I can agree that the ability to really murder your appetite might have a huge advantage on a cut but it is all personal preference. For me ephedrine makes me feel good and crushes my appetite for 2-3 weeks before the effects begin to fade. I've never used ephedra so I can not comment on its effects on appetite.
lol
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The wealth of knowledge available on the archives of this board is invaluable... id take some time with the search feature as I think youll likely find such a thread already exists in one form or another....
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Ephedra makes me feel like a turd sandwhich, ephedrine a million bucks.Seriously, I have yet to me someone from the 90's and early 2000's that dont wish old school ephedra was still around OTC, ephedrine is garbage in comparison in both effects and fat loss progress. Nothing compares to the old school Xenadrine RFA-1, Adipokinex (nor-ephedrine,) Original Ripped Fuel...nothing unless you get into clen or something.
Ephedra makes me feel like a turd sandwhich, ephedrine a million bucks.
Sorry when i double checked it worked... prob only cause of my own cookies...That link doesnt work my friend.
Sorry when i double checked it worked... prob only cause of my own cookies...
It was an advanced search for ephedra vs ephedrine... pulled up loads of good threads
I couldn't even make it a month..lol I wanted to die after a few days. In fact it kept me from trying ephedrine until this year, because of my experiences from back in the early 2000's with ephedra..I agree...after a month I feel like death when trying to cycle off ephedra.
I couldn't even make it a month..lol I wanted to die after a few days. In fact it kept me from trying ephedrine until this year, because of my experiences from back in the early 2000's with ephedra..
I am about to add in some Yo HCL as my A-Y is about done, so hopefully I can tolerate that OK..hah
Regular yohimnine really isnt suggested w/ ephedrine. Its not really a great health decision. Good effective dose for yohimbine hcl is .2mg/kg of bodyweight which is 15-20mg per serving.
Id stick with ephedrine and Alpha-burn, or HEAT.
I never had issues getting it up on EC stack, curious to try real ephedra to see what it is all about but it is HARD to come by.
ax1 said:3 most effective fat burners I have ever used in order in my 18 years experience are
1. Xenadrine RFA-1 and the original Ripped Fuel w/ MaHuang (tie)
2. Original Slim Xtreme
3. Ephedrine/Caffeine/Alpha-Burn stack
Never ran clen and its not in my interest, and I never had the chance to run nor-ephedrine (adipo-kinex)
There is black market for ephedra/caffeine pills and NYC stack at a research lab site, but who knows the quality. Quality is everything. Dont get fooled by those Ephedra Leaves or Ephedra extract products.
hi guys, I've purchased a box of diamond labs eca stack, i was wondering if i can take it at empty stomach before morning cardio session. The labels say to take it with breakfast, but i can not eat before cardio since i want to do fasted cardio, now i ask you: Is There Any risk in taking eca at empty stomach?
Also I have an other question: my cardio workout consists of running 10 miles in a steady state mode, but since the path has many ascents and descents, there are continuous changes of rhythm and then heartbeat. this workout is dangerous to associate with eca?
As with many nutraceuticals, ECA will hit harder on an empty stomach, in large part due to a wide open blood/brain barrier and the absence of an elevated insulin level. You can enhance even this (insofar as intensity and duration of action), by consuming with 8oz of canned grapefruit juice given it contains liberal amounts of narginin. Also, GF juice is a mild diuretic and will remove more than its weight in water.
Your proposed cardio here while adequate, likely isn't optimal. I rather favor fasted state High Intensity Interval Training vs. a graduated or undulating LISS session lasting 10 miles. For although you'll burn roughly the same # of calories, a higher % of those will come from stored bodyfat in a HIIT session - given blood glucose will be low. In addition, Low Intensity Steady State (LISS cardio) work isn't ideal, at least when used frequently. Witness for example, the physique of a long distance runner vs. a sprinter.
Big difference...
Finally, while both herbal/synthetic ECA are well tolerated and efficacious according to studies done by Harvard, Columbia University and overseas etc., it's always a good idea to rule out any pre-existing conditions (i.e. high blood pressure). Consider for example, mixed nuts. I can eat handfuls of them, until the cows come home. The slightest amount of hazelnut though, almost killed a good friend of mine. Rushed to the ER after his air passages closed.
Caveat emptor, and all that...![]()
Over 20 years experience with both the synthetic and herbal extracts, including from both source genus': Sida Cordifolia and Ma Huang.
THE SHORT ANSWER: Provided you have a quality extract, both the synthetic and herbal E plus C have been shown to be both safe and efficacious. This, according to peer reviewed, published studies done at Beth Israel Medical Center (branch of Harvard), Columbia University and overseas. The synthetic is prone to a sharper rise/fall in energy levels, given it usually consists of the two strongest stereo-isomers. The herbal equivalents, lead to a smoother rise/fall which many enjoy as it mitigates the "crash" associated with such.
If I had my druthers (and I do...), I rather favor the herbal extracts given they're less harsh and convey a better appetite suppression effect, over a longer time period. It's difficult these days though, to obtain those quality extracts vs. years past. The synthetics are easy enough to find, but in the U.S. they require a drivers license/other ID plus signature. Not a big fan of that. You should know that the import laws allow for up to 6g it is I believe, by mail order and up to 9 at point of sale - in any 30 day period.
Interesting note: Restricting ephedrine/ephedra sales in this country was done via The Patriot Act, of all things.
Nice post...hope you dont mind if I quote you below in a response from you on which is better, ephedra or ephedrine...
Your proposed cardio here while adequate, likely isn't optimal. I rather favor fasted state High Intensity Interval Training vs. a graduated or undulating LISS session lasting 10 miles. For although you'll burn roughly the same # of calories, a higher % of those will come from stored bodyfat in a HIIT session - given blood glucose will be low.
In trained individuals fasted training vs. fed training fat expenditure appears to be unimpaired. Also you will burn similar calories in both types of exercise however HIIT has a much great EPOC effect. I would not suggest using HIIT however in individuals in a calorie deficit, especially natural athletes. HIIT is incredibly taxing on the lower body and someone cutting down needs time to recover, incorporating HIIT into a weight loss routine will really **** with leg days and imo leg days are more important then shaving some calories off your day with cardio.
In trained individuals fasted training vs. fed training fat expenditure appears to be unimpaired. Also you will burn similar calories in both types of exercise however HIIT has a much great EPOC effect. I would not suggest using HIIT however in individuals in a calorie deficit, especially natural athletes. HIIT is incredibly taxing on the lower body and someone cutting down needs time to recover, incorporating HIIT into a weight loss routine will really **** with leg days and imo leg days are more important then shaving some calories off your day with cardio.
Ive cut down my HIIT training to once a week...and the furthest day away from my Leg day with better success on my lifting than doing it several times a week. Another option although unconventional would be to run HIIT cardio on leg day in a second and later training session allowing more complete rest days the rest of the week although I cannot tolerate this protocol myself.
There is some merit in what you're saying here, although I respectfully disagree with a portion of it. Allow me then, to elaborate..
I think there is significantly LESS risk of LBM loss with HIIT, especially if nutrient intervention is used (more on that, in 3.0...). My Blueprint trainees for example, are using HIIT to fantastic effect while in an OVERALL caloric deficit - albeit we use VERY specific, graduated caloric zig-zags in combination with the training template.
Ironically I've used this protocol myself for a few weeks last time I cut down but the DOMS was stupid and I dropped it altogether
I remember reading a study a while back that HIIT cardio will give you a continued increase in metabolism for hours after a training session so even if a short HIIT session and longer LISS training can equate to an equal caloric expenditure at the end of each training session HIIT will pull ahead hours after your finished.
Curious, would you please detail the type, duration and other particulars surrounding your HIIT sessions? My intent here isn't to poke holes, only to assist if I can. We have some very unique supp strategies to mitigate any DOMS relating to such, although the fundamentals (intensity, volume and frequency) of exercise are always the focus.
Many thanks. Hopefully, we can all learn how to better address...
When I cut down I prefer the pretty simply every other day routine. Power each time, never for volume on a cut and it simply rotates between upper and lower. I can maintain and still grow on a cut simply due to my lack of experience(I've only been in this game for a year now) and with my initial weight loss HIIT was a huge impact. Last time I cut down and used HIIT I was using an IF style diet. My leg session would come around 1.5 hours after getting about 100G of carbs with some SS. I would have BCAAs and Gatorade while lifting and preferred to run shortly after my lift. If I waited for a period it was challenging because my legs become weaker as the day goes on after a leg exercise, or at least feel more sore.
Cardiac problems will surely arise
Many thanks...
We seek to solve for this by performing our cardio sessions on "off" days, or those during which there is no weight training. With this approach, we keep insulin much lower given there is no pre-HIIT/cardio carb intake. Further, we utilize a strategy wherein either Glycine or GABA + BCAA's are utilized. Doing so holds much merit, as there is evidence in a transient (although biologically active) GH release in the amount of no less than 480% (Invalid Link Removed).
With respect to BCAA ingestion, we utilize such but with a very specific timing of that dose - given concurrent administration of large neutral amino acids can be problematic. In English, ingesting other large neutral amino's (and especially whole proteins/mixed meals), will compete (and win) with GABA while crossing the blood/brain barrier, washing out GABA's effects.
We do of course, have strategies to address in the absence of supplementation. The key point here is this: In The Blueprint, we never train with less than 100% of what's needed on weight training days. Off days are a different story, and we aim to maximize the merits of a caloric deficit during that time. Make hay while the sun is shining, as they say...
Finally, your point is particularly relevant for those with an ectomorph-like somatype. Whereas meso and endomorphs will stand to lose less LBM with HIIT, ectomorphs in particular need to take (in some cases) extraordinary measures to mitigate muscle loss. This is especially true if toying with an IF type approach, although I'm convinced it can be done.
Again, I appreciate you sharing and hope this is of some benefit...
lol...I just realized when you said that you were supporting my statement about avoiding stacking ephedrine and 1,3 dim. Im juggling diplomacy on the phone over here and multitasking and I originally thought you were referring to another statement I made about long term continuous use of just ephedrine.
Im over the hill, thats why I have my son taking over day to day activities.
Personally I advise against the use of GABA for HIIT training...or to at least carefully monitory you pulse/bp.
I would use it only 4 days a week and 4 weeks max...as far as I know GABA can be addictive. Id use 3 grams sub-lingual as it seems to hit harder and faster...and just as a broscience bonus Id also dose 1 gram on the same day pre-bed which also benefited my sleep.
Just to repeat...with my experience GABA for HIIT cardio imo felt dangerous...then again Ill add that I did use 200mg caffeine which may or may not contribute to the effect.
I never ran standalone...but I def feel in my anecdotal experience that fat loss was accelerated which reminds me I should order a bottle soon havent used in in about a year.
Are there effects that can be achieved with standard GABA that cant with phenibut???
I have had experience with Phenibut in IBE's older liquid form (cant remember the name for the life of me... OH neurobalance)
It worked great for mellowing one out and putting me to sleep but there was def a tolerance built up and a slight feeling of want (addiction) to it but I didnt know it was physiological as I have an addictive personality as it is and grow fond of things easily wanting to envelope myself in it (great trait for learning, bad for substances which is why i avoid alch, MJ, pills etc with the exception of supplements and anabolics where feel my knowledge and want to use responsibly takes over even though I crave it)...
Anyhow.... whats the difference with gaba??? I always just assumed it was a less effective form with the same end effects?
Are there effects that can be achieved with standard GABA that cant with phenibut???
I have had experience with Phenibut in IBE's older liquid form (cant remember the name for the life of me... OH neurobalance)
It worked great for mellowing one out and putting me to sleep but there was def a tolerance built up and a slight feeling of want (addiction) to it but I didnt know it was physiological as I have an addictive personality as it is and grow fond of things easily wanting to envelope myself in it (great trait for learning, bad for substances which is why i avoid alch, MJ, pills etc with the exception of supplements and anabolics where feel my knowledge and want to use responsibly takes over even though I crave it)...
Anyhow.... whats the difference with gaba??? I always just assumed it was a less effective form with the same end effects?
Awesome. Looks like I need to give standard gaba a whirl!Mixelflick said:PA can speak to this better, but if I'm not mistaken Phenibut is a tweaked amino analog of GABa. It's modified in such a fashion to cross the blood brain barrier easier, lasts a LOT longer but there is no GH spike. It DOES certainly have addiction potential, and it's easy to fall in love with the GABA receptors/pleasure/dis-inhibitions etc..
Fair warning: Phenibut is nothing to play around with, and too much is NOT pleasant. Neither is GABA, but Phenibut in particular is NOT a fun ride, when you're on the over-dose express. That's an issue with bulk powders, and Phenibut (like Yohimbe), is easy to screw up. Too easy, IMO. You really do need to know what you're doing/respect the chemical...
That being said, the possible performance enhancement effects of GABA are it's GH boosting effects. Phenibut you can make the argument, as there's research citing improved tolerance to stress, workload etc. if I'm not mistaken. Let's be honest though - this is a stress management tool at best, recreational quasi-drug (search, baclofen) at worst.
Still, I do rather enjoy it given I have issues with stress. It sure beats the HELL out of alcohol, which I refuse to touch...
this was in regards to losing muscle, and YES, if you do cardio on an empty stomach upon waking, coupling that with an ephedra caffeine blend, you will be catabolic and burning a significant amount of muscle along with fat, the studies I've seen show they burn at a similar rate during times like this.It is most certainly not
movement is catabolic, bro.I simply cannot agree with this statement.
Why would a dose of EC incite muscle loss? Waking up fasted does not meal you're waking up catabolic. That increase in metabolic rate isn't going to make your body start cannibalizing muscle mass.
elaborate but unnecessary, why does all of this matter?Catabolic does not necessarily equal muscle loss as it can also be in reference to the breakdown of fat in adipose tissue to fatty acids. Catabolism is simply the term used to reference the metabolic pathways that break down various molecules (polysaccharides, lipids, proteins, etc) into smaller forms which results in energy being released. These are then used to to either construct new large molecules or further degrade them into waste product (lactic acid, acetic acid, urea, etc) in which also energy is released. Also to add, catabolism is needed to fuel the synthesis of ATP which acts in a way for your cells to transfer this energy to reactions that require energy (ex: anabolism).
The term "Catabolism" for some reason gets demonized in this industry when in reality the metabolic pathways known as catabolism, provide the energy necessary for maintenance and growth. This idea that catabolism only refers to the break down of muscle is the result of supplement companies marketing departments, just the same way cortisol is looked upon as a evil word.
i believe someone called you out on this broscience.SECOND
Who in the hell is saying that ephedrine is catabolic or will increase it??? The great thing about Ephedrine and Clen and Albuterol and many OTHER beta agonists is the fact that they do an insanely great job at burning ONLY fat and not muscle, Clen has been suggested as being outright anabolic in fact and if one properly doses lower dosed Ephedrine more times a day acheiving a similar plasma level as the longer halflifed clen then you will get VERY similar effects.
yes, phenibut is a tweaked analogue of GABA, and it works wonders.PA can speak to this better, but if I'm not mistaken Phenibut is a tweaked amino analog of GABa. It's modified in such a fashion to cross the blood brain barrier easier, lasts a LOT longer but there is no GH spike. It DOES certainly have addiction potential, and it's easy to fall in love with the GABA receptors/pleasure/dis-inhibitions etc..
Fair warning: Phenibut is nothing to play around with, and too much is NOT pleasant. Neither is GABA, but Phenibut in particular is NOT a fun ride, when you're on the over-dose express. That's an issue with bulk powders, and Phenibut (like Yohimbe), is easy to screw up. Too easy, IMO. You really do need to know what you're doing/respect the chemical...
That being said, the possible performance enhancement effects of GABA are it's GH boosting effects. Phenibut you can make the argument, as there's research citing improved tolerance to stress, workload etc. if I'm not mistaken. Let's be honest though - this is a stress management tool at best, recreational quasi-drug (search, baclofen) at worst.
Still, I do rather enjoy it given I have issues with stress. It sure beats the HELL out of alcohol, which I refuse to touch...
I love it when threads blow up and it doesn't list it in my "subscription" now I am quite backed up.
I saw a comment on "messing" with SNS, let's get over that right now, there is an aspect of "team" but bring facts that's all that's asked.
this was in regards to losing muscle, and YES, if you do cardio on an empty stomach upon waking, coupling that with an ephedra caffeine blend, you will be catabolic and burning a significant amount of muscle along with fat, the studies I've seen show they burn at a similar rate during times like this.
movement is catabolic, bro.
cardio is quite a bit of movement, couple that with an overnight "fast" i.e. sleeping and you are catabolic. then you add caffeine and ephedra to the mix, yes catabolic indeed!
elaborate but unnecessary, why does all of this matter?
Catabolism shouldn't be taken lightly regardless of the metabolic pathways and what is broken down. In the case provided, being catabolic isn't ideal, and again it's cardio and stims.
i believe someone called you out on this broscience.
Clen does have small "anabolic" effects, but ephedra does not. While ephedra is good at burning fat, it does not mean that you won't sacrifice muscle. It's not a miracle pill, it does work wonders, but no miracle.
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Ok, I probably brought on things that were settled, but I went through the first 3 pages and it didn't seem like it. This thread will probably blast through the weekend, and I'll have to catch up again.
Thermogenic, metabolic, and cardiovascular responses to ephedrine and caffeine in man.
Astrup A, Toubro S.
Research Department of Human Nutrition, Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Copenhagen, Denmark.
To develop an appropriate combination of ephedrine and caffeine consisting of clinically relevant doses, we examined the acute thermogenic, metabolic, and cardiovascular effects of different doses of caffeine (C) and ephedrine (E) given separately and in combination to normal subjects. The thermogenic effect after E+C (20 mg/200mg) was larger than that of any other combinations, and E and C exerted a supra-additive synergism on thermogenesis and systolic blood pressure, while being without effect on diastolic blood pressure. The combination also had pronounced effects on glucose metabolism by increasing plasma glucose, insulin and C-peptide concentrations. During chronic treatment the effect of E+C on energy expenditure is maintained, while side effects subside because tolerance develops to its hemodynamic and metabolic effects. During dietary energy restriction E+C promotes fat loss and preserves fat-free mass, which may contribute to its chronic effect on energy balance. In conclusion, the hemodynamic and side effects to E+C are transient during chronic treatment, while the effect on energy expenditure persists. The compound also possesses repartitioning properties, which may be useful in the treatment of obesity
Safety and efficacy of long-term treatment with ephedrine, caffeine and an ephedrine/caffeine mixture.
Toubro S, Astrup AV, Breum L, Quaade F.
Research Department of Human Nutrition, Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Fredriksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark.
In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind study, 180 obese patients were treated by diet (4.2 MJ/day) and either an ephedrine/caffeine combination (20mg/200mg), ephedrine (20mg), caffeine (200mg) or placebo 3 times a day for 24 weeks. 141 patients completed this part of the study. All medication was stopped between week 24-26 in order to catch any withdrawal symptoms. From week 26 to 50, 99 patients completed treatment with the ephedrine/caffeine compound in an open trial design, resulting in a statistically significant (p = 0.02) weight loss of 1.1kg. In another randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 8 week study on obese subjects we found the mentioned compound showed lean body mass conserving properties. We conclude that the ephedrine/caffeine combination is effective in improving and maintaining weight loss, further it has lean body mass saving properties. The side effects are minor and transient and no withdrawal symptoms have been found
Effects of chronic administration of ephedrine during very-low-calorie diets on energy expenditure, protein metabolism and hormone levels in obese subjects.
Pasquali R, Casimirri F, Melchionda N, Grossi G, Bortoluzzi L, Morselli Labate AM, Stefanini C, Raitano A.
Istituto di Clinica Medica 1, Ospedale S. Orsola, University Alma Mater of Bologna, Italy.
1. We investigated the effects of the chronic administration of a sympathomimetic agent on energy expenditure, protein metabolism and levels of thyroid hormones and catecholamines in 10 obese subjects after a 6-week very-low-calorie-diet programme (1965 kJ, 60 g of protein, 45 g of carbohydrates). L-(-)-Ephedrine hydrochloride (50 mg three times a day by mouth) or placebo were administered during 2-week periods (weeks 2-5 of the VLCD programme) in a randomized, double-blind, cross-over design. Five subjects began with ephedrine and five with placebo. 2. The results were analysed separately in the two groups. No difference was found between them as regards weight loss during the very-low-calorie diet and drug treatments. Conversely, ephedrine therapy induced a significantly lower daily urinary excretion of nitrogen (and, consequently, a better nitrogen balance) with respect to placebo, independently of the drug sequence. Daily urinary levels of 3-methylhistidine during ephedrine and placebo treatments were similar. The fasting resting metabolic rate (oxygen consumption, ml STP/min) fell significantly during the very-low-calorie diet in both groups, but this effect was partially and significantly prevented by administration of ephedrine. Diet therapy significantly reduced 24 h urine levels of vanillylmandelic acid and homovanillic acid, which, however, increased to pretreatment values during ephedrine treatment. No significant effects were shown on 24 h urinary concentrations of adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine during the very-low-calorie diet and/or ephedrine treatment.
Catabolic/catabolism has taken over for starvation mode as the most overused, bull**** term of present day.
thanks for playing? seriously? i'm ruled out here by your horrid studies.Ok lets just put this one to rest... I HATE that no one can say anything anymore without being slammed with the broscience reference.
I HATE that common knowledge (usually stemming from someone at one point or another posting actual studies) is dismissed unless you cram studies in their face proving your point.
The point of these boards are to help others with the knowledge you hold and should be able to do so without this much scrutiny...
SOOOOO without further adieu it looks as though there IS a bit of bro science going on but it is most definitely flowing from my finger tips to your screen....
There are plenty of examples of Ephedrine sharing Clens traits when dosing is consistent to maintain blood levels and mimic the half life of clen (which is actually what gives it its anabolic effects).... So it most definitely ISNT catabolic and can, to a degree, be anabolic:
Happy now???
Thanks for playing.
just starting a revolution, you ready?!What's goin on in here?
The point is people worry so damn much about catabolism, it isn't even funny.
Its my opinion it is over blown, and people act like they are withering away without eating for 5 min. Its ridiculous. Worrying about catabolism, is catabolic.
Now don't get me wrong, I am not saying it isn't real, or a concern, but 90% of the time I see someone reference it, it is laughable.
And my post wasn't really addressing you, more addressing my peeve of that word and how it gets thrown around these days, not really disputing how you were using it, however.
In the context it is usually used in would lead one to believe, I probably just burned 3 lbs of muscle typing this post without bcaa's.