Now drinking lemon juice for acne throughout the day has become a habit for me. I used to drink soda (soft drinks) all day, but that really didn’t help my acne. So if you’re in the same situation I was a few years ago, drinking two cans of pop every day, then this might be the most important thing you read all year.

Now I replaced that with water bottles. And although that helped, it didn’t quite clear my acne.

Then I discovered that mixing fresh lemon juice with water really helps a lot. In fact, if you do only one thing, I would recommend the acne lemon juice.

1. In the morning, I wake up, splash a bit of water on my face and then I go and cut up a whole lemon in half.
2. After that, I juice the lemon using a cheap fruit juicer, one that’s going to separate the juice from the pulp and seeds.
3. Then, I open up a water bottle and take a healthy gulp, so that there’s room to mix the lemon juice.
4. Afterwards, I mix in the lemon juice with the water and shake it just a bit.

A little more details on my lemon water for acne routine

There we go; the lemon juice is ready to go for the rest of the day. Actually, I usually end up drinking it all within 1-2 hours, which is fine, there’s no need to extend it throughout the day. When I first started doing this, it was actually difficult to gulp down that much lemon, so what I did was use half a lemon per day, and I kept the other side for the next. After a while though, I noticed better results using the whole lemon, and the taste was actually enjoyable, so I now do a complete lemon per day.

Note: Usually after drinking lemon water, I noticed that my teeth are a bit more sensitive (makes sense since it’s slightly a slightly acidic drink) so what I do is I brush my teeth about 30-60 min after taking the lemon water. Sometimes I forget, or I just eat food and it seems to have the same effect, but I don’t want to have any cavities so I make sure to take care of my teeth! Some people suggested that I could drink it with a straw… I guess that could work too. Also, I never take more than 1 lemon per day; it’s apparently not good to take too much.

UPDATE: Do not take more than 1 lemon per day, I usually do 1 lemon per day for 7 days and then I go into a ‘maintenance dose’ of 1 lemon every 2-3 days. Taking more than this can cause side effects.

Testosterone is a male hormone. Besides promoting libido it has other important functions such as maintaining muscle mass and forming bone,and regulating heart muscle and cholesterol. It also helps to improve the oxygen levels throughout the body as well as controlling blood glucose and strengthening the immune system. As men age, the pituitary gland produces less free testosterone while more free testosterone is being converted to estrogen which results in many health problems. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment of testosterone deficiency.

I. Causes

1. Aging

As we mentioned in the previous articles, human aging is the biological and pathological processes that vary from person to person and that are controllable to some degree. Starting at age 40 levels of testosterone start to diminish. The levels of the by-product prolactin of testosterone of men increases, stimulating the production of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase that causes the conversion of testosterone to gihydro-testosterones DHT thus triggering low levels of testosterone.

2. DHEA deficiency

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a substance made by the adrenal gland. It is the precursor of the sex steroids estrogen and testosterone. DHEA has some male hormone effects and deficiency of DHEA contributes to fatigue, poor concentration and diminished overall body functions.

3. Zinc

Zinc is a natural aromatase enzyme inhibitor. It helps to block the conversion of testosterone into excess estrogen. Inadequate zinc levels block the pituitary gland from releasing lutein and follicle stimulation of hormone which stimulates the production of testosterone.

4. Aromatase

Aromatase is an enzyme of the cytochrome P450 superfamily, whose function is to aromatize androgen and produce estrogen. As men age they produce greater amounts of aromatase enzymes that cause the conversion of testosterone into estrogen resulting in male hormone deficiency.

5. Liver disease

Damage to liver causes extra estrogen and sex-hormone binding globulin resulting in lower levels of testosterone.

6. Frequent sexual activity

Normal sexual activity helps to improve the yang qi in the kidney according to Chinese herbalists (that is the reason why most kings in Chinese history have some sources of sexual dysfunction). Frequent sexual activity (more than once a day and every day) will cause the depletion of yang qi resulting in low levels of testosterone, sexual dysfunction and libido in the future days.

II. Symptoms

1. Decreased sexual function

As we mentioned in the last article, starting at age 40 levels of testosterone start to diminish. The levels of the by-product prolactin of testosterone of men increases, stimulating the production of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase that causes the conversion of testosterone to gihydro-testosterones DHT thus triggering low levels of testosterone resulting in sexual dysfunction.

2. Loss of bone density

The brain and bone are the important tissues that have the primary effect of testosterone is by way of aromatization to 17² estradiol in the bones. 17²-estradiol accelerates maturation of cartilage into bone, leading to closure of the epiphyses (a rounded end of a long bone) and conclusion of growth.

3. Loss of muscle mass

As men start aging or damage of pituitary gland, extra estrogen builds up in the body causing low levels of testosterone being produced resulting in loss of muscle mass. Testosterone effects can be classified as anabolic effects that include growth of muscle mass and strength, increased bone density and strength, and stimulation of height growth and bone maturation. Testosterone effects can also be classified by the age of usual occurrence.

4. Memory loss

Low levels of testosterone allows beta-amyloid, a toxic peptide to accumulate in certain regions of the brain causing memory loss.

5. Abdominal fat

Fat cells create aromatase enzymes that contribute to fat build up and low levels of testosterone which allows the forming of abdominal fat that produce more aromatase enzymes resulting in more formation of estrogen. It also causes insulin resistance by increasing fat around the stomach/waist area and fat mass.There are more symptoms of low levels of testosterone such as timidity, feeling of weakness, and passive attitude.

III. Prevention and Treatment

With Foods

1. Oyster and crustaceans

Oyster and crustaceans contain high levels of magnesium and zinc that is a natural aromatase inhibitor playing a key role in regulating testosterone levels as well as improving circulation of blood to the penis vessels.

2. Cabbage

Cabbage contains vitaimn C, iron, calcium, and potassium. It not only helps in exhibiting the estradiol-restricting properties as other cruciferous vegetables, but its fiber also helps to control weight gain resulting in a decreased risk of estrogen binding.

3. Dark green leaf

Dark green leaf juice contains high amount of vitamin C and E, besides helping to reduce levels of cholesterol, high blood pressure and regulate blood glucose resulting in improved blood circulation to vital organs in our body. It also helps to fight the forming of free radicals and rejuvenates our cell and cleans up the clogged up receptor sites that helps to raise levels of testosterone.

4. Goat Meat

Goat meat contains high amounts of protein, iron, magnesium, and zinc. Iron specifically offers the added benefit of raising levels of oxygen in the blood that is essential for providing nutrition to cell needs. High protein and zinc are two nutrients that help to optimize free testosterone levels and muscle-building.

5. Egg

Egg contains zinc, iron, vitamin A, antioxidants, protein and testosterone. The antioxidants and testosterone present in egg have an effect in testosterone-boosting ratio of saturated fat to polyunsaturated . The high amounts of vitamins B5 and B6 in egg also helps to balance the hormone levels in our body and fight stress. Overloading with eggs may increase levels of cholesterol but eating one egg a day is ideal for vitalizing and regenerative effects in resulting more production of testosterone.

6. Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries

Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries contain vitamin P (bioflavonoid) that helps to promote health by strengthening capillaries, protecting blood vessels from clogging up, other connective tissues and muscle building in the body resulting in improved blood circulation and immune system in fighting the forming of free radicals.

7. Cold water fish

Besides plenty of omega 3, cold water fish is an excellent source of vitamin A and zinc that help the binding of sex hormones, specifically testosterone and estradiol.

With Nutritional Supplements

1. DHEA

DHEA allows our body to create other hormones such as testosterone. Study shows that DHEA is a precursor to sex hormones. The deficiency of DHEA causes the deficiency of other sex hormones resulting in loss of bone density, increasing of body mass, hardening of blood vessels and low sex drive.

2. Chorella

Chlorella containing beta carotene and chlorophyll is a powerful antioxidant that helps to strengthen the immune system by blocking the formation of free radicals, improving oxygen levels for cell needs and nitric oxygen thus stimulating the enlarging of the penis through sexual desire.

3. Garlic

Garlic is one of nature’s superfoods that helps lower levels of cholesterol, normalizes blood pressure and increases circulation of oxygen levels in bloodstream. Garlic is also a stimulant that helps to increase men’s libido by promoting the production of sex hormone in the pituitary gland. Please consult with your doctor if you have any bleeding problems before taking garlic supplements.

4. Vitamin K

Vitamin K is needed for skin rejuvenation. The depleting of vitamin K in the skin membrane causes the skin to become inelastic and wrinkle as a result of low levels of testosterone in men due to aging. Restoring the deficiency of vitamin K indirectly promotes production of levels of testosterone.

5. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acid

Besides helping to lower levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, and improving circulation of the levels of oxygen in bloodstream to cells, omega 3 and 6 fatty acid also helps to promote the restoration of any damage of heart tissues and hormone imbalance in aging men.

6. Nucleic acid

Nucleic acid besides promoting cell growth, boosting energy, smooth skin and keeping hair sleek, also helps to maintain the healthy levels of male sex hormone resulting in a normalizing desire of the sex drive.

7. Zinc and iron

Deficiency of zinc and iron causes the depletion of oxygen levels and poor circulation of the bloodstream as indirectly resulting in erectile dysfunction. Since zinc also promotes healthy prostate glands that increase the release of prostate fluids that help to stimulate the sexual desire by increasing the production of levels of free testosterone.

8. Potassium and magnesium

Potassium and magnesium help to inhibit the conversion of testosterone to estrogen resulting in more free testosterone that helps to normalize sexual desire.

With natural approaches

1. Cut down intake of saturated fat and trans fat

Our brain needs fat to function better, but unhealthy diet that is high in saturated fat and trans fat causes not only the build up of the abdominal area but also increases the risk of hormone imbalance by stimulating the binding of sex hormone binding globulin which clogs up testosterone receptor sites resulting in low levels of free testosterone and sexual desire. By reducing intake of above fats and replacing them by fish which contain high amounts of omega 3 and 6 will help to block the binding of SHBG, thus increasing the amount of free testosterone as well as libido.

2. Reduce intake of alcohol

Excessive drinking impairs the function of liver resulting in hormone imbalance as well as increasing the levels of estrogen in both men and women.

3. Stop smoking

Cigarette is a stimulant that not only increases heart beat but also causes the depletion of oxygen levels in the blood stream. It also increases binding of SHBG resulting in lowered levels of free testosterone.

4. Replace carbonated beverages with dark green juice

Carbonated beverages are absorbed more readily and it suppresses the testosterone production in men. Dark green juice contains a high amount of antioxidants, zinc, iron, vitamin C, etc. that not only helps to restore the damage of cells but also prevent the formation of free radicals. Dark green juice also reduces the binding of SHGB, nourishes the pituitary gland, thus increasing the production of free testosterone.

5. Moderate exercise

Walking 50 minutes a week will help to improve the circulation of oxygen levels in the bloodstream and increase the human growth hormone as well as helping to regulate the testosterone levels in the body.

6. Vitamins and minerals

Vitamins and minerals are equally important to our body, as well as maintaining sexual activity and vitality, and should come from whole foods and balanced diets.

7. Put on a happy face Stress drains your body energy by causing the metabolism to fluctuate, thus changing your body normal physical and emotion functions resulting in fluctuation of testosterone production and hormone imbalance.

DRINK LEMON JUICE: It’s really effective.. I recommend starting the day with one glass of hot water and lemon juice from 1 lemon. I’ve been doing this for 2 weeks and my acne is almost gone. My tip is that you wait at least 30 min after finishing the hot lemon juice before eating breakfast, to give the lemon time to remove dirt and sh*t from your liver, etc.

Drink water, eat less fat and sugar, eat more fruits and vegetables, avoid alcohol consumption and exciting food. And the law of life, adequate sleep, good mood, should develop good health habits, good personal hygiene, it is necessary to frequently wash with warm water to keep pores open.

What your face 2-3 times a day depending on your skin type. Make sure that you do not over dry your face. Washing your face a lot will dry it out, which will in turn cause your skin to produce more sebum, which will make your face more oily and cause it to get worse. Drink orange juice before you wash your face. It opens up the pores so it’s easier to get the oil out and other stuff. Washing your face does help a lot to fight acne and blackheads. Soap does not though. It dries out your skin. The only soap that works is soap made especially for your face. That won’t dry your skin out.

Your skin has essential oils and nutrients in it which protect it from harmful sun, chemicals and other elements. Washing all the protection away leaves your most delicate skin open for attack. Drying your face out by over-washing also leads to breakouts because there is no oil in your pores protecting them from harm. You can (and likely will) suffer sun damage and possibly skin cancers to the face if you wash away all the protective barriers.

Dermatologist suggest not to wash your face more than 2 times a day.

If “Proactive” doesn’t work for you more than likely nothing over the counter will.

These along with other factors such as your overall health, being on other medicines, not drinking enough water to cleanse the body of toxins, a diet that consists of mostly junk food , stress, etc. can all be contributing factors in the underlying cause or at least exacerbate the condition.

Some cases might require topically applied prescription drugs that help to kill bacteria and dry up the acne as well. Sometimes it can require antibiotics along with this treatment.

But, if you have extremely severe acne that causes large, deep, oozing, painful, and potentially disfiguring lesions then you could be dealing with “cystic acne” which should definately been seen by a licensed dermatologist so that you can be prescribed a medicine called “acutane” It is an extremely powerful drug with annoying side effects such as severely dry skin, dry, cracked and peeling lips, dry, thirsty mouth, even some light nosebleeds, etc. as well as a few that are potentially harmful as well.

You will also need to be seen by the doctor for regular check-ups as well as blood tests. That being said… “Proactive” can be an absolutely wonderful drug that will completely clear up any and all acne and give you many, long years (perhaps even a lifetime) of clear skin, and if you catch it early enough you can prevent scarring as well! I suggest you go visit a local dermatologist for an evaluation to determine if you could be a candidate for the treatment.