hello, im wondering if the deaths of the athletes you mention in the news (like Steve Bechler), if so, here is an excerpt
"The role of ephedrine in provoking heatstroke is unclear. Elevations in blood pressure, palpitations and heart attacks have been attributed to this supplement, and some athletic organizations have banned its use. On the other hand, an estimated 12 million Americans use it, apparently with rare reports of harm. Just how rare is unknown because we have no nationwide or international reporting system to keep track of side effects from supplements (or most other drugs). Its benefits are also uncertain — as a stimulant, it is often taken by people who want to lose weight, increase endurance or enhance athletic performance — whether it can safely and reliably do any of these things has not been convincingly proven.
Athletes who are exercising in warm environments may be at particularly high risk of heatstroke because the supplement can impair the ability of the body to regulate heat. "
http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/333/342/361421.html
i normally dont quote medical sources, but i think the point here is that ephedrine (like many other drugs) can put you in the danger zone for Heatstroke (by adding to dehydration) much quicker than without it. Personally, i've used it in hot environments, but i remind myself that my life is my responsibility and i carry around water with salts/minerals and remember to hydrate regularly (gatorate is a poor substitute). i've been safe by always listening to my body, but much like trying to canyon race (a daredevil race where you run through the curves of a canyon road like Mullholland Drive at top speed), and having a car with unpredictable understeer, each of our bodies is different and yours may have a harder time telling you when it's gone over its limit (but im guessing in the case of ephedra, this is rare unless the heat is extreme). to play it safe, drop the ephedra but if you must, then carry your little bottle and remember to sip it every once in a while.
also, keep in mind most collegiate and professional athletes do not always just die of certain things. it is hard to say whether or not many other chemicals were in his system (having a friend in the coroner's office has taught me much about causes of death and what families have the power to hide and make public). what I'm trying to say is that it's not impossible that there may have been a combination of painkillers, AAS, maybe an occasional diuretic or rec drug in his body, not to mention all the previous years of abuse (abuse of drugs/diet is not uncommon) which may have already weakened his immune system.