The term ‘thermogenic’ refers to a process that generates heat, and it is one of the bodily processes in warm-blooded animals, and a few species of plants. The term also refers to a class of dietary supplements which are popularly used for weight loss. As you must be aware of the fact that metabolism is a bodily process that converts food and liquid into energy that is required by the cells and tissues for daily functioning. The carbohydrate received from food is broken down into sugar molecules (glucose), and these molecules are metabolized in presence of oxygen to release energy. The process of metabolism continues not only when a person remains active during the waking hours, but it also continues during sleep. That is why, this process is known as one of the vital requirements in living organisms to maintain life. The work of thermogenics is directly related to this very metabolism of the body. These supplements contain ephedrine, caffeine and other types of stimulants that increase the activity of the central nervous system. And this in turn, trigger the circulatory, respiratory systems and other bodily processes to work more than normal. In order to meet the increasing demand, the body increases its metabolic rate, which eventually leads to more burning of calories thus, paving way for weight loss. So, this is how these weight loss supplements work. But as with almost all kinds of medications or supplements, even these drugs have their share of side effects.
Unwanted Effects of Using Thermogenics
The side effects that are observed in users of thermogenics occur mainly because of the active ingredients of the supplements, and they may vary from one person to the other.
# One common side effect is associated with the digestive system. The stimulants in the supplements tend to irritate the large intestine which may cause abdominal pain and diarrhea. These may be accompanied by other problems such as nausea, vomiting, flatulence, bloating, and in some severe cases, distension of the abdomen.
# Long term use of these supplements are most likely to trigger headaches. This is most probably because of caffeine which is used as one of the stimulants. Long term use also makes the body accustomed to the regular supply of caffeine. And when someone stops using these, he/she might also suffer from headaches as a reaction to caffeine withdrawal.
# For some, the very function of thermogenics may occur as one side effect. As thermogenics increase cardiac activity, they can be prove detrimental to people with compromised or unhealthy cardiovascular system. These drugs may cause cardiac arrhythmia which is defined as beating of the heart which is too fast, too slow, in other words irregular. And needless to say, a side effect such as this can become severe for people already suffering from heart conditions. Apart from this, some people may also complain against a fluttering sensation in the chest, and hypertension (high blood pressure). Cases have also been observed wherein people have suffered a heart attack because of these supplements.
# Doctors recommend against the use of thermogenics for people with any kind of anxiety disorders. Caffeine is known for stimulating the central nervous system, and nervousness may be one of its outcome. So, avoiding such supplements that increase the metabolic activity of the body, is imperative for people with medical problems such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorders.
Feeling restless for no apparent reason, having frequent mood swings, or increased irritability, could also occur post the use of thermogenics. So considering the risks, before opting for it, consulting a medical practitioner would be a wise thing to do.
