Natural Testosterone boosters part 2
Medications and supplements are closely related but medication may have more side effects and a stronger therapeutic target
Medications and supplements are both a means to an end if you desire specific goals – but don’t forget that food is also medicine and you can achieve a lot through diet
Creatine: helps with amino acid synthesis, oxidative stress, backup fuel tank for mitochondria, slightly increases total testosterone, increases conversion of testosterone to DHT
If you’re worried about hair loss, creatine can potentially add fuel to the fire – but if the follicle is still there the hair will come back after a few months
Males get hair loss gene from their mother
Betaine: supplement with 1-3g if you don’t respond to creatine. Solgar is a good brand for this
L carnitine: Shuttle for mitochondrial nutrients and increases the density of androgen receptor in cytoplasm of cells; supplement with capsule or injectable (by prescription)
Dose 1000mg-5000mg for oral and 500mg-2000mg for injectable
TMAO will increase with chronic use and have adverse effects on the heart (offset with 600mg of garlic or berberine)
If you have deficient vitamin D and replace it, you will optimize testosterone – ideal level of free testosterone in males is about 2% of total testosterone: Solgar
Use boron (5-12mg per day) if you have high SHBG (found in dates and raisins from Turkey)
Especially powerful if you are on a low carb diet
Can increase DHEA and can decrease high SHBG
Fadogia acrastis (shrub from Nigeria): stimulates luteinizing hormone and can increase testosterone by stimulating luteinizing hormone release and receptor sensitivity – but there’s not a lot of evidence supporting long-term use; dose 300mg per day, 600mg every other day, or cycle 600mg daily for one month then take 1-2 weeks off
Be vigilant about dosing to avoid toxicity if not monitoring bloodwork
Turmeric: most of the beneficial action is through action on the microbiome but formula with black pepper fruit extract may cause negative side effects