Testosterone is the male sex hormone produced found in women and men. Men produce testosterone in their testicles and can alter a man’s appearance, sex life, mood, and energy levels.
Testosterone levels decrease with age, and according to several studies, there are studies that show a generational decline in testosterone, meaning that men today have lower levels of testosterone compared to their grandfathers.
Testosterone is not just for bodybuilders. Many people take supplemental testosterone to help with the symptoms created by low testosterone levels. Because testosterone plays such a crucial role in physical aspects such as muscle mass, strong bones, and hair growth, low levels of testosterone can be detrimental for men.
Low sex drive
For men and women, testosterone plays a critical role in our libido. Low testosterone is not only heavily correlated with low libido, but it can also cause difficulty with producing and maintaining an erection. When testosterone levels are low, nitric oxide, the molecule that triggers other chemical reactions, including erections, slows down because testosterone is what stimulates the brain’s receptors to produce nitric oxide. Low testosterone also effects semen volume.
Hair Loss
You may think that age causes balding, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, men with low levels of testosterone are more likely to experience hair loss on their bodies and face.
Fatigue
Fatigue and loss of energy is highly correlated with low levels of testosterone in older men. This drop in energy is heavily responsible for your decreased sex drive, mood, and loss of sleep.
Loss of Muscle Mass and Increased Body Fat
Testosterone plays a vital role in building muscle. If you have low testosterone, you may also experience an increase in your body fat. Often men with low testosterone find out when they develop gynecomastia, aka, man boobs. Testosterone promotes muscle growth and at the same time inhibits fat growth. Because muscles burn fat, the lower levels of testosterone and the decrease in muscle mass, your body will try to retain more fat.
How to Boost Your Testosterone Naturally
We suggest getting your testosterone levels checked by your primary care physician. Your doctor may try to prescribe your testosterone therapy. Still, before it ever gets to that point, there are tons of natural ways to boost your testosterone through exercise or natural over-the-counter supplements.
Excerise
Exercise is one of the most effective ways to boost your testosterone. A 2004 study showed that elderly participants who exercised had an increase in testosterone levels as well as reaction time. Research also shows that obese men who increase their physical activity get a boost of testosterone after each work-out.
Eat Right
Diet has a significant impact on testosterone levels. What you put in your body can either produce testosterone or inhibit its production. Dieting on and off as well as overeating and interrupt your testosterone levels. Protein, carbs, and healthy fats have all been shown to help testosterone production during work-outs.
Supplement
It may seem weird to take natural testosterone boosting supplements. Still, according to Today’sU, there are tons of supplements with ingredients and micronutrients that have been scientifically proven to help testosterone production. The modern man has a diet that lacks vitamins and minerals like Vitamin D, A, zinc, and magnesium. These are all-natural vitamins and minerals that have been shown to help testosterone production.