Men: Increase Your Testosterone with these 8 Natural Remedies
Testosterone is viewed as the epitome of manliness. Testosterone plays a role in fat storage, red blood cell production, sexual and physical health, muscle mass, and is the hormone that sparks puberty for men.
Testosterone levels peak in early adulthood but begin to naturally drop after men hit age 30. A drastic drop in testosterone levels can lead to low testosterone (Low T). The effects of Low T can include:
- Increase body fat
- Trouble sleeping
- Loss of body hair
- Difficulty achieving an erection
- Fatigue
- Depression
Luckily, there are many natural remedies offered in food and supplements that can help raise testosterone levels and sperm count. Most of these remedies will not increase testosterone levels for men with healthy levels of the hormone.
D-Aspartic Acid
D-Aspartic Acid is an amino acid. One of its functions that affects testosterone is improving the luteinizing hormone. The luteinizing hormone creates Leydig cells in the testes which produce testosterone.
Several tests have shown D-Aspartic Acid’s acids positive effect on testosterone levels. One test was performed for 12 days. The study showed an increase in luteinize hormone and testosterone production and transportation.
Vitamin D
A few studies have shown a correlation between vitamin D levels and testosterone levels.
Many today do not get enough vitamin D because they are not getting enough exposure to sunlight. Getting more vitamin D by being outside or taking supplements with calcium will help increase low testosterone levels.
Tribulus Terristris
Most of the studies done with Tribulus Terristris have been animal studies. But they have shown improved sex drive and testosterone levels.
One of the few human studies was performed with men with erectile dysfunction. After the trial, many of the subjects reported better sexual health. Testosterone levels improved by 16%.
Ginger
Like Tribulus Terristris, studies about ginger’s effect on testosterone levels has mostly been performed on animals. Those tests showed improved testosterone levels and sexual function. The tests also showed an increase in the luteinize hormone.
In a human study performed with infertile men, 3 months of taking ginger showed a 17% increase in testosterone levels and luteinize hormone levels doubled. The study also showed a 16% increase in sperm count.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is an herb-based booster that acts differently than previously remedies. Instead of directly affecting testosterone production, fenugreek may reduce the enzyme that converts testosterone to estrogen.
A study done with fenugreek to specifically test sexual function showed many benefits. The test showed that 81% of the study group had increased libido and energy levels. 66% improved in sexual performance.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an herb from ancient Indian medicine that was primarily used to reduce stress and anxiety. But ashwagandha showed at least some effect on testosterone levels.
A study done with infertile men for 3 months resulted in a 10%-22% increase in testosterone levels and 14% of participants became pregnant.
DHEA
Unlike all the other remedies on this list, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a naturally occurring hormone in the body. This hormone plays a role in boosting testosterone levels and controlling estrogen levels.
DHEA supplements are the most popular testosterone boosters. As a result, the research done to establish DHEA’s relationship to testosterone levels have been extensive. But the benefits to testosterone levels are still not confirmed. The results are varied and inconsistent.
Zinc
Like vitamin D, zinc levels have been closely associated with testosterone levels. In fact, many studies have shown zinc benefits sexual health in many ways. Zinc has been shown to raise testosterone levels for those with Low T, raise testosterone levels and sperm count in infertile men, and reduce testosterone level decline during hard work out periods.
Testosterone levels have been shown to lower when zinc levels are lowered.
Many doctors will recommend zinc increase before the other remedies.
Other testosterone boosters include Malaysian Ginseng, Yohimbe, Pine Bark Extract, L-Arginine, garlic, Basella Alba, Chrysin, Saw Palmetto, and others. These other boosters will often be found in supplements to aid the 8 more powerful boosters.
Recommended Product:
XeraTest Hormonal Support for Men
References
Dr. Mercola. (2012, July 27). 9 Ways to Naturally Increase Testosterone Levels. Retrieved November 8, 2018, from https://fitness.mercola.com/sites/fitness/archive/2012/07/27/increase-testosterone-levels.aspx
Holland, K., & Nall, R. (2017, April 12). Herbs, Vitamins, and Supplements for Testosterone. Retrieved November 8, 2018, from https://www.healthline.com/health/herbs-vitamins-supplements-testosterone-levels-balance
Mawer, R. (2016, September 02). The 8 Best Supplements to Boost Testosterone Levels. Retrieved November 8, 2018, from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/best-testosterone-booster-supplements
Metcalf, E., MPH. (n.d.). Can You Boost Low Testosterone Naturally? Retrieved November 8, 2018, from https://www.webmd.com/men/features/can-you-boost-testosterone-naturally#1