Beware of Natural Testosterone Boosters
The Hidden Risks Behind Over-the-Counter Testosterone Boosters
In the 3.4 billion dollar global market for erectile dysfunction treatments, there’s always some new notion or potion hoping to capture a piece of the business. When it comes to herbal testosterone preparations, we’d like to offer a dose of common sense. Testosterone boosters are marketed as fountains of youth but are unlikely to live up to these claims.
That said, D-aspartic acid reviews are mixed, with some studies showing that it isn’t effective. Eating good-quality protein sources also promotes satiety and helps prevent overeating. Because a higher body fat percentage may cause decreased testosterone production, it’s important to maintain a healthy weight. The second reason – and one that we would argue is more scientifically sound – is to avoid or reverse the detriments of low testosterone. In contrast to the supposed benefits of high testosterone levels, people with low testosterone commonly report fragility, fatigue, and sexual health concerns. The first reason is to reap the illustrious benefits of high (above average) testosterone levels.
I’d like to make a few final points to give some perspective on this story. First, it has become obvious that raising testosterone levels in a man with a history of prostate cancer is not like pouring gasoline on a fire. Getting enough sleep is important for overall health, including testosterone production (14). Research shows that sleep loss has been linked with lowered testosterone levels—specifically when study participants slept less than five hours per night. Log at least seven hours of sleep per night according to the National Sleep Foundation. Some testosterone boosters may increase levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that can contribute to hair loss in men who are genetically predisposed to male pattern baldness. Alcohol, opioids, and steroids can reduce testosterone production.
Finally, increasing levels of testosterone through a negative feedback loop act on the hypothalamus and pituitary to inhibit the release of GnRH and FSH/LH, respectively. Because testosterone impacts muscle and strength, individuals with normal levels may be tempted to does cold water boost testosterone for extra gains. Consuming banned substances can cause an athlete to be disqualified from athletic events.
And that would suggest that testosterone supplementation would increase his risk of disease recurrence. Moreover, there is no known benefit to T therapy if T levels are not truly low. Thus, the decision about whether to try T therapy requires balancing possible benefits with possible risks. Newborn boys have very high testosterone levels, because they need that testosterone in utero to develop as males. From the age of two years until the start of puberty, a boy’s testosterone level is naturally very low.
Following a nutritious diet and healthy lifestyle using some of the tips outlined above can help optimize testosterone levels and promote overall health. Healthy testosterone levels are also important for people assigned female at birth, along with other key hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. To maintain healthy levels of vitamin D, try to get regular exposure to sunlight or consider taking a vitamin D3 supplement as directed by a healthcare professional. According to a 2020 literature review, the effects on testosterone levels can vary based on several factors, including the type of exercise and the training intensity. Over-the-counter “T boosters” are a popular choice for men looking to raise their testosterone levels.
If you have low testosterone, like many men do, these testosterone-boosting foods and lifestyle changes can help you overcome it naturally … and faster. Some supplements to boost testosterone focus on just one active ingredient, while others contain a mixture of active ingredients. A good night’s sleep may help to prevent low testosterone levels. According to a meta-analysis published in the Sleep Medicine journal, sleep deprivation lasting more than 24 hours may be particularly harmful. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of testosterone supplements.
Testosterone also plays a major role in regulating and controlling mood, energy, sleep, and fat distribution. Without adequate levels of testosterone, men can suffer a multitude of health problems, including decreased sex drive, infertility, depression, fatigue, and insomnia. There’s evidence that both a low-fat diet and a diet high in foods that promote inflammation, like saturated fat, cholesterol, and sugary carbs, can lower testosterone levels. So it makes sense that a testosterone-boosting diet should be full of lean protein, healthy fats, and foods high in antioxidants, like berries and leafy greens. You may also want to include foods rich in the natural testosterone boosters zinc (oysters, beef, oats), magnesium (nuts, seeds, spinach, beans), and vitamin D (fatty fish, fortified milk). If you have a true testosterone deficiency, it’s unclear whether testosterone supplements will increase levels of the hormone enough to relieve symptoms.