Trying to boost Testosterone naturally is not easy. To be honest you are unlikely to see or feel the results of synthetic anabolic steroids no matter what product you use. However, you also won't get the harmful and often permanent side effects and hormone dysregulation that can come from the use of anabolic steroids.
In this article we are going to look at the PROVEN effective natural ways to optimize your inner ALPHA and support your general health and wellbeing as part of a balanced lifestyle.
Don't underestimate the power of natural ingredients. Since Supporting general hormone health as part of a balanced lifestyle may contribute to overall wellbeing...
- Enhanced Muscle Recovery
- Elevated Mood
- Improved Performance
- Increased Strength
- Boosted Libido
There are 3 classes of compounds in the natural hormone optimisation space.
- Ones that are clinically proven to work.
- Ones that show promise.
- Ones that do nothing.
In this article we want to provide you the low hanging fruit. So we are going to focus on the proven ingredients you need to be capable of producing sex hormones and the ones that will help move the needle in that favourable direction.
Let's start with the not so sexy Vitamins and Minerals that are absolutely essential to produce sex hormones...
Magnesium: This super mineral is critically involved in relaxation, rest, recovery and supporting healthy cortisol levels as part of general wellbeing. Many studies have been published showing the benefits of magnesium supplementation in active individuals for performance improvements and recovery. In fact, some research has explored the relationship between magnesium intake and hormone markers in active individuals.
in addition to supporting general hormonal wellbeing, magnesium may help support general sleep quality and overall wellbeing.
Zinc: This macro mineral is essential for over 300 biochemical reactions and processes in the human body every day. So, it's no surprise that when you do not get enough Zinc your hormones and health can suffer.
One study published in 1996 found that research has explored the relationship between zinc intake and hormone health in men. Let that sink in for just a moment!
Studies have also shown that adequate zinc intake may help support general hormonal wellbeing.
adequate zinc intake may help support general hormonal balance. With more circulating estrogen this might explain why the body upregulates estrogen receptors.
zinc is an important mineral that may help support general health and wellbeing although this still needs be measured.
Vitamin D: Is considered the sunlight vitamin. The truth is, Vitamin D plays an important role in general health and may help support overall wellbeing.
In a cross-sectional study assessing correlations between androgens (testosterone) and Vitamin D, it was noted that some research has explored associations between Vitamin D levels and general hormonal health.
SHBG binds up testosterone and prevents it being beneficial. Therefore, maintaining healthy Vitamin D levels may help support general wellbeing.
some research has explored the relationship between Vitamin D supplementation and general hormonal health in men that were at the low-end of normal.
Boron: There is nothing boring about Boron. In fact, a recent study gave healthy young males (18 -29 yrs) 10mg of boron for 7 days. At the end of this short study some research has explored the relationship between boron intake and general hormonal health.
In another study participants received 6mg of boron for 60 days and the researchers saw many improvements in hormonal markers. 1) Vitamin D levels increased 19.6% which may also contribute to hormonal health. 2) some research has explored associations between boron supplementation and general hormonal markers.
some research has explored the relationship between boron intake and general hormonal balance
supporting general hormonal health may contribute to overall wellbeing.
(Pantothenic Acid): All B Vitamins are helpful co-factors in the metabolism of peptides, enzymes and hormones in the human body. This B vitamin (B5) helps with the production of cholesterol. Cholesterol is the backbone of testosterone and other sex hormones. It is also involved in the formation of many neurotransmitters which keep your brain and body functioning at optimal levels.
B5 may help support general energy levels and overall wellbeing as part of a balanced diet.
The Truth isn't sexy!
For most people reading this article there is nothing sexy or exciting about these ingredients but the truth is they just work. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are becoming more common as our food fails to provide the nourishment it once did, and our lifestyle increases in stress and toxicity which depletes vitamins and minerals further.
Finding a supplement that combines some of or all the above ingredients will go a long way towards supporting general health and wellbeing as part of a balanced lifestyle.
Now let's talk about 5 cool herbs that show a lot of promise and even have some pretty compelling research supporting their hormonal optimizing benefits.
Ashwagandha: In Ayurveda medicine (the oldest medicine system known to humans) Ashwagandha is at the top of the pecking order and is considered the KING of herbs.
It has mainly been used as an adaptogen helping to reduce stress and cortisol. It's widely known that cortisol is antagonistic (the nemesis or opposite) to testosterone. So, when cortisol is high, testosterone is low. Ashwagandha is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to help support general stress resilience and wellbeing.
In one study using a 10:1 extract ratio some research has explored the relationship between ashwagandha supplementation and general stress and hormonal wellbeing.
In another study 57 healthy men between the ages of 18 - 64 were given Ashwagandha or a placebo. some research has explored the relationship between ashwagandha supplementation and general health outcomes.
some research has explored the relationship between ashwagandha supplementation and general physical performance. This is exciting for those looking to improve muscle mass and power.
In men with low fertility and low libido due to stress. Ashwagandha is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to support general reproductive and hormonal wellbeing. This means Ashwagandha may be working as an antioxidant in the sex organs and supporting general hormonal wellbeing over time.
Shilajit: is another ancient ayurvedic medicine comprised of composted plant matter that is super-rich in over 85 different micro minerals, fulvic acid and humic acid which has been shown to traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to support general health and wellbeing.
In a well-designed 2010 study using 200mg of shilajit some research has explored the relationship between shilajit supplementation and general hormonal health which is a precursor to testosterone production.
In another more recent study some research has explored the relationship between shilajit supplementation and general hormonal wellbeing. These are remarkable results and shows that supporting nutrient needs is critically important for supporting hormonal function.
Tongkat Ali (Longjack): Otherwise known as Eurycoma Longifolia is a Malaysian Ginseng that works as an adaptogen to help support hormone balance. Tongkat Ali is traditionally used in Malaysian and Southeast Asian herbal medicine to support general vitality and wellbeing.
Tongkat Ali has traditionally been used in Malaysian and Southeast Asian herbal medicine to support general vitality and wellbeing..
Research has shown some research has explored the relationship between Tongkat Ali and general hormonal balance especially in men or women that are prone to high levels of estrogen.
Fenugreek (Fenusides): is native to India and north Africa. It's grown and consumed around the world and can be standardised to contain fenusides or 4-hydroxy iso-leucine. fenugreek may help support general hormonal wellbeing as part of a balanced lifestyle.
A 12-week study in 50 men consuming 500mg of fenugreek experienced significant improvements in testosterone levels.
The study found that some research has explored the relationship between fenugreek supplementation and general hormonal and reproductive health.
- Spilanthes Acmella (Spilanthol): Spilanthes Acmella is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to support general vitality and wellbeing. Spilanthes Acmella is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to support general hormonal wellbeing
Another thing to consider with the enhanced sexual performance characteristics is that some research has explored the relationship between Spilanthes and general circulatory wellbeing This means Spilanthes may be great for the athletes prior to exercise or performance physically or sexually.
Product Recommendation: Alpha Switch
It's safe to say there are some very well documented benefits to be had from supporting your hormone health with the correct Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs, Fatty Acids and Amino Acids. These ingredients listed show the most robust clinical data and future promise.
However, here are 10 other things you can do if you want to optimize your hormone levels.
- Reduce Stress
- Reduce Alcohol Consumption
- Stop Smoking
- Reduce Sugar Intake
- Reduce Processed Foods
- Get Better Sleep
- Exercise Regularly
- Eat Healthy Fats
- Eat Quality Protein
- Limit Artificial Sweeteners, Colours and Flavours
Now you have all the knowledge needed to get the results you are looking for. Be sure to check your labels carefully and make sure you are buying ingredients in formulas from a trusted brand that are of high quality and not proprietary blended. Proprietary (Prop) blending prevents you knowing the doses you are consuming and making educated decisions about the formula.
