Testosterone is the chief male sex hormone produced in the adrenal glands and testes of men. During adolescence, this hormone drives the physical and emotional changes that boys experience: broad shoulders, deeper voice, and hair growth. This hormone may be abundant in teens and younger men, but older men may experience lower levels of testosterone. Healthy levels of testosterone facilitate sexual function, body composition (muscle mass), bone density, and other critical bodily functions.
Hypogonadism, also called low testosterone, is a condition where men have lower levels of testosterone. It often manifests as irritability, exhaustion, loss of muscle mass, and lack of sexual desire. The condition necessitates treatment and other interventions to avoid health issues in the long run and improve the quality of life. A doctor will order a blood test and physical exams to confirm low testosterone and prescribe hormone replacements that come as pills, topical gels, injections, or skin patches. These medications may have severe side effects that you may want to discuss with your urologist.
The severe side effects may be the leading cause of the popularity of the widely publicized supplement Testogen. Studies also suggest that there is little reason to offer men above 65 years of testosterone therapy.
Testogen is a testosterone booster said to be made of natural ingredients. You should not have to use expensive medication while you can use natural alternatives plus a lifestyle change to bring your testosterone levels back to normal. Testogen’s main selling point is that it is a natural alternative to steroids and other supplements in the market that may be harmful. It is also less expensive and has fewer side effects.
Testogen Ingredients:
- Testogen is made exclusively of natural extracts loaded with minerals and vitamins that have been proven to boost testosterone production. These include:
- Zinc: Zinc is widely known for its role in maintaining hormonal balances and improving the quality of sperm.
- Aspartic Acid: An amino acid that plays a critical role in the production of testosterone and improves its short term production.
- Tribulus Terrestris: a natural agent that has been applied for years in the treatment of sexual dysfunction in men and used as an inflammatory agent
- Fenugreek and Selenium: Selenium is a micro-element that plays a role in detoxification of body toxins. Together with fenugreek, they facilitate an antioxidant activity which is important for optimal testosterone production.
Typical dosage:
The daily dosage depends on your body type and goals, but four capsules a day would be the standard recommendation. You are advised to see a doctor if you have any preexisting conditions.
While Testogen may help you elevate your testosterone levels, you must consider coupling the supplement with additional natural methods to improve your success rates. In so doing, you will also improve your health and general well-being. Here are some diet and fitness tips to guide you:
Exercise
Exercise and testosterone levels often go together. Exercise has been prescribed by many health practitioners to increase lean muscle, reduce your predisposition to lifestyle disorders, improve confidence, and boost your testosterone levels. Studies have shown that people who exercise regularly, including the elderly, have higher levels of testosterone. In obese individuals, increased physical activity has been found to be far more effective than a weight-reduction diet for improving testosterone levels.
While you exercise, you want to focus more on weight-lifting and other forms of resistance training for increased testosterone levels both in the short and long term. HIIT (High-intensity interval training) can also be incredibly helpful.
Have better eating habits
You are what you eat also applies when seeking to improve your testosterone levels. You need to pay additional attention to what you eat, specifically your caloric intake and diet components. Overeating and unhealthy dieting may cause harmful disruptions of your testosterone levels. You need to have a nutrient-dense diet to achieve the overall hormone balance required to sustain excellent testosterone levels. Foods that are rich in vitamin D and zinc are a must-have in your diet as they are both precursors for the manufacture of testosterone. Foods with nutrients that ‘mimic’ hormones, like phytoestrogens, are also helpful in maintaining a healthy hormone balance. Some of the foods that contain the above nutrients include:
- Beans
Beans are one of the best foods in restoring male hormone health. White, black, and kidney beans are excellent sources of zinc and vitamin D. They also come with plant protein that is beneficial for heart health.
- Tuna
Tuna is a healthy, low-calorie source of Vitamin D as well as proteins. A daily serving of Tuna will provide you with sufficient vitamin D for the day. Whether fresh or canned, Tuna will be an excellent component of your diet. You can also substitute it with sardines and salmon if you do not like tuna.
- Egg yolks
The egg yolk has more nutrients than the egg white, the most vital one for you being Vitamin D. If you do not have any major cholesterol issues, you can safely enjoy one egg per day.
- Oysters
Oysters are a great source of zinc, which is critical during adolescence for its role in keeping hormonal levels in check. If you have zinc deficiency, Oysters will come in handy. If you do not like oysters, shellfish like crabs or lobsters are also reliable sources of zinc.
- Low-fat milk
Milk is an excellent source of proteins and calcium, the latter, which is critical for optimal bone health. Look out for low-fat milk fortified with vitamin D to raise those testosterone levels.
In addition to the above singled-out foods, a wholesome diet balanced with carbohydrates, healthy fats, and proteins will optimize your testosterone levels and general health in the long run.
Minimize stress
Stress is associated with the hormone Cortisol, which is rarely associated with any positive effects. Elevation in Cortisol leads to a consequent reduction in testosterone. Stress may also predispose you to excessive eating and reduced willingness to exercise, which will accumulate harmful fat and impact your testosterone levels. A stress-free lifestyle coupled with restful sleep will aid in improving your testosterone levels and general health.
Conclusion:
Generally, the key to optimal testosterone levels is a lifestyle transformation with an emphasis on diet and exercise. Testogen as a supplement will work best if you promote its activity with a healthy body and a positive outlook.
