When men reach the age of 30, their testosterone levels peak and from there, these levels slowly begin to decline each year. The average guy loses 1% of his total testosterone each year. If you have an unhealthy lifestyle, this number may be higher. If you're pursuing weight lifting and eating a balanced diet, this number may be lower. One thing that every man can do is supplement. Supplements are a safe way to increase natural testosterone levels but not all ingredients work. Let's take a look at the top 4 scientifically proven testosterone boosters.
- Tongkat Ali
Eurycoma Longifolia Jack is most commonly referred to as Tongkat Ali and sometimes sold as Malaysian Ginseng. Regardless of the name, this herbal remedy is from the rain forests of Malaysia and it's been used in traditional medicinal practices for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. At one time, it was used as an overall health aid. Once it was brought into the West, it was used primarily for increasing sex drive and libido. Eventually researchers discovered it had a positive impact on men's testosterone levels. (1)
How much to take:
- Extract form: 200 to 300mg (Based on 100:1 extract)
- Ashwagandha
Another herbal remedy from ancient times, Ashwagandha has played a part in primarily Indian alternative medicine for many years. At one time, Ashwagandha was used as an overall health and well-being supplement. Modern medicine has discovered that Ashwagandha has many benefits outside of the fitness world including being an anti-inflammatory and a cancer fighter.
When it comes to men's health, Ashwagandha has been shown to improve the quality of your sleep, lower cortisol (catabolic hormone) levels, and increase testosterone (anabolic hormone) levels. (2)
How much to take:
- Extract form: 300 to 400 mg
- Vitamin D
The same essential vitamin found in dairy products is, indeed, a testosterone booster. Vitamin D has been shown time and time again in scientific studies to be one of the most effective ways to support testosterone production. Ideally, you're getting in whole food-based Vitamin D and spending some time in the sun. However, supplementing with a high quality Vitamin D3 product is also an excellent way to hit your daily recommended serving. (3)
How much to take:
- Vitamin D3 – One serving per day with a meal
ZMA has been a staple in the bodybuilding world since that ground-breaking study was released to the public. Used primarily for sports recovery and to improve healthy sleeping patterns, ZMA is also a highly effective testosterone booster. ZMA is made up of Zinc, Magnesium, and Vitamin B6. On their own, these ingredients have ALL been shown to have a positive response on your testosterone levels. Together, they are unstoppable. Studies show that when men supplement with ZMA, they see a boost in testosterone as well as growth hormone. (4-6)
How much to take:
- One serving 30 minutes before bed on an empty stomach.
Conclusion
Whether you are approaching the big 3-0 or you passed it long ago, it's never too late to start a healthy regimen to increase the thing that makes you a man: testosterone. Healthy testosterone levels result in an improved quality of life. If you want to naturally and safely boost your testosterone production, these four supplements are the best of the best.
References
1 Shawn M Talbott, Julie A Talbott, Annie George, and Mike Pugh. Effect of Tongkat Ali on stress hormones and psychological mood state in moderately stressed subjects. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2013; 10: 28. Published online 2013 May 26. doi: 10.1186/1550-2783-10-28. PMCID: PMC3669033
- Vijay R. Ambiye, Deepak Langade, Swati Dongre, Pradnya Aptikar, Madhura Kulkarni, Atul Dongre. Clinical Evaluation of the Spermatogenic Activity of the Root Extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Oligospermic Males: A Pilot Study. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013; 2013: 571420.
- Pilz S, Frisch S, Koertke H, Kuhn J, Dreier J, Obermayer-Pietsch B, Wehr E, Zittermann A. Effect of vitamin D supplementation on testosterone levels in men. Horm Metab Res. 2011 Mar;43(3):223-5. doi: 10.1055/s-0030-1269854. Epub 2010 Dec 10.
- Netter A, Hartoma R, Nahoul K. Effect of zinc administration on plasma testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and sperm count. Arch Androl. 1981 Aug;7(1):69-73.
- Cinar V, Polat Y, Baltaci AK, Mogulkoc R.Biol. Effects of magnesium supplementation on testosterone levels of athletes and sedentary subjects at rest and after exhaustion. Trace Elem Res. 2011 Apr;140(1):18-23. doi: 10.1007/s12011-010-8676-3. Epub 2010 Mar 30.
- Symes EK, Bender DA, Bowden JF, Coulson WF. Increased target tissue uptake of, and sensitivity to, testosterone in the vitamin B6 deficient rat. J Steroid Biochem. 1984 May;20(5):1089-93.
