Let’s talk Testosterone

The ‘bad boy’ hormone also known as ‘test’ representing male muscles and sex drive has been proven to profoundly influence health and disease as well as predict behaviour in both sexes.

Over one-third of men over 45 have testosterone levels considered deficient. Some low-test level symptoms include: Hair loss on face and body, loss of muscle mass, brittle bones, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, risk for some cancers, higher risk of death, hot flashes, irritability, inability to concentrate, depression, cardiovascular disease, breast growth, low sex drive, decrease in the size of testicles, low sperm count, infertility and impotence.

Men treated to raise their levels to normal, experience the following changes: *Significant fat loss and building of lean muscle

mass *Controlled glucose levels *Lower blood pressure *Lower risk of bone fracture *Improved energy levels *Higher motivation *Relief from depression

Testosterone and mood

Studies have shown that women treated with testosterone have increased genital sensitivity. It is

believed that when women are in love, they have higher than normal test levels.

When men are in love, they have lower than normal test levels. A few years into the relationship and testosterone levels normalize in both genders.

New parents of both sexes have lower than normal test levels.

When men are excited about winning, their testosterone levels spike. In a build up to any competition, physical or not, men’s testosterone levels rise. Testosterone levels in men will fluctuate while watching professional sports. It rises when their team wins and can lower when their team loses.

Test boosters

Some natural test boosters include fasting, supplementing with zinc and magnesium, vitamin D and lifting weight.

Fasting: Fasting helps your body release dangerous toxins and gives your body a chance to burn excess fat for fuel. You can raise your growth hormone levels by 2000% with just one 24-hour fast. A short fast boosts LH (luteinizing hormone) by 67% and overall testosterone by 180% in non-obese men.

Zinc: Taking 40mg of zinc for six weeks can boost test levels. Zinc protects men from an exercise-induced reduction in test levels. Zinc is necessary for androstenedione to be converted to testosterone while low zinc increases estrogen receptors. Some foods high in zinc include; oysters, beef, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds and channa. Note: only supplement with zinc if you are low as too much can interfere with your body’s ability to absorb other minerals.

Magnesium: Magnesium supplementation increases both free and total test levels in men. Magnesium increases strength via enhanced testosterone levels and ribosomal protein synthesis. It also helps to boost other important male anabolic hormones.

Vitamin D: This steroid hormone is responsible for more than a thousand bodily functions including increasing testosterone. Overweight men given vitamin D increased their test levels in one year. Men with low levels of the bad boy hormone are more than likely to be vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D also increases lifespan. Sun exposure is the best way to optimize your vitamin D levels. Take a good vitamin D3 oral supplement if sunlight isn’t an option.

Weightlifting: Strength training is a well-known test booster but you need to increase the weight and lower the repetitions. Deadlifts are one of the best ways to release growth hormone and testosterone. Even moderate strength training and light weight lifting boost serum test levels and it works for the young and old. Pump iron at least three to four times a week. Combine that with intermittent fasting for quicker and greater results.