Do Testosterone Boosters Really Help To Build Muscle?
The primary determinant of masculinity is testosterone.
It is a naturally produced sex hormone, or androgen, which is present from the time of birth, and is what causes a fetus to mature into a male. The testicles and the adrenal glands produce testosterone.
Do Testosterone Boosters Really Help To Build Muscle?
During puberty, testosterone levels increase which leads to secondary sexual characteristics, such as muscle growth, hair growth, and sperm production.
And testosterone plays a crucial role in male health, regulating such key functions as libido, erections, muscle mass, bone density, as well as mood.
Low testosterone or testosterone deficiency is often associated with aging in males. Severe erectile dysfunction, low sexual drive, reduced muscle mass, sleep disturbances, and hair loss are symptoms of low testosterone.
This article, however, will highlight the types and uses of testosterone boosters.
What Are Testosterone Boosters?
Testosterone boosters and natural testosterone boosters are mainly the names given to herbal supplements and other compounds that are supposed to increase sexual function and sex drive, build muscle, improve sperm count, and improve body composition.
They are available in different forms, including pills, capsules, and powders.
Some of the best testosterone boosters as reviewed by Clevescene include:
- TestoGen – Overall best
- TestoPrime – For Muscle Gain
- Prime Male – For Sex Drive
- TestoFuel – For Weight Loss
- TestRX – For Men Over 40
Why Do You Need Testosterone Boosters?
Studies have shown that testosterone increases muscle mass, improves strength, and lowers body fat. The higher the level of testosterone, the greater these effects will be.
Several factors can influence testosterone production and cause the levels to fall beneath what is considered ‘normal. In this case, there are encouraging results that suggest that certain supplements may be able to help revive one’s testosterone levels.
Moreover, testosterone levels naturally decrease as we age. Testosterone levels usually peak around the age of 30. From that point forward, you lose between 1 and 2% of your testosterone a year.
Furthermore, overtraining, sleep deprivation, chronic stress, diets that call for drastic weight loss, and long-term illness all are potential testosterone lowering factors.
The following could indicate that your testosterone levels are low: lack of progress or loss of muscle mass, excess body fat, lack of vitality, loss of libido, and change in mood. In such cases, medical attention should be sought.
How To Boost Testosterone Naturally?
By improving your diet, getting regular exercise, sleeping well, and avoiding excess alcohol consumption, it may be possible to increase the testosterone levels in your body.
Here’s how:
Exercise
Exercise boosts testosterone production in all forms. However, strength training is the most effective way to build muscle. It is extremely important to concentrate on compound exercises as you age to preserve muscle strength, flexibility, and mass.
HIIT, or high-intensity interval training, has gained popularity in recent years. During a HIIT workout, you engage in brief bursts of intense cardio activity followed by periods of less intense activity. This favors an increase in free testosterone.
Diet
A healthy diet can boost your body’s testosterone levels. Why? Your likelihood of maintaining a healthy weight is greatly increased because excess fat in your body converts testosterone to estrogen, and some foods promote testosterone production.
Make sure that you consume a rich mixture of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and heart-healthy fats like olive oil and avocados. Skip processed foods and simple carbs.
Sleep
Sleep stimulates the production of testosterone. The body produces testosterone during sleep, so if you are not getting enough, or your sleep is of poor quality (e.g. being unable to fall or stay asleep), you could see a decline in testosterone levels.
Stress
Stress causes the adrenal glands to secrete cortisol, a stress hormone that decreases testosterone circulation.
Furthermore, high levels of cortisol encourage the body to retain fat, including around the midsection. Don’t forget that excess body fat is correlated with lower testosterone.
Natural Supplements
A prescription is required for testosterone replacement therapy. However, you may want to begin by exploring natural supplements.
Studies suggest they may be able to help increase your testosterone levels:
- Vitamin D
- Magnesium
- Zinc
- Ashwagandha
- Fenugreek
- DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)
Testosterone And Steroids
If you are looking for ways to boost testosterone levels, chances are you will think about TRT, a method involving the use of an implant, gel, cream, or injection.
Interestingly, this last therapy takes the form of the use of steroids, which are sometimes abused by people who want to get ripped and have on occasion been linked to death.
Anabolic steroids are a type of synthetic testosterone that was developed to mimic the body’s growth-promoting effects. They work by accelerating the production of muscle and the release of amino acids, the body’s basic building block.
However, steroids are not needed by the average man, unless prescribed by a GP for a specific condition.
The NHS warns that they can lead to addiction, body dysmorphia, and anxiety disorders, as well as increasing the risk of more serious conditions such as high blood pressure, baldness, low sperm count, erectile dysfunction, and acne.
Lastly, although testosterone boosters do raise testosterone levels, excessive doses are still dangerous. Many people have suffered kidney and liver damage and abdominal pain.
If you have any queries or concerns, please speak to your healthcare provider. The information in this article is based upon data gathered from medical societies and government agencies.
It is not a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.