How to Boost Testosterone Naturally

When people think of testosterone, they generally think of men, but both men and women require proper levels of this vital hormone for sex drive, energy, red blood cells, bone health, mood, muscle development and cognitive ability. Testosterone is a steroid hormone that is produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands in women, and in the testicles and adrenal glands in men. It starts to decline when we get into our 30's and steadily declines with age.

Testosterone is produced from cholesterol. If someone has very low levels of cholesterol, there is a good chance that they will have low testosterone. Unfortunately, many men that are on cholesterol lowering drugs like statins end up having sexual dysfunction issues because the body has less cholesterol to produce hormones like testosterone.

Men that are overweight are more prone to lower testosterone levels because of an enzyme called aromatase, which is produced by fat cells. Aromatase converts testosterone into estradiol, which is a form of estrogen. The higher the estrogen levels in men, the lower the testosterone levels.

Here are some ways to naturally raise testosterone:

1) Get rid of the toxins: Specifically, phthalates and other toxins are endocrine disrupters. Endocrine disrupters mimic estrogen and disrupt testosterone production. Don't use plastic containers to store food, use glass instead. Use natural cleaning products. Drink filtered water- ditch the water from plastic bottles- glass water bottles are the healthiest. Make sure all of your skincare and toiletry products are natural.

2) Support your adrenal glands and liver: The liver helps in the production of cholesterol, which is the precursor to testosterone. The adrenal glands are where a certain amount of testosterone is produced. Cholesterol is converted to pregnenolone, which is converted to DHEA, and then converted to androstenedione, and finally to testosterone. If the levels of pregnenolone and DHEA are low, the body will have greater difficulty producing testosterone. Microbial imbalance, food sensitivities, heavy metals, and chemical toxins are major culprits that cause the liver and the adrenal glands to have difficulty functioning. Muscle testing can identify remedies to support the adrenal glands, the liver, and help the body to function optimally.

3) Lose weight: Fat cells produce testosterone killing enzymes. Cut out the sugar. Start doing the Phil Maffetone method of cardiovascular aerobic exercise. I find that his method of heart rate monitoring, cardiovascular exercise to be very nourishing for the adrenal glands and the lymphatic system. His routine involves a maximum heart rate of 180 minus your age. Look him up for more details.

4) Weightlifting: Many studies show that weight lifting exercises that max out at 6 to 12 repetitions stimulate testosterone production.

5) As soon as you get up in the morning: Have 12 ounces of filtered water.

6) Incorporate these juices into your life: Celery juice (4 stalks with 4 ounces of water in a Vitamix or another power blender- or juicing celery to make 10 to 12 ounces of celery juice) and pomegranate juice are helpful for supporting testosterone levels. You should consume these juices 20 minutes away from anything else including each other.

7) Essential foods for testosterone support: Have a protein-filled breakfast. A split pea protein smoothie is a great option to get 25 grams of protein for breakfast. Add to your smoothie some wild blueberries and a nut or seed butter like almond or sunflower butter. Asparagus, wild blueberries, blackberries, wild salmon, cruciferous veggies like cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower (if you have a low thyroid condition you should limit the cruciferous veggies), banana, extra virgin cold pressed organic olive oil (tablespoon with dinner), eggs, avocados, sorghum flour, macadamia nuts, and coconut oil, all help to support testosterone levels (make sure you buy organic to reduce your toxic burden).

8) Nutritional supplements that support testosterone levels: There are many natural herbs, vitamins, and minerals that help give the body the support it needs to raise and balance testosterone levels. Some of these include Vitamin D, specific types of Zinc, specific types of Magnesium, Damiana, Tribulus, Ashwagandha, Panax Ginseng, Rhodiola, Suma, and Lurong. Every person has different requirements for hormone balancing, and Muscle Testing can determine which particular nutrients or herbs are the appropriate remedies.

Dr. Louis Granirer is a leading Holistic Chiropractor in NY and Nutrition Response Testing Practitioner specializing in holistic remedies for good health maintenance and prevention of disease. Visit his website at HolisticChiropracticCenter.com to learn more.