Introduction
Thermogenics has been used extensively in different situations especially in the field of sports. It has been promoted and it is been used currently by most bodybuilders, runners, and people from all walks of life to increase energy, enhancing sports performance and reduce weight among individuals. (Astrup, 2000).
Definition
Thermogenics has been defined differently by different researchers (Hamilton, 2001). It refers to dietary supplements that are incorporated into the body system to stimulate the fat-burning function of the body. These are substances that aid the process of calorie burning resulting from increasing heat production (Hamilton, 2001).
Benefits of Thermogenics
When one uses thermogenic supplements, he or she becomes very sensitive and alert. For example, taking coffee in the morning has become mandatory to most people across the world due to the fact one cannot carry his normal duties in the normal way if does not drink. Coffee contains caffeine which is a thermogenic stimulant hence enhancing alertness among individuals. Elementary Nutrition has expounded the importance of the antioxidants that are some of the elements of the thermogenic supplements. These substances are very crucial in our body system because it facilitates oxidation of tissues by neutralizing it. These enable one to be very agile, enhances individuals’ flexibility, and make one look younger and more so enables one to be very energetic throughout his lifetime. Thermogenic has the effect of decreasing appetite among individuals hence fewer calories are will be consumed hence loss of the body weight. These calories eaten but not consumed will be used as energy. It is recommendable that people who want to reduce their weight use thermogenic fat burner as it is effective (Astrup, 2000).
Some other benefits of thermogenic include enhancing the individual mental drive, stimulating metabolism facilitating energy boost and appetite suppression (Astrup, 2000).
Adverse effects of thermogenic
According to research done by the Department of Health and Human Services in America, thermogenic have a lot of adverse effects on human health. The Department imposed certain actions that were aimed at protecting its citizens from these adverse effects of the substances. Most thermogenic substances contain ephedra which is a very dangerous stimulant if not used with care. This adrenaline-like stimulant affects the nervous system. It is also noted that ephedra carries the risk of mild to that can result in side effects such as autonomic hyperactivity such as insomnia and tremor, psychiatric effects and heart palpitations among others. These sides effects commonly occur when ephedra is taken with other stimulants such as caffeine. Ephedra is also very dangerous in that when it is taken with other stimulants, it can result in vomiting which can persist for a long time, nausea and change in mood. It is important to comprehend that ephedra can lead to death as one might experience strokes or heart conditions if incorporated into the body system. Even though ephedrine has been taken off in most markets, the products designed which are thought to be ephedra-free are also dangerous to human health. These ephedra-free substances have bitter orange which has the effect of increasing the rate at which the heartbeats and high blood pressure (Astrup, 2000).
In conclusion, it is quite imperative that one should be very keen when using these drugs. Labels should be read carefully before using them and that one should buy only from a reputable supplier. It is also paramount to know that thermogenic supplements are not a substitute for a diet and exercise but it helps in the burning of fat in the body (Hamilton, 2001).
Work Cited
Astrup, A. Thermogenic Drugs, 2000, 54:2460- 2490.
Hamilton, D. Neutralization of Oxidation of Tissues, 2001, 70(5): 1050-1080.