Energy

Foods provide us with energy in the form of calories (Kcal).

Calories effectively act as the fuel that powers our bodies and enables us to function, in the same way that petrol
fuels a car.

Some foods provide us with more energy than others, but by eating a wide variety of foods in the correct
balance we can meet our requirements.

Foods that provide many nutrients relative to the amount of energy they contain are known as “nutrient rich”
foods e.g. milk and dairy foods.

Energy requirements vary depending on age, sex, size, metabolic rate and activity level.

If we consume more energy/calories than we need, we deposit the excess energy in the form of fat or adipose
tissue.

Conversely if we use more energy than we consume we use up fat to provide us with more energy.

Carbohydrate
Carbohydrates can be divided into two broad categories: available carbohydrate and unavailable carbohydrate.

Available carbohydrate

Sugars and starch are categorised as available carbohydrate.

Sugars are present naturally in fruit, vegetables and milk and are also added to many processed foods such as
confectionery, cakes and biscuits.

Starch is found in foods such as bread, cereals and potatoes.

Both starch and sugars are digested in the body and converted to simple sugars (mainly glucose), which are then
used by the body to provide energy.

Unavailable carbohydrate

Unavailable carbohydrate includes dietary fibre or NSP (non starch polysaccharide). The term “unavailable” is
used because fibre can’t be digested and therefore doesn’t provide us with energy. However it is helpful in
many other ways described below.

Dietary fibre can be divided into two categories: insoluble fibre and soluble fibre.

Insoluble fibre

Insoluble fibre (found in wholegrain cereals and grains, and some fruits and vegetables) adds bulk to the
contents of the gut, speeding their transit and it is thought to help protect against constipation and other bowel
disorders

Soluble fibre

Soluble fibre (found in pulses such as beans and lentils, fruit, vegetables and also oats, barley and rye) helps to
reduce blood cholesterol levels and to regulate blood sugar levels.

At present the average intake of fibre in the UK is 14g/day in adults. Experts recommend that fibre intakes
should be as high as 18g/day.

Consumption of brown, wholegrain, wholemeal and high fibre varieties of carbohydrate will help to increase
fibre intake.
Protein
Proteins are essential for growth and maintenance of body tissues and for the production of substances such as
hormones and enzymes which help to control many functions within the body. If insufficient carbohydrate and
fat are available in the diet, then protein may also be used to provide the body with energy.

Proteins are made from building blocks known as amino acids.

There are 20 different amino acids.

Some amino acids can be made in the body and others can only be supplied by the diet -these are known as the
essential amino acids.

Some foods are better providers of these amino acids than others. Those which contain all the essential amino
acids are known as “high biological value” foods e.g. milk and dairy foods, meat, eggs etc.

Those which contain fewer of the essential amino acids are known as “low biological value” foods e.g. cereals,
beans, lentils and nuts.

However if a wide variety of foods are consumed in the correct proportions the different protein sources can
work together to provide the ideal levels of the different amino acids.

Fat
Fats are essential for many reasons:

 They are a provider of energy

 They are involved in forming cell membranes
 They are a vehicle for the provision of fat soluble vitamins such as Vitamins A, E, D and K
 They are involved in making hormones
 They provide insulation; keeping us warm.
 They provide us with a shock absorbing, protective layer

Fats are made from building blocks called fatty acids.

There are three types of fatty acids - saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

The fat in food contains a mixture of all three fatty acids, in different proportions in different foods.

Saturated fats

Foods that contain the higher proportion of saturated fatty acids include fats and oils (e.g. butter, hard
margarine, some blended cooking oils), meat and its products (e.g. pies, lard, suet), whole milk and its products,
coconut and palm oil.

Monounsaturated fats

Olives, olive oil and rapeseed oil are the best providers of monounsaturated fatty acids.

Polyunsaturated fats

Fats and oils containing large amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids are derived mainly from seeds and nuts
and include pure sunflower, safflower, sesame, soya, corn oils, and sunflower and soya margarine.

Two polyunsaturated fatty acids, linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids cannot be made in the body and must be
provided in the diet. These are called essential fatty acids.

These essential fatty acids are known as the "parent" fatty acids of 2 families of unsaturated fatty acids. The
parent fatty acids undergo various different chemical reactions to produce the different fatty acids within each
family, which have numerous different and important functions within the body.
Linoleic acid is the parent fatty acid of the n-6 family of fatty acids and alpha-linolenic acid is the parent fatty
acid of the n-3 family of fatty acids.

Vegetable oils, eggs and poultry are good providers of n-6 fatty acids which are important for the formation of
membranes in the body.

Unrefined fish oils and oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines are good providers of n-3 or Omega 3
fatty acids which are important for the correct formation of nerves and have been linked to numerous health
benefits such as reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and improved brain function.

Experts advise that too much fat, in particular saturated fatty acids, may lead to raised levels of blood
cholesterol in some people which, in turn, is a risk factor for coronary heart disease.

As a result, government guidelines recommend that fat should provide no more than 35% of daily food energy,
with saturates providing no more than 11%, polyunsaturates contributing no more than 6.5% and trans fatty
acids no more than 2% of the daily food energy intake.

NB: These recommendations for fat intake do not apply to children under five years of age.

Trans fats

Trans fats are formed when the structure of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are altered during a
process called hydrogenation. They are often found in processed foods such as biscuits, cakes and margarines.

Trans fatty acids found in industrially produced products have been shown to have a negative effect on risk
factors for CVD. In the UK efforts have been made to reduce or remove trans fatty acids from margarines and
spreads through the use of new techniques and many now have minimal amounts of trans fatty acids.

Trans fatty acids also occur naturally in small amounts in milk and milk products and have been created in the
stomach of ruminant animals (such as cows and sheep).

Vitamins, minerals and trace elements

Vitamins, minerals and trace elements are required for numerous functions within the body and deficiencies can
lead to serious health problems.

They are required in much smaller amounts than fats, carbohydrates and proteins and are therefore known as
micronutrients.

The department of health recommends specific amounts of each micronutrient for certain sub groups of the
population known as dietary reference values (DRVs).

These recommendations only apply to healthy people and should only be used as a general guideline as
individual requirements are likely to vary.

There are two types of vitamins, water-soluble and fat soluble.

Water-soluble vitamins

Water soluble vitamins travel around the body in the bloodstream and are picked up by cells when they are
needed. Water-soluble vitamins that are not required by the body are excreted in the urine.

Fat soluble vitamins

Fat soluble vitamins are stored in body fat (for a few days or as long as 6 months) until the body needs them.

 Water soluble vitamins:

o Vitamin B1 (thiamin)
o Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
o Vitamin B6
o Vitamin B12
 o Folate
o Niacin
o Biotin
o Pantothenic acid
o Vitamin C

 Fat soluble vitamins:

o Vitamin A
o Vitamin D
o Vitamin E
o Vitamin K

Minerals and trace elements

Minerals and trace elements are similar to vitamins and are required in very small or trace amounts to maintain
good health.

Minerals tend to be required in milligram (mg) quantities and trace elements tend to be required in much
smaller amounts - microgram (μg) quantities.

Some are found only in a few foods, so it is important that these foods are included in the diet on a regular basis
e.g. the main providers of calcium in the diet are milk, cheese and yogurt . Some foods are also fortified with
minerals, for example, iron is added to some breakfast cereals.

 Minerals:
o Calcium
o Chloride
o Fluoride
o Iron
o Magnesium
o Phosphorus
o Potassium
o Sodium
o Zinc

 Trace elements:
o Copper
o Chromium
o Iodine
o Manganese
o Molybdenum
o Selenium

Consumption of a balanced and varied diet should ensure adequate levels of all vitamins, minerals and trace
elements are received.

It is always better to receive the recommended levels of vitamins, minerals and trace elements through
consumption of food sources rather than artificial supplements. However supplements are sometimes useful,
particularly if you have an increased requirement for one or several nutrients e.g. pregnant women, infants,
older people who don't go out of doors or ethnic groups who wear coverall clothing etc.

It is always a good idea to seek advice from a state registered dietitian if you feel that supplements are
necessary.

One form of ergogenic aid is pharmacological. These include performance enhancing drugs, both illegal and
legal. They have been used by sports competitors for many years and can be very effective.

However, pharmacological aids should be used with caution as even the legal ones can have unpleasant side
effects.
Before you are tempted to try any pharmacological aid, it is important to do sufficient research to find out the
effectiveness of the products, any possible side effects and if the drug is legal. Here is a look at some
pharmacological supplements:

 Legal
o Creatine Monohydrate - Long-term supplementation has shown significant gains in performance,
strength and fat-free mass which may be due to increased muscle mass or water retention.

o Caffeine - it stimulates the central nervous system and has been used by some athletes as an
ergogenic aid in endurance exercise. Caffeine does not seem to benefit short-term high intensity
exercise.
 Illegal
o Amphetamines - they stimulate the central nervous system and have been used by some athletes
to enhance performance. They increase blood pressure, heart rate and blood flow to the active
muscles.

o Anabolic Steroid - Anabolic steroids are one group of these hormonal drugs and are used by
some athletes. They are taken to allow for an increase in training time and intensity and to reduce
the recovery time required between training sessions.

If you want to improve your sports performance, use products that have been proven safe. They are legal,
healthy, and they work. To gain a more competitive edge, nothing works better than proper training, correct
technique, and good coaching.

During an anabolic state, tissues found within the human body obtain energy for growth and maintenance.
Anabolism requires energy to occur, unlike catabolism, which actually provides the energy source for the
anabolic state to take place.

Understanding Anabolism

The opposite of breaking down, defined as building up, serves as a perfect explanation of anabolism. The
anabolic state acts as the complete opposite of the catabolic state, one that requires no energy to occur.

Through the initial catabolic process of breaking down larger food molecules into smaller energy sources, the
body oxidizes these tiny chemical strands and uses most of the energy to drive anabolism forward.

Picture a single sphere entering the human body. The digestion process breaks this one object into many small
spheres. Then, muscles, which have endured physical exercise or work, absorb these small objects, rebuilding
them into the original single sphere. The balance of these two processes enables the body to maintain healthy,
normal physical function.

Striving for The Anabolic State

In order for the body to encounter an anabolic state, it must consume a source of energy. Foods or supplements
with helpful nutrients enable muscle tissue to receive said energy. However, when individuals do not consume
enough food, a higher rate of catabolism will occur. This effect ultimately harms healthy muscle and body
tissue after extended periods of time.

In extreme cases of self starvation, the body begins to deplete its essential and healthy fat deposits along with
muscle tissue in order to survive.

Realistically, if humans were able to maintain a constant state of pure and healthy anabolism, everyone would
have bulging muscle mass on every region of their bodies. Many professional sports athletes have used
anabolic-inducing drugs or supplements that promote absorption of food energy and protein into muscle tissue.
Several of these individuals have been caught, suspended or penalized.

Benefiting From Anabolism

The anabolic state helps people achieve their fitness goals. Not only does anabolism help muscle tissue grow
and maintain a healthy state, bone density also has the ability to increase through the anabolic process.
In order to help the energy-needy areas within the human body, proper diet and exercise remain of high
importance. Those who face more physical activity will generally need more energy in order to counteract the
catabolic state. Some forms of exercise actually break down muscle tissue and release hormones that further act
to deplete energy storage.

People who intend to lose weight, gain muscle or maintain a desirable physique all similarly benefit from
consuming nutrient-dense foods before and after physical activity. This helps provide the body with energy
which will eventually reach muscle tissue.

As mentioned in the previous section, the balance between anabolism and catabolism remains highly crucial for
both those involved in regular physical activities and for others who do not endure much physical activity.
Hormonal imbalances do pose the threat of increasing or decreasing either step of these metabolic processes.

Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are synthetically produced variants of the naturally occurring male sex
hormone testosterone. "Anabolic" refers to muscle-building, and "androgenic" refers to increased male sexual
characteristics. "Steroids" refers to the class of drugs. These drugs can be legally prescribed to treat conditions
resulting from steroid hormone deficiency, such as delayed puberty, as well as diseases that result in loss of lean
muscle mass, such as cancer and AIDS.

How Are AAS Abused?

Some people, both athletes and nonathletes, abuse AAS in an attempt to enhance performance and/or improve
physical appearance. AAS are taken orally or injected, typically in cycles rather than continuously. "Cycling"
refers to a pattern of use in which steroids are taken for periods of weeks or months, after which use is stopped
for a period of time and then restarted. In addition, users often combine several different types of steroids in an
attempt to maximize their effectiveness, a practice referred to as "stacking."

How Do AAS Affect the Brain?

The immediate effects of AAS in the brain are mediated by their binding to androgen (male sex hormone) and
estrogen (female sex hormone) receptors on the surface of a cell. This AAS–receptor complex can then shuttle
into the cell nucleus to influence patterns of gene expression. Because of this, the acute effects of AAS in the
brain are substantially different from those of other drugs of abuse. The most important difference is that AAS
are not euphorigenic, meaning they do not trigger rapid increases in the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is
responsible for the “high” that often drives substance abuse behaviors. However, long-term use of AAS can
eventually have an impact on some of the same brain pathways and chemicals—such as dopamine, serotonin,
and opioid systems—that are affected by other drugs of abuse. Considering the combined effect of their
complex direct and indirect actions, it is not surprising that AAS can affect mood and behavior in significant
ways.

AAS and Mental Health

Preclinical, clinical, and anecdotal reports suggest that steroids may contribute to psychiatric dysfunction.
Research shows that abuse of anabolic steroids may lead to aggression and other adverse effects.1 For example,
although many users report feeling good about themselves while on anabolic steroids, extreme mood swings can
also occur, including manic-like symptoms that could lead to violence.2 Researchers have also observed that
users may suffer from paranoid jealousy, extreme irritability, delusions, and impaired judgment stemming from
feelings of invincibility.

Addictive Potential

Animal studies have shown that AAS are reinforcing—that is, animals will self-administer AAS when given the
opportunity, just as they do with other addictive drugs. This property is more difficult to demonstrate in
humans, but the potential for AAS abusers to become addicted is consistent with their continued abuse despite
physical problems and negative effects on social relations.5 Also, steroid abusers typically spend large amounts
of time and money obtaining the drug: this is another indication of addiction. Individuals who abuse steroids
can experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking AAS—these include mood swings, fatigue,
restlessness, loss of appetite, insomnia, reduced sex drive, and steroid cravings, all of which may contribute to
continued abuse. One of the most dangerous withdrawal symptoms is depression— when persistent, it can
sometimes lead to suicide attempts.
Research also indicates that some users might turn to other drugs to alleviate some of the negative effects of
AAS. For example, a study of 227 men admitted in 1999 to a private treatment center for dependence on heroin
or other opioids found that 9.3 percent had abused AAS before trying any other illicit drug. Of these, 86 percent
first used opioids to counteract insomnia and irritability resulting from the steroids.

What Other Adverse Effects Do AAS Have on Health?

Steroid abuse can lead to serious, even irreversible health problems. Some of the most dangerous among these
include liver damage; jaundice (yellowish pigmentation of skin, tissues, and body fluids); fluid retention; high
blood pressure; increases in LDL ("bad" cholesterol); and decreases in HDL ("good" cholesterol). Other
reported effects include renal failure, severe acne, and trembling. In addition, there are some gender- and age-
specific adverse effects:

 For men—shrinking of the testicles, reduced sperm count, infertility, baldness, development of breasts,
increased risk for prostate cancer
 For women—growth of facial hair, male-pattern baldness, changes in or cessation of the menstrual
cycle, enlargement of the clitoris, deepened voice
 For adolescents—stunted growth due to premature skeletal maturation and accelerated puberty changes;
risk of not reaching expected height if AAS is taken before the typical adolescent growth spurt

In addition, people who inject AAS run the added risk of contracting or transmitting HIV/AIDS or hepatitis,
which causes serious damage to the liver.

What Treatment Options Exist?

There has been very little research on treatment for AAS abuse. Current knowledge derives largely from the
experiences of a small number of physicians who have worked with patients undergoing steroid withdrawal.
They have learned that, in general, supportive therapy combined with education about possible withdrawal
symptoms is sufficient in some cases. Sometimes, medications can be used to restore the balance of the
hormonal system after its disruption by steroid abuse. If symptoms are severe or prolonged, symptomatic
medications or hospitalization may be needed.

How Widespread Is AAS Abuse?

Monitoring the Future is an annual survey used to assess drug use among the Nation's 8th-, 10th-, and 12th-
grade students. While steroid use remained stable among all grades from 2007 to 2008, there has been a
significant reduction since 2001 for nearly all prevalence periods (i.e., lifetime,** past-year, and past-month
use) among all grades surveyed. The exception was past-month use among 12th-graders, which has remained
stable. Males consistently report higher rates of use than females: for example, in 2008, 2.5 percent of 12th-
grade males, versus 0.6 percent of 12th-grade females, reported past-year use.

Caffeine content can range from as much as 160 milligrams in some energy drinks to as little as 4 milligrams in a 1-ounce
serving of chocolate-flavored syrup. Even decaffeinated coffee isn't completely free of caffeine. Caffeine is also present
in some over-the-counter pain relievers, cold medications, and diet pills. These products can contain as little as 16
milligrams or as much as 200 milligrams of caffeine. In fact, caffeine itself is a mild painkiller and increases the
effectiveness of other pain relievers.

Caffeine Myth No. 1: Caffeine Is Addictive

This one has some truth to it, depending on what you mean by "addictive." Caffeine is a stimulant to the central
nervous system, and regular use of caffeine does cause mild physical dependence. But caffeine doesn't threaten
your physical, social, or economic health the way addictive drugs do. (Although after seeing your monthly
spending at the coffee shop, you might disagree!)

If you stop taking caffeine abruptly, you may have symptoms for a day or more, especially if you consume two
or more cups of coffee a day. Symptoms of withdrawal from caffeine include:

 headache
 fatigue
 anxiety
 irritability
  depressed mood
 difficulty concentrating

No doubt, caffeine withdrawal can make for a few bad days. However, caffeine does not cause the severity of
withdrawal or harmful drug-seeking behaviors as street drugs or alcohol. For this reason, most experts don't
consider caffeine dependence a serious addiction.

Caffeine Myth No. 2: Caffeine Is Likely to Cause Insomnia

Your body quickly absorbs caffeine. But it also gets rid of it quickly. Processed mainly through the liver,
caffeine has a relatively short half-life. This means it takes about five to seven hours, on average, to eliminate
half of it from your body. After eight to 10 hours, 75% of the caffeine is gone. For most people, a cup of coffee
or two in the morning won't interfere with sleep at night.

Consuming caffeine later in the day, however, can interfere with sleep. If you're like most people, your sleep
won't be affected if you don't consume caffeine at least six hours before going to bed. Your sensitivity may
vary, though, depending on your metabolism and the amount of caffeine you regularly consume. People who
are more sensitive may not only experience insomnia but also have caffeine side effects of nervousness and
gastrointestinal upset.

Caffeine Myth No. 3: Caffeine Increases the Risk of Osteoporosis, Heart Disease, and Cancer

Moderate amounts of daily caffeine -- about 300 milligrams, or three cups of coffee -- apparently cause no harm
in most healthy adults. Some people are more vulnerable to its effects, however. That includes such people as
those who have high blood pressure or are older. Here are the facts:

 Osteoporosis and caffeine. At high levels (more than 744 milligrams/day), caffeine may increase
calcium and magnesium loss in urine. But recent studies suggest it does not increase your risk for bone
loss, especially if you get enough calcium. You can offset the calcium lost from drinking one cup of
coffee by adding just two tablespoons of milk. However, research does show some links between
caffeine and hip fracture risk in older adults. Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of
caffeine on calcium metabolism. If you're an older woman, discuss with your health care provider
whether you should limit your daily caffeine intake to 300 milligrams or less.
 Cardiovascular disease and caffeine. A slight, temporary rise in heart rate and blood pressure is
common in those who are sensitive to caffeine. But several large studies do not link caffeine to higher
cholesterol, irregular heartbeats, or an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. If you already have high
blood pressure or heart problems, though, have a discussion with your doctor about your caffeine intake.
You may be more sensitive to its effects. Also, more research is needed to tell whether caffeine
increases the risk for stroke in people with high blood pressure.
 Cancer and caffeine. Reviews of 13 studies involving 20,000 people revealed no relationship between
cancer and caffeine. In fact, caffeine may even have a protective effect against certain cancers.

Caffeine Myth No. 4: Caffeine Is Harmful for Women Trying to Get Pregnant

Many studies show no links between low amounts of caffeine (a cup of coffee per day) and any of the
following:

 trouble conceiving
 miscarriage
 birth defects
 premature birth
 low birth rate

At the same time, for pregnant women or those attempting pregnancy, the March of Dimes suggests fewer than
200 milligrams of caffeine per day. That's largely because in limited studies, women consuming higher amounts
of caffeine had an increased risk for miscarriage.

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Caffeine Myths and Facts

In this article

 Caffeine Myth No. 1: Caffeine Is Addictive

 Caffeine Myth No. 2: Caffeine Is Likely to Cause Insomnia
 Caffeine Myth No. 3: Caffeine Increases the Risk of Osteoporosis, Heart Disease, and Cancer
 Caffeine Myth No. 4: Caffeine Is Harmful for Women Trying to Get Pregnant
 Caffeine Myth No. 5: Caffeine Has a Dehydrating Effect
 Caffeine Myth No. 6: Caffeine Harms Children, Who, Today, Consume Even More Than Adults
 Caffeine Myth No. 7: Caffeine Can Help You Sober Up
 Caffeine Myth No. 8: Caffeine Has No Health Benefits

Caffeine Myth No. 4: Caffeine Is Harmful for Women Trying to Get Pregnant

Many studies show no links between low amounts of caffeine (a cup of coffee per day) and any of the
following:

 trouble conceiving
 miscarriage
 birth defects
 premature birth
 low birth rate

At the same time, for pregnant women or those attempting pregnancy, the March of Dimes suggests fewer than
200 milligrams of caffeine per day. That's largely because in limited studies, women consuming higher amounts
of caffeine had an increased risk for miscarriage.
slideshow

Surprising Addictions
start

Caffeine Myth No. 5: Caffeine Has a Dehydrating Effect

Caffeine can make you need to urinate. However, the fluid you consume in caffeinated beverages tends to offset
the effects of fluid loss when you urinate. The bottom line is that although caffeine does act as a mild diuretic,
studies show drinking caffeinated drinks in moderation doesn't actually cause dehydration.

Caffeine Myth No. 6: Caffeine Harms Children, Who, Today, Consume Even More Than
Adults

As of 2004, children ages 6 to 9 consumed about 22 milligrams of caffeine per day. This is well within the
recommended limit. However, energy drinks that contain a lot of caffeine are becoming increasingly popular, so
this number may go up.

Some kids are sensitive to caffeine, developing temporary anxiety or irritability, with a "crash" afterwards.
Also, most caffeine that kids drink is in sodas, energy drinks, or sweetened teas, all of which have high sugar
content. These empty calories put kids at higher risk for obesity.

Even if the caffeine itself isn't harmful, caffeinated drinks are generally not good for kids.

Caffeine Myth No. 7: Caffeine Can Help You Sober Up

Actually, research suggests that people only think caffeine helps them sober up. For example, people who drink
caffeine along with alcohol think they're OK behind the wheel. But the truth is reaction time and judgment are
still impaired. College kids who drink both alcohol and caffeine are actually more likely to have car accidents.

Caffeine Myth No. 8: Caffeine Has No Health Benefits

Caffeine has few proven health benefits. But the list of caffeine's potential benefits is interesting. Any regular
coffee drinker may tell you that caffeine improves alertness, concentration, energy, clear-headedness, and
feelings of sociability. You might even be the type who needs that first cup o' Joe each morning before you say
a single word. Scientific studies support these subjective findings. One French study even showed a slower
decline in cognitive ability among women who consumed caffeine.

Other possible benefits include helping certain types of headache pain. Some people's asthma also appears to
benefit from caffeine. These research findings are intriguing, but still need to be proven.

Limited evidence suggests caffeine may also reduce the risk of the following:
  Parkinson's disease
 liver disease
 colorectal cancer
 type 2 diabetes
 dementia

Despite its potential benefits, don't forget that high levels of caffeine may have adverse effects. More studies are
needed to confirm both its benefits and potential risks.

What is amphetamine?

Amphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant that affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute
to hyperactivity and impulse control.

Amphetamine is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The Evekeo brand of amphetamine is used to treat ADHD and also narcolepsy. Evekeo is sometimes used to
treat obesity in people who have not lost weight with diets or other treatments.

Amphetamine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to amphetamine: hives; difficult
breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using amphetamine and call your doctor at once if you have:

 chest pain, trouble breathing, feeling like you might pass out;
 fast heartbeats, rapid breathing;
 confusion, unusual thoughts, paranoia, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real);
 new behavior problems, aggression, anger, feeling irritable;
 numbness, pain, cold feeling, unexplained wounds, or skin color changes (pale, red, or blue appearance)
in your fingers or toes;
 changes in your vision; or
 unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness,
and dark colored urine).

Amphetamine can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while
using this medicine.

Common amphetamine side effects may include:

 stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;

 diarrhea, constipation;
 weight loss;
 mood changes, feeling restless or nervous, sleep problems (insomnia);
 dry mouth, unusual or unpleasant taste in the mouth;
 runny nose, nosebleeds;
 increased heart rate;
 headache, dizziness;
 itching; or
 impotence, sexual problems.

What is ephedrine?

Ephedrine is used for temporary relief of shortness of breath, chest tightness, and wheezing due to bronchial
asthma. Ephedrine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Ephedrine is a decongestant and bronchodilator. It works by reducing swelling and constricting blood vessels in
the nasal passages and widening the lung airways, allowing you to breathe more easily.
Do not use ephedrine if:

 you are allergic to this medication.

 you do not have a diagnosis of asthma
 you have a diagnosis of asthma but use prescription asthma medications
 if you have ever been hospitalized for asthma
 you are taking a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (eg, phenelzine) now or have taken an MAO inhibitor in
the last 14 days. If you do not know if your prescription drug contains an MAO inhibitor, ask your health care
provider before taking this product.
 you have high blood pressure, heart disease, an irregular heartbeat, thyroid disease, diabetes, or difficulty in
urination due to enlargement of the prostate gland or other severe heart problems

Before using ephedrine:

Some medical conditions may interact with ephedrine. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical
conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

 if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

 if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
 if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
 if you have a history of heart problems, diabetes, glaucoma, an enlarged prostate or other prostate problems,
adrenal gland problems, high blood pressure, seizures, stroke, blood vessel problems, an overactive thyroid, or
severe asthma

Some medicines may interact with ephedrine. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other
medicines, especially any of the following:

 Beta-blockers (eg, propranolol), cocaine, indomethacin, methyldopa, MAO inhibitors (eg, phenelzine), linezolid,
oxytocic medicines (eg, oxytocin), rauwolfia derivatives (eg, reserpine), or tricyclic antidepressants (eg,
amitriptyline), or ergot alkaloids (eg, dihydroergotamine) because the actions and side effects of ephedrine may
be increased
 Bromocriptine, catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors (eg, entacapone), or digoxin because the
actions and side effects of these medicines may be increased
 Guanadrel, guanethidine, mecamylamine, methyldopa, or reserpine because its effectiveness may be decreased
by ephedrine

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if ephedrine
may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or
change the dose of any medicine.

How to use ephedrine:

Use this medication as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

 ephedrine may be taken with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach
irritation.
 If you miss a dose of ephedrine and are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your
next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use ephedrine.

Important safety information:

 ephedrine may cause dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous
until you know how you react to ephedrine. Using ephedrine alone, with certain other medicines, or with
alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
 If your symptoms do not improve within 7 days or if you develop a high fever, check with your doctor.
 If you have trouble sleeping, ask your pharmacist or doctor about the best time to take this medication.
 Do not take diet or appetite control medicines while you are taking ephedrine.
 Before you begin taking any new prescription or nonprescription medicine, read the ingredients to see if it also
contains ephedrine. If it does or if you are uncertain, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
  Diabetes patients - ephedrine may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely and ask your doctor
before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine.
 Use this medication with caution in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects.
 Use ephedrine with extreme caution in children. Safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
 Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It is unknown if this medication can cause harm to the fetus. If you become
pregnant while taking ephedrine, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using ephedrine during
pregnancy. Ephedrine is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using
ephedrine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of ephedrine:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor
if any of these most common side effects persist longer than one hours or become worse:

 Dizziness; headache; nausea; nervousness; tremor; loss of appetite; restlessness; sleeplessness; stomach
irritation.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

 Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips,
or tongue); difficulty urinating.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur.

HYPNOSIS

Hypnosis, also referred to as hypnotherapy or hypnotic suggestion, is a trance-like state in which you have
heightened focus and concentration. Hypnosis is usually done with the help of a therapist using verbal repetition
and mental images. When you're under hypnosis, you usually feel calm and relaxed, and are more open to
suggestions.

Hypnosis can be used to help you gain control over undesired behaviors or to help you cope better with anxiety
or pain. It's important to know that although you're more open to suggestion during hypnosis, you don't lose
control over your behavior.

Psychotherapy is a general term for treating mental health problems by talking with a psychiatrist, psychologist
or other mental health provider.

During psychotherapy, you learn about your condition and your moods, feelings, thoughts and behaviors.
Psychotherapy helps you learn how to take control of your life and respond to challenging situations with
healthy coping skills.

There are many types of psychotherapy, each with its own approach. The type of psychotherapy that's right for
you depends on your individual situation. Psychotherapy is also known as talk therapy, counseling,
psychosocial therapy or, simply, therapy.

DMSO is used topically to decrease pain and speed the healing of wounds, burns, and muscle and skeletal injuries.
DMSO is also used topically to treat painful conditions such as headache, inflammation, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid
arthritis, and severe facial pain called tic douloureux. It is used topically for eye conditions including cataracts, glaucoma,
and problems with the retina; for foot conditions including bunions, calluses, and fungus on toenails; and for skin
conditions including keloid scars and scleroderma. It is sometimes used topically to treat skin and tissue damage caused
by chemotherapy when it leaks from the IV that is used to deliver it. DMSO is used either alone or in combination with a
drug called idoxuridine to treat pain associated with shingles (herpeszoster infection).

Ephedra is an herb. Usually, the branches and tops are used to make medicine, but the root or whole plant can also be
used. Ephedra is banned in the U.S. due to safety concerns.

Mormon tea and ephedra are often confused. Mormon tea or American ephedra comes from Ephedra nevadensis, and
ephedra or ma huang comes primarily from Ephedra sinica. Mormon tea lacks the chemicals (notably ephedrine) that
give ephedra its effects and potentially serious side effects.

Ephedra is used for weight loss and obesity and to enhance athletic performance. It is also used for allergies and hay
fever; nasal congestion; and respiratory tract conditions such as bronchospasm, asthma, and bronchitis. It is also used
for colds, flu, swine flu, fever, chills, headache, inability to sweat, joint and bone pain, and as a “water pill” to increase
urine flow in people who retain fluids.

Ephedra use is banned by the National Collegiate Athletic Association, International Olympic Committee, and National
Football League.

Ephedra is sometimes marketed as a recreational drug "herbal ecstasy." The FDA has announced that ephedra products
marketed as recreational drugs are unapproved and that misbranded drugs can be taken by the authorities.