Dangers of Diet Pills

Ingredients included in weight-loss aids or other dietary supplements can be unsafe, even though the packaging may say that the product is "all-natural." Just because a product claims to be made only of natural materials does not mean that it is automatically safe to use. Some substances found in nature are toxic to humans and should not be ingested. For a famous example, simply consider marijuana: a naturally growing plant, but an illegal drug that can cause health problems nonetheless. One of the "natural" ingredients that can be found in weight-loss aids is bitter orange, which contains a stimulant that is chemically similar to ephedrine and may also have the same side effects. Other ingredients, such as usnic acid that may cause liver damage or aristolochic acid that may cause kidney damage, can harm internal organs. Taking fen-phen, or fenfluramine, may result in diarrhea, chest pain, and high blood pressure, not the sought-after weight loss. Electrolytes are important minerals that are required for normal functioning of the body. They are found in the bloodstream, as well as in other bodily fluids such as sweat. It is necessary to maintain normal levels of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and bicarbonate in order to sustain muscle functioning, nerve impulses, and normal fluid levels in the body. When laxatives diuretics are used, water and electrolytes are removed from the body, sing an electrolyte imbalance and accompanying health problems. People who abuse ipecac syrup in order to lose weight are at risk for cardiac problems, including chest pain, irregular or rapid heartbeat, and heart attacks. Respiratory problems also occur, along with seizures and hemorrhaging. Laxatives, another medicine subject to abuse in hope of losing weight, are also harmful if taken in excess. Short-term effects include dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, while long-term effects can consist of permanent bowel damage and death. The lack of water and other nutrients in the body can damage the kidneys and lead to kidney stones or kidney failure, which can require kidney dialysis and possibly the need for a kidney transplant. Diuretics, or water pills, also cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances if abused and have similar long-term effects on the kidneys. Because OTC drugs are legal, abusers may consider them saferbut clearly, this not necessarily so. As more research is done on their potential for abuse, new and stricter legal restrictions may come into play as well.

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