5 Natural Testosterone Boosters

Testosterone Basics

The hormone testosterone plays an important role in men’s health. For starters, it helps to maintain muscle mass, bone density, and sex drive.

Testosterone production is at its highest in a man’s early adulthood and drops a little bit each year thereafter.

When the body doesn’t produce the right amount of testosterone, the condition is called hypogonadism. Sometimes it’s called “low T” as well.

Men diagnosed with hypogonadism can benefit from testosterone therapy. Therapy isn’t usually recommended, however, if your testosterone levels fall within the normal range for your age.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

It doesn’t get more natural than getting a good night’s sleep. Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that lack of sleep can greatly reduce a healthy young man’s testosterone levels.

That effect is clear after only one week of reduced sleep. Testosterone levels were particularly low between 2 and 10 p.m. on sleep-restricted days. Study participants also reported a decreased sense of wellbeing as their blood testosterone levels dropped.

How much sleep your body needs depends on many factors. Most adults generally need between seven and nine hours per night in order to function well and lead a healthy life.

Lose That Excess Weight

Overweight, middle-aged men with prediabetes are also likely to have low testosterone levels. A study from The Journal of Endocrinology revealed that low T and diabetes are closely linked.

Men who maintain a normal weight have a lower risk of developing full-blown diabetes as well as hypogonadism.

Get Enough Zinc

Men with hypogonadism often have zinc deficiencies. Studies suggest that zinc plays an important part in regulating serum testosterone levels in healthy men.

Eating foods that are rich in this essential nutrient may help. Oysters have a lot of zinc; red meat and poultry do too. Other food sources of zinc include:

• beans
• nuts
• crab
• lobster
• whole grains

Adult males should aim to get 11 mg of zinc each day.

Reduce Sugar

Zinc isn’t enough to ensure you’re getting the all the nutrition you need. The human body is a complex system that requires a wide variety of vitamins and minerals for smooth operation.

The Endocrine Society reports that glucose (sugar) decreases testosterone levels in the blood by as much as 25 percent. This was true of study participants whether they had prediabetes, diabetes, or a normal tolerance for glucose.

Get Some Exercise

Show that total testosterone levels increase after exercising, especially after resistance training. Low testosterone levels can affect your sex drive and your mood.

The good news is that exercise improves mood and stimulates brain chemicals to help you feel happier and more confident.

Exercise also boosts energy and endurance, and helps you to sleep better. Fitness experts recommend 30 minutes of exercise every day.

The Bottom Line

Learning that your testosterone is low can be unsettling, but it’s not a reflection of virility or “manhood” at all.

Speak to us about your sexual health needs today via a call or WhatsApp Men’S Health Clinic team today +27 82 487 5965.