Guarana & Impotence
Guarana is an herb that contains
caffeine. It is used in some energy drinks, and also as an herbal remedy
to help with weight loss, migraines and fatigue and to improve mental
and sexual function. However, guarana can also cause certain side
effects and it is not safe for everyone to use.
Impotence
Impotence,
also called erectile dysfunction, is defined as not being able to
sustain an erection firm enough to have sex. Many factors can increase
your risk for impotence, including obesity, diabetes, high blood
pressure, alcoholism, some prescription medications, multiple sclerosis,
Parkinson's disease, heart disease, low testosterone, depression,
fatigue, stress and tobacco use.
Guarana and Impotence
The
effect of guarana on impotence is not clear. A study published in April
2008 in the "Journal of Andrology" found that erectile function in
diabetic rats was improved by caffeine supplementation. However, another
journal article published in December 2007 in "Evidence-based
Complementary and Alternative Medicine," notes that consuming large
amounts of guarana may cause impotence. Perhaps this is due its
potential to increase blood pressure.
Side Effects and Safety
Guarana
can cause allergic reactions and side effects including constipation,
diarrhea, loss of appetite, nervousness, upset stomach, heartburn,
irregular heartbeat, headache, sleeplessness and chest pain. If you have
high blood pressure, heart problems, kidney disease, an anxiety
disorder or an overactive thyroid you should not take guarana. Guarana
can also cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop consuming it suddenly,
similar to those caused by caffeine.
Considerations
Speak
with your doctor before taking guarana to make sure it is safe for you.
Do not self-treat your impotence with guarana, or use guarana in place
of the treatment prescribed by your doctor. The evidence on the benefits
of guarana for impotence is preliminary and conflicting, so it is
better to use conventional treatments for this condition.
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