There’s been a lot of concern lately among men about reduced testosterone. To some degree, this is driven by pharmaceutical companies marketing testosterone replacement therapies (TRT). In addition, men are showing greater concern about their health and quality of life. Symptoms like fatigue, depression, reduced vitality and lowered sex drive definitely justify concern. But remember, these symptoms don’t always mean you have low testosterone. They could indicate a thyroid disorder, cardiovascular disease or other conditions.
Low testosterone levels can lead to weight gain, lost muscle mass, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Some studies show that men with low testosterone have an increased risk of early death, particularly from heart disease. So it’s important to accurately diagnose the condition and related risk factors. If it is reduced testosterone, TRT may be necessary. However, this treatment comes with risks and it’s important to remember there are also gentler options. We can restore vital energy and hormone balance without taking the pharmaceutical route.
Testing
As men age, our testosterone gradually declines naturally. However, dramatic drops can be problematic. Fortunately, there’s a blood test to measure testosterone levels.
If your testosterone numbers are below 300 ng/dL, it could be cause for concern. While pharmaceutical testosterone treatments can help, they can also cause side effects such as enlarged prostate. In addition, most men with prostate cancer are advised against TRT, as this can exacerbate the condition.
Natural approaches
One of the main complaints associated with low testosterone is reduced vigor. Fortunately, there are a number of foods, botanicals and supplements that can increase energy and vitality and help balance testosterone production.
One food that’s long been associated with increased vigor is lamb, particularly lamb bone soup. For those who don’t eat meat, nuts are good choice, particularly walnuts. In traditional Chinese medicine, these foods are associated with the reproductive system and kidney energy.
For a more direct approach, there are several herbs known to boost the male vitality system. The herb ginseng, particularly red ginseng, as well as eucommia can help increase hormone levels. A type of wild yam called Shan Yao can support the body’s production of testosterone precursors. Epimedium (with the telltale name of horny goat weed), can increase low testosterone.
In addition, zinc deficiency has been associated with testosterone loss, so be sure to include this mineral. Wheat germ, pumpkin seeds, oysters, beef and lamb are good sources.
We should also be thinking about our mitochondria, cell organelles that produce the majority of cellular energy. We can boost their function with the nutrients L-carnitine and co-Q10, which supports healthy testosterone levels. Adaptogenic botanicals astragalus and ashwaganda also help.
I also recommend medicinal mushrooms, particularly cordyceps and reishi, which can enhance energy and vigor and support testosterone balance. The mushroom formula Ten Mushroom is a blend of organically grown varieties including cordyceps and reishi, to help promote overall vitality and nourishment to the body’s vital systems.
Lifestyle
Energy, vitality and hormone balance can also be boosted with lifestyle adjustments. Get more sleep, exercise regularly and if overweight, lose extra pounds. Also, pay attention to metabolism. Low glycemic foods, such as vegetables and nuts, provide steady energy and don’t cause the glucose peaks and crashes we get from eating too many simple carbohydrates.
If you think you have low testosterone, seeing your doctor could head off some serious medical issues. In the meantime, a combination of diet, exercise and natural supplements can help restore vital energy and improve quality of life.
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