Acne is often thought of as a teenage dilemma, and while it is true that acne appears most often during the teenage years, it is arguably just as true that there are a growing number of individuals that suffer from adult acne.
Adults in their twenties, all the way up to their fifties can still experience acne flare-ups. And adult acne can have just as many negative effects on a person as teenage acne. Possibly even more so, as the stress of career and family adds to the strain of living with an unsightly skin problem.
Mental stress can be one of the major causes of acne in adults. It is not a surprise in the slightest that women are often more likely to suffer from adult acne than men, as it has been shown that women have much more stress in their day to day lifestyle, not to mention that they are prone to hormonal imbalances, especially during times such as their menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Just as in teens, hormones play an important factor in the onset and exacerbation of adult acne.
The environmental factors that surround a person, paired with the individual's lifestyle can also play a huge role in the appearance of adult acne. An improper diet or behaviors such as smoking and drinking affect the skin's condition and resistance to acne, as well as other diseases.
Prevention is the only obvious way to go when dealing with adult acne. A proper diet, paired with plenty of water and rest is a good start. Trying to relieve stress and maintaining proper skin care and hygiene can also help to prevent acne from occurring.
But what about the pimples that you may already have? There are many treatments available for people who have adult acne.
Anti-acne medications, certain skin care products, and even laser surgery are just a few of the many treatments available for acne on the market today. Visiting a qualified doctor or dermatologist is the only way to determine how severe your acne really is and to find the proper treament available for you.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
A Natural Approach To Managing Acne
Almost everyone has suffered from acne at one time or another in his or her lives. It is primarily a disorder of the sebaceous gland (glands in the skin that secrete an oily substance) of the face, the neck and back. When the sebaceous glands become clogged with the oily substance they create, the accumulation results in pimples. There are several forms of acne, but the most common is acne vulgaris, found primarily in adolescents.
The exact cause of acne is not known, but factors that contribute to this condition include heredity, oily skin and androgens. Additional factors include allergies, stress, the use of certain drugs, nutritional deficiencies, liver dysfunction, exposure to industrial pollutants, cosmetics and the monthly menstrual cycle.
In addition, the skin functions to eliminate a portion of the body's toxic waste by sweating. If the body contains more toxins than the kidneys or liver can effectively discharge, the skin takes over. In fact, some doctors call the skin the 3rd kidney. As toxins escape through the skin, they can disrupt the health and integrity of the skin, creating issues.
Recommendations for Wellness
Note: Some of these recommendations may take 2-4 weeks before any results or improvements are experienced.
Apply distilled white vinegar (can be diluted if too strong) to the face and affected areas. Allow this to sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing off with cool water.
Lemon or any citric fruit works great as a natural exfoliate, removing dead skin cells that may clog the pours. As with the white vinegar, apply the juice of a lemon (or desired citric juice) to the face. Allow it to dry for about 10 minutes, then rinse with cool water. You may feel a mild sting or burn when the lemon juice is applied. If so, diluting the juice is acceptable.
Increase water consumption. Water helps flush toxin out and help transport nutrients in the body.
Eat a properly balanced diet to ensure proper nutrition. Take a high quality multiple vitamin and mineral supplement to make up for nutrients missing in today's foods.
Echinacea or Oregon grape can be used to boost the immune system and fight acne-causing bacteria.
Dandelion, Burdock or red clover can help to keep the liver clear of toxic overload.
Herbal combinations such as Natures Sunshine’s Ayurvedic Skin Detox, and BP-X can also be used to cleanse and detoxify the liver and reduce acne.
Large quantities of vitamin A have been successfully used to treat severe acne. Large amounts, however, can be toxic and should only be used when working with your health care provider.
Consider adding additional zinc to your diet. Zinc aids in the healing of tissues and assists in preventing scarring. It is also important for the body in resisting infection and inflammation.
To clear and heal the skin, try a homeopathic Acne remedy. It can help to dry up pimples & prevent future outbreaks.
The exact cause of acne is not known, but factors that contribute to this condition include heredity, oily skin and androgens. Additional factors include allergies, stress, the use of certain drugs, nutritional deficiencies, liver dysfunction, exposure to industrial pollutants, cosmetics and the monthly menstrual cycle.
In addition, the skin functions to eliminate a portion of the body's toxic waste by sweating. If the body contains more toxins than the kidneys or liver can effectively discharge, the skin takes over. In fact, some doctors call the skin the 3rd kidney. As toxins escape through the skin, they can disrupt the health and integrity of the skin, creating issues.
Recommendations for Wellness
Note: Some of these recommendations may take 2-4 weeks before any results or improvements are experienced.
Apply distilled white vinegar (can be diluted if too strong) to the face and affected areas. Allow this to sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing off with cool water.
Lemon or any citric fruit works great as a natural exfoliate, removing dead skin cells that may clog the pours. As with the white vinegar, apply the juice of a lemon (or desired citric juice) to the face. Allow it to dry for about 10 minutes, then rinse with cool water. You may feel a mild sting or burn when the lemon juice is applied. If so, diluting the juice is acceptable.
Increase water consumption. Water helps flush toxin out and help transport nutrients in the body.
Eat a properly balanced diet to ensure proper nutrition. Take a high quality multiple vitamin and mineral supplement to make up for nutrients missing in today's foods.
Echinacea or Oregon grape can be used to boost the immune system and fight acne-causing bacteria.
Dandelion, Burdock or red clover can help to keep the liver clear of toxic overload.
Herbal combinations such as Natures Sunshine’s Ayurvedic Skin Detox, and BP-X can also be used to cleanse and detoxify the liver and reduce acne.
Large quantities of vitamin A have been successfully used to treat severe acne. Large amounts, however, can be toxic and should only be used when working with your health care provider.
Consider adding additional zinc to your diet. Zinc aids in the healing of tissues and assists in preventing scarring. It is also important for the body in resisting infection and inflammation.
To clear and heal the skin, try a homeopathic Acne remedy. It can help to dry up pimples & prevent future outbreaks.
9 Acne Treatments That Definitely do Not Work
Given that acne is by far the most common disease in the world, I’m constantly surprised at the amount of misinformation there is about acne treatments. There are so many commonly held believes regarding treatments, which have no scientific or medical validity, but continue to be passed on from individual to individual. More worrying is the possible consequences of trying some of these options. Here are list of common acne treatments that categorically do not work:
1.Household cleaning products, even when diluted, should not be used to treat acne. There can be severe adverse reactions including chemical burns from pursuing this route
2.Similarly cleaning powders are ineffective for acne
3.Washing up liquid does not work for acne
4.Home facial saunas will do nothing for your acne, but will certainly aggravate, already sensitive skin
5.Sticky tape left on the skin overnight and removed in the morning will certainly remove dead skin cells and excess oil, but is likely to damage the sensitive skin, and may cause an allergy to the glue
6.Prolonged exposure to the sun or using a sun bed will not help your acne, and can be dangerous if you are also taking oral medication of certain types. For example taking certain antibiotics in tablet form, will make your skin highly sensitive to sun light
7.Sudocrem is an excellent treatment for nappy rash, but highly ineffective for acne, primarily because it contains a mixture of greases and oils which are bad for acne
8.Taking high doses of vitamin A or B will not directly help your acne, and may cause other side-effects
9.Squeezing your spots is universally not recommended in combating acne. Doing so will prolong and spread the acne to other parts of the affected area
There are many other ‘not recommended’ acne treatment regimes, many of which will worsen an already difficult condition. Avoid these shortcuts and stick with a programme overseen by your medical professional, or one which is based on solid scientific and medical evidence. If you do this, you'll succeed in overcoming your acne condition.
Peter Vine is a successful online publisher of Acne-Treatment-Expert.com
He provides practical advice and the latest information on all aspects of adult acne treatments, which you can readily research on his website.
1.Household cleaning products, even when diluted, should not be used to treat acne. There can be severe adverse reactions including chemical burns from pursuing this route
2.Similarly cleaning powders are ineffective for acne
3.Washing up liquid does not work for acne
4.Home facial saunas will do nothing for your acne, but will certainly aggravate, already sensitive skin
5.Sticky tape left on the skin overnight and removed in the morning will certainly remove dead skin cells and excess oil, but is likely to damage the sensitive skin, and may cause an allergy to the glue
6.Prolonged exposure to the sun or using a sun bed will not help your acne, and can be dangerous if you are also taking oral medication of certain types. For example taking certain antibiotics in tablet form, will make your skin highly sensitive to sun light
7.Sudocrem is an excellent treatment for nappy rash, but highly ineffective for acne, primarily because it contains a mixture of greases and oils which are bad for acne
8.Taking high doses of vitamin A or B will not directly help your acne, and may cause other side-effects
9.Squeezing your spots is universally not recommended in combating acne. Doing so will prolong and spread the acne to other parts of the affected area
There are many other ‘not recommended’ acne treatment regimes, many of which will worsen an already difficult condition. Avoid these shortcuts and stick with a programme overseen by your medical professional, or one which is based on solid scientific and medical evidence. If you do this, you'll succeed in overcoming your acne condition.
Peter Vine is a successful online publisher of Acne-Treatment-Expert.com
He provides practical advice and the latest information on all aspects of adult acne treatments, which you can readily research on his website.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
6 Lifestyle Tips for Reducing Acne
Would you like to find out what those-in-the-know have to say about Acne? The information in the article below comes straight from well-informed experts with special knowledge about Acne.
Here are some tips that have helped hundreds of people suffering from acne. Hopefully, these will help you too:
1. Water is Best
Water is by far the most effective treatment for acne. The main support for this claim is the fact that water is alkaline (pH 7.3) and can be considered as a natural treatment or an almost free acne treatment. Thus, it is best that you drink at least eight glasses of water per day (10 to 12 is better). This will help your body in getting rid of oil, waste and toxins, and water even helps to moisten your skin as it keeps your pores from clogging. Perhaps what is most important is that, water helps to relieve stress and relax your body in the end, so you can have a better sleep. Note that water and sleep are factors that help reduce stress. Along with this, try to lessen your coffees, sodas, teas and alcohols intake as much as possible. The reason behind this is that they are partial diuretics that they drive more water out of the cells of the body than they put in.
2. Avoid Astringents
If your goal is to have a beautiful skin, then you should try to avoid astringent natural soaps and any astringent agents that shrink your skin's pores, such as oatmeal, witch hazel, very cold water and rubbing alcohol. It was found out actually that when your skin pores shrink, more oils are clogged in the pores of the skin, causing the onset of acne.
3. Avoid Stimulants
Coffee, tea, cigarettes, as well as excessive sugar from sweets and soda should be avoided. It is often said that anything potential for affecting the entire body, brain and nervous system can easily stimulate the sebaceous glands to release more oil. This oil has to leave the body through the pores, worsening your acne in the end. Stimulants even trigger stress.
4. Watch Your Diet
Note that diet affects acne. So be careful with what you eat. As much as possible, try to eat foods that are low in fat, as fats produce more oils in the body that are capable of producing acne.
5. Avoid Alcohol
A number of people think that alcohol is one of the best ways to relax and relieve stress. Well, alcohol may do this, but studies have found out that alcohol causes the formation of acne. It is considered capable for producing acne knowing that it is an astringent, thus it shrinks the skin pores, making them more prone to clogging. Aside from that, alcohol inhibits sleep, therefore causing more fatigue and stress, leading to worse acne.
6. Hot and Very Cold Count
When considering baths, you should avoid hot and very cold water on areas of the skin affected by acne. Use warm water instead; perhaps well below 98.5 degrees on your skin.
Here are some tips that have helped hundreds of people suffering from acne. Hopefully, these will help you too:
1. Water is Best
Water is by far the most effective treatment for acne. The main support for this claim is the fact that water is alkaline (pH 7.3) and can be considered as a natural treatment or an almost free acne treatment. Thus, it is best that you drink at least eight glasses of water per day (10 to 12 is better). This will help your body in getting rid of oil, waste and toxins, and water even helps to moisten your skin as it keeps your pores from clogging. Perhaps what is most important is that, water helps to relieve stress and relax your body in the end, so you can have a better sleep. Note that water and sleep are factors that help reduce stress. Along with this, try to lessen your coffees, sodas, teas and alcohols intake as much as possible. The reason behind this is that they are partial diuretics that they drive more water out of the cells of the body than they put in.
2. Avoid Astringents
If your goal is to have a beautiful skin, then you should try to avoid astringent natural soaps and any astringent agents that shrink your skin's pores, such as oatmeal, witch hazel, very cold water and rubbing alcohol. It was found out actually that when your skin pores shrink, more oils are clogged in the pores of the skin, causing the onset of acne.
3. Avoid Stimulants
Coffee, tea, cigarettes, as well as excessive sugar from sweets and soda should be avoided. It is often said that anything potential for affecting the entire body, brain and nervous system can easily stimulate the sebaceous glands to release more oil. This oil has to leave the body through the pores, worsening your acne in the end. Stimulants even trigger stress.
4. Watch Your Diet
Note that diet affects acne. So be careful with what you eat. As much as possible, try to eat foods that are low in fat, as fats produce more oils in the body that are capable of producing acne.
5. Avoid Alcohol
A number of people think that alcohol is one of the best ways to relax and relieve stress. Well, alcohol may do this, but studies have found out that alcohol causes the formation of acne. It is considered capable for producing acne knowing that it is an astringent, thus it shrinks the skin pores, making them more prone to clogging. Aside from that, alcohol inhibits sleep, therefore causing more fatigue and stress, leading to worse acne.
6. Hot and Very Cold Count
When considering baths, you should avoid hot and very cold water on areas of the skin affected by acne. Use warm water instead; perhaps well below 98.5 degrees on your skin.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
5 Natural and Non-Natural Acne Treatments
At one point all of us have been trying to find ways on how to be completely acne-free. Here are some natural and not so natural acne treatments that are proven to be effective.
1. Witch Hazel Astringent
This astringent comes from the plant with the same name. It is widely spread from Nova Scotia in Canada down to Texas and Florida. Simply steam the twigs of this plant and voila! The extract you get from it serves as your astringent. Remember to cool it though. What’s good about this is that it occurs naturally and even the process it has undergone is all natural. You can be assured it is less harsh compared with commercially-produced astringents.
2. Commercially Produced Astringents
There is no doubt that astringents we can buy over-the-counter are also effective. There are lots of variants to choose from with additional ingredients that promote better skin. The only downside is it can be a little harsh because of the chemicals added to produce this formula. Use them with extra care as they can dry the skin.
3. All-Natural Treatments
Kitchen and acne are two enemies we may not be aware of. Scout your kitchen for stuff like oranges and lemons, fresh garlic and raw potatoes.
- Oranges and lemons just need to be squeezed on cotton balls. Apply the extract on affected areas and wash it after about 20 minutes.
- Fresh garlic is used much easier. Just remove its peeling and rub it on your face.
- As for raw potatoes, peel them and rub its flat surface on your face.
The natural extracts from these fruits and vegetables can help minimize the redness at the same time can clean the skin.
4. Oral Antibiotics
For severe cases, antibiotics are prescribed. These medications are orally taken to reduce the amount of bacteria inside and around skin follicles. They also decrease the exasperating chemicals that the white blood cells produce. Lastly, antibiotics diminish the concentration of the free fatty acids found in sebum, also creating an anti-inflammatory action. Consult your dermatologist for the right antibiotic and dosage.
Tetracycline is still the most commonly prescribed antibiotic for acne treatment. Most of this antibiotic should be taken on an empty stomach. Also, this shouldn’t be used by pregnant women and children under 9. Usually, the starting dose is initially 500 milligrams twice daily and is continuously taken until prescribed, or until a considerable dropping off of lesions is visible.
Erythromycin comes close second and can be prescribed to pregnant women. However, it can cause nausea and even upset stomach. Compared to tetracycline, which can only kill bacteria, Erythromycin has both anti-inflammatory and bacteria-killing properties. Also, this antibiotic needs to be taken in a food-filled tummy. You may discuss other possible antibiotics with your doctors regarding the effects and side-effects of each.
5. Topical Treatments
Externally applied creams are also proven effective for acne treatment. However, it results to drying and flaking but it is said to be the most effective treatment for severe acne. Benzoyl peroxide is one very common and effective topical acne treatment.
1. Witch Hazel Astringent
This astringent comes from the plant with the same name. It is widely spread from Nova Scotia in Canada down to Texas and Florida. Simply steam the twigs of this plant and voila! The extract you get from it serves as your astringent. Remember to cool it though. What’s good about this is that it occurs naturally and even the process it has undergone is all natural. You can be assured it is less harsh compared with commercially-produced astringents.
2. Commercially Produced Astringents
There is no doubt that astringents we can buy over-the-counter are also effective. There are lots of variants to choose from with additional ingredients that promote better skin. The only downside is it can be a little harsh because of the chemicals added to produce this formula. Use them with extra care as they can dry the skin.
3. All-Natural Treatments
Kitchen and acne are two enemies we may not be aware of. Scout your kitchen for stuff like oranges and lemons, fresh garlic and raw potatoes.
- Oranges and lemons just need to be squeezed on cotton balls. Apply the extract on affected areas and wash it after about 20 minutes.
- Fresh garlic is used much easier. Just remove its peeling and rub it on your face.
- As for raw potatoes, peel them and rub its flat surface on your face.
The natural extracts from these fruits and vegetables can help minimize the redness at the same time can clean the skin.
4. Oral Antibiotics
For severe cases, antibiotics are prescribed. These medications are orally taken to reduce the amount of bacteria inside and around skin follicles. They also decrease the exasperating chemicals that the white blood cells produce. Lastly, antibiotics diminish the concentration of the free fatty acids found in sebum, also creating an anti-inflammatory action. Consult your dermatologist for the right antibiotic and dosage.
Tetracycline is still the most commonly prescribed antibiotic for acne treatment. Most of this antibiotic should be taken on an empty stomach. Also, this shouldn’t be used by pregnant women and children under 9. Usually, the starting dose is initially 500 milligrams twice daily and is continuously taken until prescribed, or until a considerable dropping off of lesions is visible.
Erythromycin comes close second and can be prescribed to pregnant women. However, it can cause nausea and even upset stomach. Compared to tetracycline, which can only kill bacteria, Erythromycin has both anti-inflammatory and bacteria-killing properties. Also, this antibiotic needs to be taken in a food-filled tummy. You may discuss other possible antibiotics with your doctors regarding the effects and side-effects of each.
5. Topical Treatments
Externally applied creams are also proven effective for acne treatment. However, it results to drying and flaking but it is said to be the most effective treatment for severe acne. Benzoyl peroxide is one very common and effective topical acne treatment.
Herbal Acne Treatment Product
Although most of the dermatologists disregard the importance of healthy diet for a healthy skin as diet lacking vital supplements is scientifically proven not to affect the skin quality in any way, but there are some diets that tone the skin and make it healthy.
The first step of herbal acne treatment should be making sure that your diet contains enough fatty acid foods and foods that are the source of multi-vitamins.
Features of Herbal Acne Treatment Products:
Herbal acne treatment products are famous for their following features.
Noticeable improvement in acne condition within one week
Complete removal of acne within three weeks
Elimination of acne scars
Inclusion of herbs that beautify the skin after the disappearance of acne and the scars
All the above benefits with virtually no side-effects
Affordability
Herbs in Herbal Acne Treatment Products:
Following herbs are commonly included in herbal acne treatment products.
Rose Hips:
Rose Hips or Rosa Affinis Rubiginosa in herbal acne treatment products provide rejuvenation to dry and aging skin. It is also a proven cure for acne.
Lemongrass:
Lemongrass or Cymbopogon Citratus is the herb many herbal acne treatment products contain due to its capability to calm acne.
Chamomile:
Chamomile or Matricaria Recutita helps soothes sensitive skin and is commonly found in many hot-selling herbal acne treatment products.
Rosemary:
Rosemary or Rosmarinus Officinalis is another herb that is included in the best rated herbal acne treatment products. This herb is known for its capability to stimulate and protect skin. This is also famous for its acne healing effects
The first step of herbal acne treatment should be making sure that your diet contains enough fatty acid foods and foods that are the source of multi-vitamins.
Features of Herbal Acne Treatment Products:
Herbal acne treatment products are famous for their following features.
Noticeable improvement in acne condition within one week
Complete removal of acne within three weeks
Elimination of acne scars
Inclusion of herbs that beautify the skin after the disappearance of acne and the scars
All the above benefits with virtually no side-effects
Affordability
Herbs in Herbal Acne Treatment Products:
Following herbs are commonly included in herbal acne treatment products.
Rose Hips:
Rose Hips or Rosa Affinis Rubiginosa in herbal acne treatment products provide rejuvenation to dry and aging skin. It is also a proven cure for acne.
Lemongrass:
Lemongrass or Cymbopogon Citratus is the herb many herbal acne treatment products contain due to its capability to calm acne.
Chamomile:
Chamomile or Matricaria Recutita helps soothes sensitive skin and is commonly found in many hot-selling herbal acne treatment products.
Rosemary:
Rosemary or Rosmarinus Officinalis is another herb that is included in the best rated herbal acne treatment products. This herb is known for its capability to stimulate and protect skin. This is also famous for its acne healing effects
Monday, March 1, 2010
Can a Caffeine-Packed Plant Give a Boost?
Guarana (pronounced gwa-rah-na) is a rain-forest vine with fruit that contains high levels of caffeine. Since 2008, nearly 500 products with guarana, including different sizes and flavors of the same product, have been introduced to U.S. stores, according to London market-research firm Datamonitor PLC. Products include energy drinks, beef jerky, chewing gum, mints and even lollipops.
Guarana products often claim to simply boost energy, and some say they enhance mental performance. Some are marketed as weight-loss aids. Several studies do link guarana to weight loss, but they tend to be small, short term and often involve products with other ingredients—overall, not yet conclusive, scientists say.
The claim that guarana improves energy and boosts mental function makes sense given that caffeine is known to do so, says Kevin A. Clauson, associate professor at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. A British study of 26 college students, published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology in 2007, found guarana tablets boosted scores on a battery of tests for memory, alertness and mood compared with the same students' performance on a different day after taking a placebo.
While many experts attribute guarana's effects solely to its caffeine content, the British study found the effects on cognition were larger than would be expected with caffeine alone, says senior author Andrew B. Scholey, now co-director of the National Institute of Complementary Medicine's collaborative center for neurocognition in Melbourne, Australia. The reason for this is unknown, but Dr. Scholey suspects that saponins, a class of nutrients found in guarana, may be adding to its positive effect by enhancing blood flow to the brain.
Many products don't list either the amount of guarana or the total caffeine content, so you could consume a product with too little guarana to have a meaningful effect—or so much that it gives you an unwanted buzz, scientists say.
Consumers can often find the information by going to company Web sites. Performance Enhancing Meat Snacks Inc., of Englewood, Colo., which sells Perky Jerky, a beef snack marinated in guarana extract, discloses on its Web site that a two-ounce packet of the jerky contains 120 milligrams of caffeine. In an interview, the company said the level varies from 45 to 58 milligrams an ounce. VE2 Energy Gum LLC, which includes guarana and added caffeine, discloses on its Web site that each tiny piece of VE2 gum has 35 milligrams of caffeine. (By comparison, a 12-ounce can of soda typically has 30 to 50 mg.; a 12-ounce cup of Starbucks's Pike Place Roast contains 260 milligrams.)
Dr. Clauson cautions that pregnant women should keep guarana consumption to a minimum, as high levels of caffeine may harm the fetus. Also, alcoholic drinks with guarana may fool people into thinking they are alert enough to drive, or engage in other dangerous activities, he says.
People with heart trouble should be cautious. Scientific literature links guarana to rare but severe heart-related side effects. According to a 2001 report in the Medical Journal of Australia, a woman with a heart condition called mitral valve prolapse died after ingesting most of a 55 milliliter guarana and ginseng energy drink. The caffeine levels of her blood were comparable to having had 15 to 20 cups of coffee, the report said. Whether or not they have an existing heart condition, people need to take into account their other sources of caffeine when taking guarana products, says Mahtab Jafari, an assistant professor of pharmacy at the University of California in Irvine. In the Journal of Herbal Pharmacology, Dr. Jafari reported the case of a California woman who suffered tachycardia, an abnormally fast heartbeat, after taking energy pills containing guarana in addition to a cup of coffee and two glasses of Pepsi a day for more than a month. The woman had no previous known heart condition, but the combination of ordinary caffeinated drinks and guarana tablets "really exposed the heart to a lot of stimulation," says Dr. Jafari. The women's tachycardia resolved after about a week after stopping the supplement, she adds.
The Food and Drug Administration is investigating the safety of caffeine, including caffeine from guarana, in alcoholic beverages. The Department of Agriculture says it allows a small amount of guarana in meat as a flavoring, not enough to create a stimulant effect. The agency says it is reviewing whether beef-jerky products with labels marketing a stimulant effect may violate this standard. The agency didn't specify which products are under review. Performance Enhancing Meat Snacks says it believes Perky Jerky complies with the law.
Guarana products often claim to simply boost energy, and some say they enhance mental performance. Some are marketed as weight-loss aids. Several studies do link guarana to weight loss, but they tend to be small, short term and often involve products with other ingredients—overall, not yet conclusive, scientists say.
The claim that guarana improves energy and boosts mental function makes sense given that caffeine is known to do so, says Kevin A. Clauson, associate professor at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. A British study of 26 college students, published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology in 2007, found guarana tablets boosted scores on a battery of tests for memory, alertness and mood compared with the same students' performance on a different day after taking a placebo.
While many experts attribute guarana's effects solely to its caffeine content, the British study found the effects on cognition were larger than would be expected with caffeine alone, says senior author Andrew B. Scholey, now co-director of the National Institute of Complementary Medicine's collaborative center for neurocognition in Melbourne, Australia. The reason for this is unknown, but Dr. Scholey suspects that saponins, a class of nutrients found in guarana, may be adding to its positive effect by enhancing blood flow to the brain.
Many products don't list either the amount of guarana or the total caffeine content, so you could consume a product with too little guarana to have a meaningful effect—or so much that it gives you an unwanted buzz, scientists say.
Consumers can often find the information by going to company Web sites. Performance Enhancing Meat Snacks Inc., of Englewood, Colo., which sells Perky Jerky, a beef snack marinated in guarana extract, discloses on its Web site that a two-ounce packet of the jerky contains 120 milligrams of caffeine. In an interview, the company said the level varies from 45 to 58 milligrams an ounce. VE2 Energy Gum LLC, which includes guarana and added caffeine, discloses on its Web site that each tiny piece of VE2 gum has 35 milligrams of caffeine. (By comparison, a 12-ounce can of soda typically has 30 to 50 mg.; a 12-ounce cup of Starbucks's Pike Place Roast contains 260 milligrams.)
Dr. Clauson cautions that pregnant women should keep guarana consumption to a minimum, as high levels of caffeine may harm the fetus. Also, alcoholic drinks with guarana may fool people into thinking they are alert enough to drive, or engage in other dangerous activities, he says.
People with heart trouble should be cautious. Scientific literature links guarana to rare but severe heart-related side effects. According to a 2001 report in the Medical Journal of Australia, a woman with a heart condition called mitral valve prolapse died after ingesting most of a 55 milliliter guarana and ginseng energy drink. The caffeine levels of her blood were comparable to having had 15 to 20 cups of coffee, the report said. Whether or not they have an existing heart condition, people need to take into account their other sources of caffeine when taking guarana products, says Mahtab Jafari, an assistant professor of pharmacy at the University of California in Irvine. In the Journal of Herbal Pharmacology, Dr. Jafari reported the case of a California woman who suffered tachycardia, an abnormally fast heartbeat, after taking energy pills containing guarana in addition to a cup of coffee and two glasses of Pepsi a day for more than a month. The woman had no previous known heart condition, but the combination of ordinary caffeinated drinks and guarana tablets "really exposed the heart to a lot of stimulation," says Dr. Jafari. The women's tachycardia resolved after about a week after stopping the supplement, she adds.
The Food and Drug Administration is investigating the safety of caffeine, including caffeine from guarana, in alcoholic beverages. The Department of Agriculture says it allows a small amount of guarana in meat as a flavoring, not enough to create a stimulant effect. The agency says it is reviewing whether beef-jerky products with labels marketing a stimulant effect may violate this standard. The agency didn't specify which products are under review. Performance Enhancing Meat Snacks says it believes Perky Jerky complies with the law.
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