Should You Use Aspirin In The ECA Stack?

• Tweet

• Tweet

If you’ve been in to fitness and fatloss for any length of time you’ve heard of ephedrine hydrochloride. Most people just call it Ephedrine and usually you see it referred to in reference to something called the ECA Stack.

What’s the ECA stack? It’s ephedrine hydrochloride, Caffeine and Aspirin. The usual doses are:
1)ephedrine hydrochloride 25 Mg
2)Caffeine 200 mg
3)Aspirin 325 mg

What is growing to be a huge is debate is if the aspirin should even be in there. Some say the aspirin “enhances heat resistance and prolongs the effects” of both the ephedrine and caffeine. Then you read quotes like this

“Aspirin is included in the ECA stack to help prolong the effects of ephedrine. Basically as a normalizing procedure the body reacts to ephedrine by producing prostaglandins and adenosine outside the cell, and phosphodiesterase inside the cell. Inside the cell, it has been found that methylxanthines, like caffeine, inhibit the activities of phosphodiesterase. Stimulation of the beta receptors by ephedrine (via noradrenaline) causes an increase of cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate) within the cell. This crucial part of the process that leads to thermogenesis is vulnerable because cAMP is degraded by phosphodiesterase. Outside the cell, aspirin inhibits the peripheral synthesis of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins inhibit the release of noradrenaline in the synaptic junction (before receptor stimulation). So in other words without aspirin (and caffeine), the beta agonistic qualities of ephedrine (via noradrenaline) are practically negated by prostaglandins.”

….And you say WHAT?!!! In the end, the more I research the use of aspirin in the ECA stack.. the more conflicting information I get. Usually just rehashed verbiage past around without the source ever getting checked. The worst is the quoting of muscle mags… who are not listing the scientific study where they got the information. The muscle mags are not a source folks…

We did an article on the what we thought of ephedrine way back when it was still being sold in the 25 mg pills. Since then in most countries if you can still get it, it will come in tiny 8mg pills. This is supposed to keep people from taking huge quantities and to keep people from making bathtubs full of drugs with it.

I was looking into the reason and validity of each chemical in the ECA stack today, specifically aspirin and if it really did do anything at all. It’s a pretty debated topic. At any rate, on my travels I ran into one website specifically dedicated to ephedrine HCL

They offer a free fatloss newsletter that I haven’t checked out but you get hit with the pop up right away so if you want on their newsletter list, you don’t have to look where to sign up. They also have information on studies done about ephedrine, scientific information on ephedrine as a compound and links to buying information.

I found it interesting and deserving of a pat on the back that even though they do sell ephedrine, on their article about “5 Facts About Ephedrine” they state:

“Recent media coverage portrays Ephedra supplements as a tool for athletes to gain a quick competitive edge. The industry strongly discourages this use and recommends that athletes, in particular, heed warning labels before using any Ephedra product. No athlete in a competitive environment should take any product for the sole purpose of attempting to temporarily overcome his or her normal physical limitations. No parent, trainer or coach should permit minors to take ephedra unless directed to do so by a healthcare professional. Trainers and coaches should communicate these messages to those whom they supervise. Regardless of whether or not someone is taking an Ephedra product, it is always recommended that an individual consult a health care professional before beginning an exercise program.”

Back to using Aspirin in the ECA stack. Why did it even occur to me to wonder why it was there? From reading “The Zone Diet” which is one of my favourite ways to eat when I want to get and stay lean.

In The Zone Diet, it mentions how the standard aspirin is a little strong and it’s like a nuke on all your eicosanoids. The good ones and the bad ones and aspirin although having a billion great uses… still has it’s dark side. It’s a medicinal nuke and not a scalpel.

So in the end, I’m still researching if there are any benefits that outway any of the possible down sides that aspirin offers to the ECA stack.

If you are going to comment on this article and state claims about the ECA stack… make sure you post the link or point to the scientific source of your information and not just shoot off the top of your head.

Much appreciated.

Buy Ephedrine In Calgary Canada
Buy Caffeine In Calgary Canada