Testosterone Boosters

“Testosterone boosters” are very popular in the supplement industry, basically because people that work for this industry, start raving reviews on the discussion forums, mostly other so called reps reply and agree with the poster. And because most forums are receiving money from those supplement companies they don’t ban these scams. The same is true for all muscle magazines. Just think of them without all those ridiculous adds.

Testosterone boosters promise you a “supercharged libido” your fat melting away, showing your ripped bulging muscles, while increasing your mood, strength and energy. Is there any such magic potion? Not OTC (over the counter).

The supplement industry is a multi-billion industry, they want to sell their products no matter what, therefore many manufacturers spike their supplements with pharmaceutical ingredients, I wrote about it here.

Then why are all these supplements so tremendous popular? Like as said above, because it is such a moneymaking business, they are able to hire a lot of “reps”, plus because it is “legal” business they are allowed to advertise, and because it involves such an immense of money they can place many huge advertisements in the magazines and on the net and forums. Plus it also legal to buy and possess these nutritional supplements, and therefore they are easy to purchase. Much easier than real pharmaceutical products. Many young bodybuilders believe their lies and buy overpriced products, to find out after many disappointments, that they are scammed. Just watch the documentary “Bigger –Stronger – Faster” about supplements.

Testosterone and growth hormone promote gains in muscle mass and strength and decrease muscle breakdown and fat mass. Most people visiting forums and/or reading know that they also know about testosterone – free testosterone – LH/FSH – estrogen etc. If you compare them to real pharmaceutical ingredients

Testosterone and Libido

Most people think that those two are the same if you have low testosterone you must have a low libido, and vice versa. Everyone that has been juicing should know that even while juicing you can lose your libido.

To make people believe their supplement is working most supplement companies also add libido enhancers to their products/formulas. That is because if you feel that your libido is increasing, you are sure your testosterone is also increased. All to make you believe their TBooster really works.

The supplement industry was re-regulated in the early 1990s. While this had a positive effect (spurred on by research), the downside was that a lot of technically true statements could be made. Using rat studies, single case studies, and petri-dish studies, it becomes easy to make grandiose claims that don’t pan out in an actual human body.

Most ingredients used in T-Boosters have no research, to back up the claims of the supplement companies, or the facts are taken out of their context, exaggerated, the result of poor quality research and often the dose of the ingredient in the formula is too low to yield the promised result.

A few ingredients in these formulas have been shown, via research, to have a small impact on Testosterone. But supplementation will result in a 20-50% testosterone increase.

This may look very impressing but is in reality too little to do what it promises. A dramatical change in body composition, an increase in lean body mass (LBM), strength and libido and a decrease in body fat.You don’t really think that a T-Booster is just as strong as “the real thing” Testosterone, do you? And as you can see from Bhasin’s study, it takes a lot of real testosterone to make such a change in body composition.

Let’s take a look on how they abuse research, let’s look at a study from 2011, that was brought as hot news.Comparative effects of daily and weekly boron supplementation on plasma steroid hormones and proinflammatory cytokines.

“Subjects were requested to consume a capsule of 10mg boron every day with their breakfast, and on the day 7, the blood collection was carried out at 8.00 A.M, again. Boron in plasma increased significantly following hours and weekly consumption. Six hours supplementation showed a significant decrease on sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), high sensitive CRP (hsCRP) and TNF-α level. After one week (in samples taken at 8.00 A.M, only), the mean plasma free testosterone increased and the mean plasma estradiol decreased significantly. Dihydrotestosterone, cortisol and vitamin D was elevated. Also, concentrations of all three inflammatory biomarkers decreased after supplementation. Of note, despite decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines, based on recent clinical data, this must be the first human study report to show an increase level of free testosterone after boron consumption.”

This must be good news, increased testosterone, increased free testosterone, increased DHT, decreased estradiol. …No, it is not the first study to show all those increasing hormones, after supplementation with Boron. In 1993:The effect of boron supplementation on lean body mass, plasma testosterone levels, and strength in male bodybuilders.

“The effect of boron supplementation was investigated in 19 male bodybuilders ages 20-27 years. Ten were given a 2.5-mg boron supplement while 9 were given a placebo every day for 7 weeks. Plasma total and free testosterone, plasma boron, lean body mass, and strength measurements were determined on Days 1 and 49 of the study. Both groups demonstrated significant increases in total testosterone, lean body mass, 1-RM squat, and 1-RM bench press. The findings suggest that 7 weeks of bodybuilding can increase total testosterone, lean body mass, and strength in lesser trained bodybuilders, and that boron supplementation had no effect on these measures.”

Non-Testosterone mediated effects

Meaning, some herbs or plants have an effect, but not via testosterone per se. For example, Horny goat weed contains biologically active compounds that may have Viagra-like effects that act via PDE 5 inhibition. There are other active compounds found in various herbs and such that show some promise in the areas of libido and lower SHBGs and increase free Testosterone, or decrease estradiol, but they often don’t work by boosting (increasing) endogenous testosterone, and even if they are, that does not mean the effects it’s having on testosterone, is adequate to impact body composition and or strength. And, as mentioned previously, many of these compounds are very dose specific, which may or may not exist in that dose in the product/formula in question

The Most Popular Testosterone Booster Ingredients

TribulusTerrestrisis the #1 selling testosterone booster, and the best example of a supplement that increases libido, but has no effect on testosterone. Anecdotally (and traditionally, in East Asia), it’s worked well for men seeking to increase their confidence and libido, but studies have not confirmed this kind of effect. While preliminary evidence suggests that Tribulus can protect the body from stress, it definitely has no effect on testosterone.

D-Aspartic Acid(D-AA) catapulted into the spotlight after a study showed supplementing DAA could increase testosterone up to 42% after just 12 days. This sparked a frenzy of D-AA supplementation. Within a week, people were reporting greatly increased libido, as well as increased testicle size. Unfortunately, another study done that spanned a longer time period found that after about a month of D-AA supplementation, testosterone levels returned to normal. A month isn’t long enough for elevated testosterone levels to have an effect on muscle growth and development. D-AA has been found to provide increased fertility and testosterone when supplemented by infertile men, but it has no effect on athletes and people with normal testosterone levels.

Zinc and Magnesium(both part of the ZMA formula) are frequently recommended as testosterone boosters for athletes. These minerals are lost through sweat and during exercise. If you’re deficient, supplementing with zinc or magnesium can take your testosterone levels to your normal baseline. Additional zinc or magnesium will not increase testosterone above normal levels.

Macais a vegetable marketed as a “non-hormonal” libido enhancer. It is popular among post-menopausal women and younger women who are trying to avoid interactions with contraceptives. Maca’s libido-enhancing properties occur after prolonged supplementation, rather than immediately after a single dose. More research is needed to determine how maca works in the body to increase libido non-hormonally. Maca does not boost testosterone.

Fenugreekis technically a testosterone booster. It contains 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, which prevent testosterone from being turned into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This results in a relative increase in testosterone and a decrease in DHT, which is thought to lower libido Even though it may increase testosterone a bit, it’s not to a level that would cause any appreciable gain in muscle.

Fenugreek has other ways to mediate libido. Despite the decrease in DHT, fenugreek supplementation may actually improve sexual function and well-being. Strangely enough, fenugreek supplementation causes urine and sweat to smell like maple syrup. This libido enhancer obviously works best when taken in Canada, complete with a buffalo plaid shirt and hairy chest (we’re Canadian-based, so we can vouch for this).

Tongkat Aliis a Malaysian herb that has traditionally been used as an aphrodisiac. Tongkatali provides a very mild testosterone boost when supplemented by infertile people, but it has no effect on healthy men. Tongkatali is, however, effective at increasing libido. Tongkatali is not as popular as maca and Tribulusterrestris because it is more expensive, but it could be worth trying, as long as you’re looking for a boost in libido, not testosterone.

MucunaPruriens is a plant used as a source for L-DOPA, the precursor to dopamine. Testosterone is not the only hormone to affect libido. Dopamine is the other major player, while many others have minor roles. Increasing dopamine increases libido, and increasing LDOPA levels results in increased dopamine levels in the brain.

L-DOPA is sometimes called a testosterone booster, because of the way it interacts with prolactin. After a steroid cycle, prolactin levels tend to be higher than usual because of the elevated testosterone. Prolactin negatively regulates testosterone and libido, while enhancing estrogen signaling.

Prolactin is suppressed by dopamine activity. Since supplementing L-DOPA suppresses prolactin (by increasing dopamine activity), supplementing L-DOPA would increase testosterone if prolactin was abnormally high. The average, healthy male does not have elevated prolactin (unless he’s on steroids), so supplementing with L-DOPA will not increase your testosterone levels.

Vitamin D stepped onto the testosterone booster shelf after a single study found that overweight men taking vitamin D experienced an increase in testosterone. This study has not been replicated, but since then, vitamin D has been making its way into a variety of dietary supplements under the guise of raising testosterone levels.

Vitamin D supplementation may potentially boost testosterone levels, but further research is needed to determine if it really has an effect on the testosterone levels of young people and athletes. The truth is likely similar to zinc and magnesium — being in a deficient state causes your testosterone levels to drop below baseline, and supplementing it just takes you right back to baseline (but not any higher).

There Is No Magic Pill

While it would be nice to buy a pill from the local supplement store and have your testosterone levels go up, such a magic pill does not exist. As you can see from the above rundown, while a few supplements may be somewhat effective if your T levels are already low, none will significantly raise your testosterone above a baseline level.

Then how can I keep high endogenous Testosterone levels naturally?

Lift heavy weightsThe best ways to increase testosterone in the gym is deadlift and squat. Continuous deadlift and squat leads to dramatic improvements in body composition and posture. Deadlift works out almost the entire body with one movement, and it is also the best movement for burning fat.And forget that leg press, move to a squat rack and do it with barbell. Squat produces more growth hormone and testosterone than leg press.

Get enough sleep

Sleep 8-9 hours a night in total darkness. Get good blackout curtains. Do you want a better quality of sleep? Put phone to flight mode and shut Wi-Fi stations off for the night, they interfere with your sleep and also possibly significantly reduce testosterone and can make men infertile. Read more about research data on Cell Phone Dangers. During sleep you produce most of the testosterone, that’s why high-quality sleep cannot be over-emphasized. If you currently sleep 4-6 hours a night, you can double your testosterone according to studies by starting to sleep 8-9 hours per night on a regular basis. This should motivate you to close the phone, computer and TV a couple of hours earlier.

Don’t carry around too much excess fat

Did you think that the fat is only fat, and that it does not have any effect on your body, that it would only be a small “visual handicap”. You are sadly mistaken. According to research, especially visceral fat is an effective “estrogen factory” which pumps more estrogen in your body and lowers testosterone.

Obesity lowers testosterone levels. For example, a 2007 study of 1,667 men ages 40 and above found that each one-point increase in BMI was associated with a 2% decrease in testosterone. In addition, a 2008 study of 1,862 men ages 30 and above found that waist circumference was an even stronger predictor of low testosterone levels than BMI. A four-inch increase in waist size increased a man’s odds of having a low testosterone level by 75%; for comparison, 10 years of aging increased the odds by only 36%. All in all, waist circumference was the strongest single predictor of developing symptoms of testosterone deficiency. And if you doubt these two American studies, just consider Australian research that found almost one in every seven obese men could benefit from testosterone replacement, a rate more than four times higher than in non-obese men.

Do I even need to mention the other ill health effects of belly fat? Probably not. If you’re looking to have higher testosterone levels and better erectile function, then the first and most important thing would be to get rid of the “estrogen factory”, which is around your waist.

Ensure your diet is varied and includes leafy greens and animal fats

Eating healthy foods will help you in keeping high natural testosterone levels. Which foods – fats - fruits - herbs – nuts etc.Too much to mention, if you are interested just surf the web. But remember NO Miracles, just as with the T-Boosters you buy, it will help only a little.

Hydration

Drink enough water, ie at least 2 liters (67oz) a day. Note the word water, no diet sodas or juices.If you do have a condition causing low T, your doctor can prescribe pharmaceuticals. Otherwise, the steps we outlined above are the way to go.

Avoid excessive sugar consumption

Sodas and other high fructose corn syrup and sugar products lowers effectively testosterone levels. Studies of sugar intake of beverages have been shown to decrease testosterone by up to 25% for several hours – that is, if you drink sugary beverages throughout the day, you have constantly low testosterone.

Sugary drinks continuous daily intake does not only make you fat (which also destroys male hormones) and cause diabetes, but no doubt will also decrease testosterone levels. Few things are as harmful for your erection and health than sugar. If you want to increase testosterone or sex drive, then at least avoid unnecessary sugars such as high fructose corn syrup, as well as white sugar, which is of no benefit to health.

To the same (sugar) category goes many juices, such as orange juice and apple juice. And fortunately, this is already commonly known.

Increasing Testosterone naturally by eating more fat?

The body forms testosterone from cholesterol, and without it you cannot be dreaming of optimal testosterone levels. Most people’s bodies are able to form the necessary cholesterol in the liver, but the erection dysfunction or low testosterone suffering folk may want to try amp up the cholesterol containing food intake, especially in the evening. Testosterone is secreted during the night at 4-6 in the morning.

Tim Ferriss recommends to eat 800 milligrams of cholesterol 3 hours before you go to sleep. For example, 4 whole eggs before you go to bed provides about 800 milligrams of cholesterol.

If you have an erection or a low testosterone level problems, cholesterol loading is worth a try. In studies high-fat diet has increased the testosterone for about 12-15%.

What is the best source of fat to increase testosterone? Judging by the studies the answer is olive oil. The following study motivates to eat eggs with olive oil:

“Olive oil seems to be the best source of fat for increasing the manufacture of testosterone.”Olive oil converts more easily into testosterone.

Happy news for olive oil lovers: olive oil also reduces the stress hormone production and gives the muscle growing the anabolic effect. It also helps you with depression.

Oleuropein boosts testosterone level, lowers cortisol secretion, stimulates anabolism

“Depression would become less common if we were all to stop using diet margarines and went over to using olive oil.” – Healthy margarine makes you depressed, olive oil brightens you up

If you have increasing testosterone in mind, the supermarkets olive oil shelf should not be passed But, of course, one should not merely eat olive oil. You should also use the notoriously dangerous heart disease-causing substance that comes from cows (butter). Healthy testosterone supporting fats: coconut oil, olive oil, butter, avocados, high-quality meat, whole eggs, nuts such as almonds and Brazil nuts. But of course, not too much. Moderation in all things, especially with “controversial” fat and cholesterol.

Useless to even start life-style like tobacco smoke, too much alcohol, recreational drugs, pharmaceutical drugs, environmental toxins… The never ending story

…and watching attractive women raises men’s testosterone, says the study. So, start watching – it is healthy male behavior