors)
• Mild anxiety
• Upset stomach
• Increased salivation
• Sinus infections
• Irritability
• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Frequent urination.

[kingpole]

Keep in mind that a lot of these side efects may be a subversive tactic by the medical industry to keep you buying drugs for whatever you may be taking herbs for. But still don't over do if you don't need something you don't need something.

[Lazy 8]

You can get a lot of good information on the quality and use of herbs and supplements at Consumer Labs, an independent testing laboratory. Here's the link: ConsumerLab.com - independent tests of herbal, vitamin, and mineral supplements

[Skyx]

I can attest to the yohimbe side effects. Its bad stuff! I basically got all the bothersome side effects except the sinus infection from just one pill. The effects lasted for a solid 48 hrs.

[kingpole]

I personally never had any luck with yohimbe. People with high blood pressure should avoid it,

[Larger]

Originally Posted by Lazy 8

You can get a lot of good information on the quality and use of herbs and supplements at Consumer Labs, an independent testing laboratory. Here's the link: ConsumerLab.com - independent tests of herbal, vitamin, and mineral supplements

Mmn. ConsumerLab.com requires you to subscribe to them (minimum 30 days at $12 per review or $30 for a year) before you can have access to what should be free information. I'm not a fan of conditional information, especially conditional health information.

[JonPop]

Originally Posted by Skyx

I can attest to the yohimbe side effects. Its bad stuff! I basically got all the bothersome side effects except the sinus infection from just one pill. The effects lasted for a solid 48 hrs.

Yes, I also got the side effects, plus I was burning up from the inside out. Yohimbe is a VERY risky herb and should be given much consideration before attempting it's use.

[Lazy 8]

Originally Posted by Larger

Mmn. ConsumerLab.com requires you to subscribe to them (minimum 30 days at $12 per review or $30 for a year) before you can have access to what should be free information. I'm not a fan of conditional information, especially conditional health information.

I hear you. But somebody has to help pay for an independent evaluation, otherwise you just get big pharma's take on it, or you get some wild-ass claims by supplement makers. What to do?

[Larger]

Originally Posted by Lazy 8

I hear you. But somebody has to help pay for an independent evaluation, otherwise you just get big pharma's take on it, or you get some wild-ass claims by supplement makers. What to do?

I usually just do a lot of research. Sometimes it takes some time to find what you're looking for. I agree though, there's a lot of bias information out there. I search for .org sites mostly.

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Currently it is one of the most used ingredient in commercialized foods, as a cheaper alternative to sugar. It contains fructose, which raises the level of triglyceride. Triglyceride slows down the rate you can burn fat.

Basically, our bodies have spaces that sugar and other nutrients are supposed to take so that it may be converted into energy. HFCS, takes the space, and because of its properties, doesn't convert to energy as easily.

Something I came across in an online article:

In 1982, when the artificial sweetener was introduced into the American food supply, children for the first time began getting type II diabetes and obesity rates soared. In at least one study, the syrup has been linked to both.

Basically, I always check to see if HFCS was used in the foods, and if it is I do not buy or eat it. I do not drink soda either.

Sources:
Consumption of high-fructose corn syrup in beverages may play a role in the epidemic of obesity -- Bray et al. 79 (4): 537 -- American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Relation between consumption of sugar-sweetened dr...[Lancet. 2001] - PubMed Result
Why critics say HFCS is a four letter word...that goes right to our waistlines
Study Finds High-Fructose Corn Syrup Contains Mercury - washingtonpost.com
The Double Danger of High Fructose Corn Syrup