Testosterone ~ Increase Levels Naturally

 

Testosterone is a complex hormone, and as a general topic is beyond the scope of one newsletter. In this newsletter we will look at natural ways to increase this hormone. Herbs and nutrients may help the body to produce its own testosterone, as opposed to replacement therapy in which a bio-identical hormone is introduced to the body.

Testosterone is produced in both sexes but is famously known as the “male sex hormone.” It is involved in much more than sexual characteristics, however. In men it is involved in maintaining everything from mood to heart health. Low levels may contribute to more than the well-known symptoms of loss of sexual desire and muscle mass. Low testosterone may contribute to prostate cancer, among other things.

Nutrition for Production/Maintenance

The most critical nutrient for testosterone is the mineral zinc. Zinc is an essential cofactor for the body’s production of testosterone. As well, supplemental zinc may increase levels that are depleted as a result of zinc deficiency. Zinc is also crucial for male reproductive health in general and the health of the prostate gland. Young men need zinc for developing sexual health and men older than 40 should be getting enough of this mineral for healthy prostate function and to maintain testosterone levels which naturally decline around this time. Doses of 30-50 mg are recommended, with higher levels needing a balance with copper as the two minerals compete. Some zinc supplements have added copper for this reason.

Vitamins A and E are involved in testosterone production and regulation. Hand in hand with these fat-soluble vitamins goes fat itself. Dietary fats, specifically saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, are essential also for the production and utilization of testosterone. Phytosterols, fatty compounds in plants, inhibit the conversion of testosterone to the undesirable form, dihydrotestosterone. This “bad” form is involved in male-pattern baldness and prostate enlargement. Saw Palmetto is an example of a phytosterol-containing herb.

Boron may increase serum testosterone levels. It doesn’t raise it to higher than normal physiological values but does appear to restore levels in older males to levels that they had in their 20s and 30s.

 

 

Aromatase Inhibitors

These compounds preserve the body’s existing testosterone levels by inhibiting an enzyme involved in converting testosterone to estradiol, an estrogen compound. Examples of this are chrysin, a flavonoid from passionflower, and grape seed extract. Chrysin is a staple supplement of many body-builders who seek to boost their testosterone levels for lean muscle mass gains.

 

 

Herbal Enhancement

Tribulus terrestris is a plant native to Europe, Africa, and Asia. Tribulus has been shown in animal studies to raise testosterone levels, possibly through an effect on Luteinizing Hormone. Human studies are divided, although this herb has long been a popular ingredient in herbal testosterone formulas.

Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium) is another popular men’s herb. It has been shown to stimulate nitric oxide production and thus has benefits for erectile dysfunction. As far as testosterone, one rat study showed a tremendous increase in testosterone production. It appears to work as a testosterone mimetic.

Tongkat Ali, also known as long jack, is an Indonesian herb which reputedly raises levels of free testosterone. Anecdotal evidence is strong on this herb, and it is very popular with male customers here at Evergreen. Some studies have found that the extract can indeed increase testosterone levels.

 

 

Evergreen Offers Several Options

Evergreen carries all of the above herbs in our Men’s Health section. Also available are targeted formulas such as Irwin Naturals’ Testosterone UP, containing a powerful blend of zinc, plant sterols, chrysin, and Tongkat Ali extract. In addition, Irwin offers their Testosterone UP RED which also includes tribulus, Tongkat Ali, and plant sterols as well as other herbs (including ginkgo and ginseng) plus L-citrulline and L-arginine for nitric oxide enhancement. Triple Force Test Charger from Natural Sport boasts zinc along with horny goat weed, tribulus, and Tongkat Ali. T Male from Nature’s Plus features zinc and boron along with tribulus.

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