Given all of the emphasis on boosting testosterone levels and the media\u2019s push for achieving this goal by taking testosterone replacement therapy, it\u2019s important to let men know there are much safer, natural ways to bring T levels up. When we talk about those options, it\u2019s important to know which supplements may increase testosterone levels.<\/p>\n
While you are reversing the decline in testosterone levels, you also can help reduce or eliminate symptoms often associated with low T, such as diminishing libido, erectile dysfunction, abdominal fat accumulation, loss of muscle strength and tone, development of man boobs, and unwanted weight gain. Use of selected natural supplements, along with lifestyle changes, can go a long way toward raising testosterone.<\/p>\n
Beta-sitosterol is a plant sterol that is similar in structure to cholesterol yet does not have its negative impact on the body. When it comes to testosterone, beta-sitosterol helps preserve levels of this hormone by preventing two enzymes from converting testosterone into estradiol: aromatase and 5-alpha reductase. These actions help preserve testosterone levels.<\/p>\n
Several studies have shown that the mineral boron, which is known for assisting in bone infrastructure, also can help boost testosterone levels. In one study, for example, men who took 10 mg of boron daily for one week showed a significant rise in free testosterone levels and a significant decline in estradiol.<\/p>\n
Fenugreek is an herb whose seeds and leaves are often used in Asian dishes. For medicinal purposes, fenugreek has been shown to have a positive impact on sex drive and testosterone levels. One double-blind, placebo-controlled study reported that not only did fenugreek boost both T levels and libido; the herb also had a positive effect on muscle strength and energy.<\/p>\n
The ingredients in green tea that favor testosterone are epigallocatechins, which inhibit the enzyme, 5-alpha reductase. This action in turn reduces the conversion of testosterone into DHT, which then helps preserve healthy T levels. The catechins in green tea also can interfere with testosterone glucuronidation, which results in a rise in circulating testosterone levels.<\/p>\n
A number of studies have provided convincing evidence that the mineral magnesium can help boost T levels. One compared the effects of magnesium supplementation among athletes practicing tae kwon do with those who did not take the supplement as well as with a control group. Overall the authors found that magnesium supplementation increased both total and free testosterone levels in sedentary controls and in athletes. The increases were greater, however, among athletes than among sedentary individuals.<\/p>\n
In another study, 399 men age 65 and older were evaluated to determine the impact of magnesium on testosterone, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), sex hormone binding globulin, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate. Researchers found a strong association between magnesium levels and testosterone and IGF-1.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Saw palmetto <\/strong><\/h2>\n
Use of saw palmetto<\/a> (Serenoa repens<\/em>) extract along with the carotenoid astaxanthin have been shown to result in a significant increase in total testosterone levels accompanied by a significant decline in DHT and estradiol levels. It should be noted that the study was commissioned by the maker of the proprietary supplement.<\/p>\n
Tongkat ali<\/strong><\/h2>\n
The tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia<\/em>) tree is native to countries in the Far East, where the population has long valued the roots for an ability to treat erectile dysfunction and flagging sexual performance. These benefits have been explored scientifically in animals thus far, and results indicate that the herb works by increasing testosterone levels.<\/p>\n
Tribulus terrestris <\/strong><\/h2>\n
Tribulus terrestris is a fruit-producing plant with roots in the Mediterranean. The herb contains protodioscin, a substance that is said to promote testosterone. One way it does this is by boosting the production of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which is a precursor of testosterone. Use of Tribulus terrestris can improve concentrations of testosterone when it is taken along with other supplements,<\/p>\n
Vitamin D <\/strong><\/h2>\n
Vitamin D3 (aka, cholecalciferol), is important not only in bone health but in the support and promotion of testosterone levels and energy as well. For example, a combination of low vitamin D and low free testosterone has been associated with a greater risk of dying among older men who needed coronary angiography. A 2012 study noted that vitamin D seems to support optimal testosterone levels in men, while other research discovered that supplementation with vitamin D increased levels of free, bioavailable, and total testosterone in men who took the supplement for one year.<\/p>\n
Zinc <\/strong><\/h2>\n
Evidence that zinc plays an important role in testosterone has been shown in research where even minor zinc<\/a> deficiencies have been associated with a significant decline in the concentration of the hormone. Conversely, use of zinc supplements in men with marginal zinc deficiencies have resulted in an increase in testosterone. In a 2016 study, experts noted a positive correlation between low zinc levels and free testosterone as well as impaired sperm functioning.<\/p>\n
Read more in our\u00a0Low T\u00a0Health Center<\/a>.<\/p>\n
References<\/strong><\/p>\n
Ang HH et al. Sexual arousal in sexually sluggish old male rats after oral administration of Eurycoma longifolia Jack. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol <\/em><\/a>2004; 15(3-4): 303-9<\/p>\n
Angwafor F, Anderson ML. An open label, dose response study to determine the effect of a dietary supplement on dihydrotestosterone, testosterone and estradiol levels in healthy males. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition<\/a><\/em> 2008 Aug 12; 5:12<\/p>\n
Cabeza M et al. Effect of beta-sitosterol as inhibitor of 5 alpha-reductase in hamster. Proceedings of West Pharmacological Society 2003; 46:153-55<\/p>\n
Cinar V et al. Effects of magnesium supplementation on testosterone levels of athletes and sedentary subjects at rest and after exhaustion. Biological Trace Element Research<\/em><\/a> 2011 Apr; 140(1): 18-23<\/p>\n
Grant P, Ramasamy S. An update on plant derived anti-androgens. International Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism<\/a><\/em> 2012 Spring; 10(2): 497-502<\/p>\n
Jenkinson C et al. Dietary green and white teas suppress UDP-glucuronosyltransferase UGT2B17 mediated testosterone glucuronidation. Steroids<\/a><\/em> 2012 May; 77(6): 691-95<\/p>\n
Kothari RP, Chaudhari AR. Zinc levels in seminal fluid in infertile males and its relation with serum free testosterone. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research<\/a><\/em> 2016 May; 10(5): CC05-8<\/p>\n
Lerchbaum E et al. Combination of low free testosterone and low vitamin D predicts mortality in older men referred for coronary angiography. Clinical Endocrinology<\/a><\/em> 2012 Sep; 77(3): 475-83<\/p>\n
Maggio M et al. Magnesium and anabolic hormones in older men. International Journal of Andrology<\/em><\/a> 2011 Dec; 34(6 Pt 2): e594-600<\/p>\n
Naghii MR et al. Comparative effects of daily and weekly boron supplementation on plasma steroid hormones and proinflammatory cytokines. Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology<\/a><\/em> 2011 Jan; 25(1): 54-58<\/p>\n
Nimptsch K et al. Association between plasma 25-OH vitamin D and testosterone levels in men. Clinical Endocrinology<\/a><\/em> 2012 Jul; 77(1): 106-12<\/p>\n
Pilz S et al. Effect of vitamin D supplementation on testosterone levels in men. Hormone and Metabolic Research<\/a><\/em> 2011 Mar; 43(3): 223-25<\/p>\n
Prasad AS et al. Zinc status and serum testosterone levels of healthy adults. Nutrition<\/a><\/em> 1996 May; 12(5): 344-48<\/p>\n
Qureshi A et al. A systematic review on the herbal extract tribulus terrestris and the roots of its putative aphrodisiac and performance enhancing effect. Journal of Dietary Supplements<\/a><\/em> 2014 Mar; 11(1): 64-79<\/p>\n
Steels E et al. Physiological aspects of male libido enhanced by standardized Trigonella foenum-graecum<\/em> extract and mineral formulation. Phytotherapy Research<\/a><\/em> 2011 Feb 10<\/p>\n
Zanoli P et al. Influence of Eurycoma longifolia on the copulatory activity of sexually sluggish and impotent male rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology<\/a> <\/em>2009 Nov 12; 126(2): 308-13<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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