Low testosterone levels can cause baldness, heart disease, prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction. Testosterone can be increased naturally through a healthy diet, DHEA supplements, and moderate alcohol consumption. Hormone replacement therapy is also an option.
Testosterone is an androgenic steroid hormone responsible for the physical characteristics seen in men and plays a key role in male fertility. Various factors can cause testosterone levels to decrease, such as poor eating habits and lifestyle choices. However, the availability of testosterone also decreases as a man ages. Low testosterone levels can lead to a variety of problems, including baldness, heart disease, prostate cancer, and erectile dysfunction. Fortunately, it is possible to increase testosterone levels through natural means as well as with hormone replacement therapy.
To understand how testosterone loss can cause so many complications, it is first helpful to explore the biological processes that its decline triggers. When testosterone levels decrease, the activity of some enzymes, such as aromatase and 5-alpha reductase, increases and promotes the conversion of testosterone into androgens of different types, namely estrogen and dihydrotestosterone. The latter simulates cell proliferation in the prostate, which can eventually lead to enlargement of the prostate gland. This metabolite is also responsible for signaling hair follicles to enter a permanent resting state. The ultimate goal to counteract these conditions is to increase testosterone to help inhibit aromatase and 5-alpha reductase.
There are many simple things a man can do to naturally increase testosterone levels without medical intervention. First and foremost, a healthy and balanced diet is essential. Fruits, vegetables and legumes naturally increase testosterone because they are rich in L-Lysine, an amino acid that inhibits type II 5-alpha-reductase.
Other dietary measures include supplementing with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which also tends to decline along with testosterone as men age. Although DHEA does not exhibit androgenic activity by itself, certain enzymes found in the skin, muscles, bones, and brain can convert DHEA into testosterone. As an added benefit, there is evidence that adequate levels of DHEA offer a protective effect against the development of type II diabetes and atherosclerosis, as well as help lower serum triglycerides.
Say goodbye to beer, or at least stick to moderate consumption. In general, the more often you drink, the harder your body has to work to metabolize and detoxify alcohol as a waste product, which can lower testosterone levels. However, a glass of red wine from time to time can be helpful. Resveratrol, an antioxidant derived from red grapes, inhibits aromatase. It also provides protection from free radical damage, promotes healthy vascular functioning, and improves insulin utilization.
If none of the above recommendations adequately raise testosterone levels, it may be time to see a doctor to discuss testosterone replacement therapy. Hormone replacement is made possible by synthesizing testosterone from cholesterol. Various methods of administering this therapy are also available. In addition to oral pills, it can be given as an injection, pellet, patch, or as a topical gel.
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