How to Increase Testosterone Naturally: Why You Don’t Need Steroids

Feb 4, 2022

The sports world has been riddled with the use of performance enhancing drugs. These can be anabolic steroids, HGH, artificial stimulants, or blood boosters. We have seen steroids rock the baseball world over and over again and blood doping shattered the cycling world.

Although more under the radar, it is pervasive in high school sports. It’s hard for athletes to feel like they are playing on a level playing field when guys are injecting steroids and look like bodybuilders.

The truth is using these drugs are completely unnecessary. You could spare the disgrace of getting caught and dealing with the harsh side effects and instead spend a little time with a biochemistry book.

The Benefits of Testosterone

Testosterone promotes lean body mass, decreases recovery time and gives a psychological edge of confidence, concentration, cognitive function and determination. Low testosterone leads to obesity, loss of muscle, weak bones, and depression, but also increases the odds of heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and other major health problems.

It’s at its peak throughout puberty and continues to serve you well until around 40. However, levels are changing dramatically in every age bracket, making it especially important to understand what keeps testosterone from dropping.

Researchers have been reporting that testosterone levels are getting lower with each generation, evident in the ability of guys able to zip up skinny jeans. Studies are showing substantial drops unrelated to age, showing a drop of 1 percent per year.

This means a 65-year-old man in 2002 would have testosterone levels 15 percent lower than those of a 65-year-old in 1987 and a proportion of men in 2002 would have had below-normal testosterone levels than in 1987. A Finnish study found that a man born in 1970 had 20 percent less testosterone at age 35 than his father’s generation at the same age.

Why are Men Losing Testosterone?

While it may appear clear on how to increase testosterone, there is much speculation at the moment as to the exact reasons why men have lower testosterone levels. It seems fairly clear that it is a combination of xenoestrogens (chemical agriculture, cologne, plastic water bottles, face and body washes, creams) environmental pollutants, medications, sedentary lifestyle and a low-fat, high grain/sugar diet that is contributing to this problem.

In a study highlighted in Scientific American, exposure to dioxin and BPA in a pregnant female rat lead to low testosterone levels in four generations of mice.

When we look at study from Brazil – who have also embraced genetically modified crops and therefore heavy pesticide and herbicide use – we find that these chemicals lower testosterone and increase estrogen.

Chemical agriculture was introduced in the early 1900’s, and use has been compounding since then along with our disease rates. GMO’s have pushed this amount even further despite promises that it would require less chemicals. Instead, nature created super weeds.

Another study found that that high spikes in blood sugar was enough to drop testosterone levels by as much as 25% in a random grouping of healthy, prediabetic, and diabetic men.

Here we find the fallacy of loading up on refined grain carbohydrates and sugary sports drinks; these are making you weaker not stronger. Oxidative stress from exercise, fluoridated water and pollutants also tax testosterone, making dietary antioxidants and adaptogens very important.

Cholesterol: The Building Blocks of Anabolic Testosterone and Catabolic Cortisol

For a long time, the medical community pushed the avoidance of cholesterol-rich food like eggs, meat (muscle and organs) and whole fat dairy due to the fear of high cholesterol levels. Then it became clear that dietary cholesterol has very little to do with overall cholesterol levels, and actually is extremely important to consume.

Meat, egg yolks, liver, heart and dairy products contain significant amounts of dietary cholesterol. In the body, this serves as an essential component of cell membranes, especially nerve tissues. In fact, cholesterol is a precursor to vitamin D, testosterone, estrogen and adrenaline. The rate-limiting step in testosterone production is the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone.

What happens if cholesterol is too low, and testosterone and vitamin D is too low? You get one depressed, weak and anxious individual. Let that sink in for a moment as you contemplate cholesterol-lowering drugs and the push for low cholesterol levels.

Here is the conversion: testosterone conversion What else can you see from this conversion chart? Cortisol (the stress hormone that wreaks havoc on your muscle) competes for building material (cholesterol) with testosterone.

The adrenal gland rests on top of the kidneys and is composed of layers. On the outer layer, you have the mineral corticoids which control your electrolyte balance. If you are not refueling with electrolytes, your body goes into the next later of corticosteroids that control sugar and generates stress hormones.

Overtraining, mental stress, and emotional stress will lead to the third layer where you generate growth hormones and sex steroids. This is when you increase cortisol levels, robbing you blind of muscle, confidence and mental clarity; disrupting your ability to increase testosterone.

The feedback mechanism called the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis or HPA axis controls reactions to stress, regulates digestion (stress causes indigestion), immunity, mood, emotions, sex drive, glycogen storage, and calorie expenditure. This is why I recommend using Cordyceps, which have been found to balance the HPA axis and help you adapt to stress and prevent the catabolic effects.

Especially for athletes, overtraining can be a chronic issue. It can be very hard to convince someone that taking a day off can sometimes be more productive than training. Overtraining will lead to excess cortisol, lowering testosterone, impairing the long-term performance, increasing muscle loss and decreasing mental function. Nothing will deplete your body and take your hard-earned muscle and strength faster than cortisol.

Eat More Fat, Get More Testosterone

A study published in the International Journal of Sports Medicine revealed that strength athletes who consumed the most fat also had the highest testosterone levels, however, excessive protein also compromised the anabolic response.

study from the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism reported that a low-fat, high-fiber diet reduced testosterone levels in middle-aged men.

Men whose testosterone levels were slightly above average were 45% less likely to have high blood pressure, 72% less likely to have experienced a heart attack and 75% less likely to be obese than men whose levels were slightly below average. The optimal level appears to be in the 550-900 ng/dl range to reduce risk according to the American College of Cardiology.

A study also found that a high fiber diet with wheat bran also depletes vitamin D 43% fasterA diet with less than 40 percent of energy as fat (including saturated) leads to a decrease in testosterone levels.

Wait a second? You mean all of this time of promoting a low-fat diet fearful of saturated fats built upon the grain pyramid has been completely destroying muscle-building testosterone and depleting vitamin D? Yes. So if you see someone pushing a diet that promotes low-fat, carbo-loading with bagels and asking if you ate your Wheaties this morning, run the other way with your testosterone-rich body. They won’t catch you.

Concerned about saturated fats? Saturated fats have been attacked for quite a long time now and are often grouped with trans-fats which appears illogical without naming the sources of these fats. A natural occurring trans-fat in animals is not the same as margarine while saturated fat from a wild or grass-fed animal is not the same as a corn and soy-fed, sick feedlot animal.

It is this inattention to detail that makes the nutrition field change its stance on food every decade. Low-fat? High fat! Egg white? Whole egg! Whole grains? No grains! Organ meats like liver and heart have a wealth of nutrients like b-vitamins, CoQ10 and zinc, as well as cholesterol and saturated fat. Liver and heart could very well be the missing link for testosterone that has completely vanished from the modern plate.

Saturated fats are still considered controversial by the medical establishment, and my stand continues to reject making an isolated villain out of a naturally occurring compound.

You can make the case that the studies that have found correlations with saturated fat in red meat and different diseases were too low in the protective CLA, vitamin E, B-vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids and too high in omega-6 fatty acids, toxins, genetically modified corn and soy, growth hormones, and antibiotics.

Grass-Fed Grain-Fed
2-4x more anti-inflammatory Omega-3 fatty acids Contains up to 10x more Omega-6 fatty acids (pro-inflammatory, weight producing)
Healthy fat and lower toxic load due to a cleaner environment Grain-fed meat has a higher toxic fat content
Up to 500% higher in muscle building CLA Low CLA levels and high omega-6 fatty acid levels contribute to higher abdominal fat (predominate in metabolic syndrome and increased insulin resistance)
4x higher in vitamin E than feedlot cattle and almost 2x higher than cattle given synthetic vitamin E Vitamin E is crucial for a healthy cardiovascular system, and a deficiency can affect heart function
Higher in B-vitamins, calcium, magnesium, and potassium B vitamins are important for a healthy metabolism, and a deficiency can affect muscle loss and low energy levels
No antibiotics, hormones or unknown feed given Antibiotics, hormones and genetically modified corn, soy, and questionable feed

 

The way the animal is raised deserves our attention and for researchers to treat the two as if they are equivalent shows a complete ignorance of agriculture. Conjugated linolenic acid is found in lamb, beef and dairy and is up to 500 percent higher in grass-fed meat and dairy.

CLA helps glucose get into muscle cells effectively, which prevents glucose from being converted to fat while helping fat enter cell membranes of muscle and connective tissue where fat is burned for fuel. This is why grass-fed meat is so effective at building healthy muscle mass while shrinking waistlines.

But once again, the health pundits will try to pull apart CLA from the food and say “well yes, CLA is great but then you are eating saturated fat and cholesterol-rich foods which lead to disease.”

Yet, you will read other information that believes the lack of CLA has led to the obesity epidemic which is what is increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other diseases. CLA is also the only natural fatty acids accepted by the National Academy of Sciences of USA as exhibiting consistent anti-tumor properties. Grass-fed meat and feedlot meat are not equivalent.

Types of Training to Increase Testosterone

As men, we are designed to lift, smash and sprint. It turns out, the hulk effect is what helps us increase testosterone. Different types of training, rest periods between sets and the amount of sleep can all affect testosterone levels.

One study found that chopping wood actually increased testosterone more than sports. The study, which was published in Evolution and Human Behaviour, found that one hour of tree chopping resulted in a 48 percent increase in salivary testosterone levels in all men, regardless of age or state of health.

By contrast, levels increased by only 30.1 percent during a soccer game. Interesting enough, the Tsimane men studied have a far more active life than sedentary office workers and have lower levels of testosterone when compared to age-matched US men, but also appear to have less of a decline in testosterone with age. Yet even late in life, these men were found to have the same spikes in testosterone as younger men.

study from the International Journal of Sports Medicine found that, in young men, a six-second bout of sprinting increased serum total testosterone levels and remained elevated during recovery. Numerous studies have shown that resistance training is a powerful stimulant for testosterone production, especially compound movements like squats and dead-lifts.

If you have been confused on how long you should rest between sets, a study published in the Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research found that resting 90 seconds between squat and bench press sets boosted post-workout T-levels the most. For recovery, the Journal of the American Medical Association reports that a lack of sleep – below the 7 hour mark – dramatically lowers testosterone in healthy young men. 7-8 hours a night is optimal.

Swimming is an excellent workout, but you might want to think twice about using chlorinated pools. Adolescents having attended indoor chlorinated pools for more than 250 hours before the age of 10 years old or for more than 125 hours before the age of 7 years old were about three times more likely to have an abnormally low total testosterone.

I can verify this with teenage swimmers I’ve seen in our practice with low total testosterone. Seek out saltwater pools or use the ocean if you live on the coast. I would like to see parents, swimming coaches and water polo coaches taking this seriously and start lobbying schools to make the switch to saltwater pools.

Drink More Alcohol, Get Less Strength  

One small study titled Acute alcohol consumption aggravates the decline of muscle performance following strenuous eccentric exercise, had healthy males engage in strength training, then post-workout consume alcohol or orange juice. Measurements were made with isometric, concentric and eccentric force measurements before, 36 hours and 60 hours after 300 concentric contractions of quadriceps with alcohol or orange juice.

While alcohol didn’t affect soreness, it did impact muscle strength by as much as 40 percent.

Drink More Beer And Alcohol, Get Less Testosterone

Hops in beer are estrogenic, and drinking too much alcohol can cause testosterone to convert to estrogen (remember this the next time your buddy is giving a lot of hugs and telling everyone he loves them).

According to the book Sacred and Herbal Healing Beers, before the use of hops in beer, gruit ale was the beer staple made primarily with sweet gale, bog myrtle and yarrow. These herbs were mildly narcotic and some were considered aphrodisiacs, and due to these qualities, it was under extreme interrogation by the Protestant church.

Unhappy with partying habits of the Catholics, the Protestants played a role in the banning of certain herbs and replacing them with hops. Why? Hops cause drowsiness and a diminished sex drive. They knew this before we understood what estrogenic meant. Party’s over.

How To Increase Testosterone Naturally

The level that appears to be the most beneficial is between 550-900 ng/dl, aiming for the higher end. You can use myfitnesspal.com to track your fat, protein and carbohydrate ratios for free. I tracked mine, and consistently hit approximately 55% fat, 20% protein, and 25% carbohydrates daily.

1. Rosita Cod Liver Oil and Vitamin D3

A superior Viking era source of vitamin A, D, and omega-3 fatty acids. This particular product is the only raw, non-fermented cod liver oil using the old Norse method, preserving the delicate oil. You want to avoid cod liver oil that has been heated, treated, and add synthetic vitamins. Read about their process here.

Animal research has shown that vitamin A plays a major role in testosterone production and decreases estrogen. High protein diets and heavy exercise burn through vitamin A storage.

According to Chris Masterjohn Ph.D., “with equivalent hard work and dedication, athletes and bodybuilders may be able to achieve similar results from their training by taking high-vitamin cod liver oil and eating foods rich in vitamin A on a regular basis as others receive from the common practice of supplementing with testosterone precursors.”

One study found that low vitamin D status has been associated with low testosterone production. Vitamin D at a dose of 3,332 IU has been found to increase testosterone and decrease Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG). Hair loss drugs, statin drugs, beta-blockers, anti-depressants and antifungals all lead to high SHBG levels which lower testosterone.

Vitamin A and D increase zinc absorption. “A sustained rise in plasma zinc concentration (and therefore its potential bioavailability) was obtained only when the zinc was augmented with both vitamins A and D (in RDA concentrations).”

The Rosita Cod Liver Oil will give you 1,100mcg of vitamin A in the retinol form, 9mcg of vitamin D, 443mg EPA, and 605mg DHA n one teaspoon. Adding liquid vitamin D enables you to hit the target IU in the linked study.

2. Magnesium Malate and Zinc Bisglycinate

There is evidence that magnesium exerts a positive influence on anabolic hormonal status, including testosterone. A zinc-magnesium nutritional formulation was able to improve T levels of athletes engaging in intense physical activity compared to placebo.

The highest levels of T were found in those athletes both exercising and receiving magnesium supplementation. In young men participating in a 7-week strength training program, supplemental magnesium was capable of significantly improving muscle strength and power.

The gain in muscle strength occurred at dietary magnesium intake higher than 250 mg and was even more evident at 500 mg. Another study found that those with the highest magnesium levels had the highest testosterone.

A study looking at wrestlers and another study looking at cyclists both found that zinc prevented a decrease in testosterone and thyroid hormones from exhaustive exercise. Make sure your diet is rich in vitamin E. Vitamin C and E together helps retain zinc status.

3. Real Mushrooms Cordyceps-M and Real Mushrooms Reishi

Reishi and Cordyceps both have a reputation for longevity and immunity (see cold and flu article), with reishi being known as the “mushroom of immortality.” Who wouldn’t want to take that? In particular, both of these have been found to combat inflammation in the form of superoxide (what causes expedited aging, and excessive oxidative stress is an important mediator of a decline in steroid hormone production), prevent hypoxia and high altitude sickness by increasing oxygenation.

Cordyceps’ main targets are the lungs, kidneys and reproductive organs, while reishi targets the lungs and heart, demonstrating cardiotonic, anti-allergy and anti-bronchitis effects in studies.

The Cordyceps and Reishi Cyclist Study

A double-blind clinical study had 7 male cyclists ages 30-40 divided into 2 well trained/5 at risk of overtraining groups, take placebo supplements for the first month and then active supplements of cordyceps and reishi for the following 3 months.

During the trial, the athletes performed daily workouts and took part in 2 “Gran Fondo” cycling races. The placebo race had a distance of 110 km, a change in elevation of 1651 m, a duration of about 3 hours and 40 minutes, and an average speed of 36 km/h. The mushroom race had a distance of 85 km, a change in elevation of 1850 m, a duration of about 4 hours, and an average speed of 33 km/h. The latter course is particularly hard due to the slopes and technical difficulties.

Every day, during the placebo phase, athletes took 5 capsules: 1 with breakfast, 2 with lunch and 2 with dinner. Every day, during the fungal supplementation phase, athletes took 3 capsules: 1 capsule of cordyceps with breakfast, 1 capsule of cordyceps and 1 capsule of reishi with lunch, and 1 capsule of cordyceps and 1 capsule of reishi with dinner. This was a total of 1335mg of Cordyceps and 1170mg of Reishi daily.

The Results

For the well-trained group, the before race basal level of salivary testosterone increased after the fungal supplementation phase that lasted 3 months. The after race testosterone level after fungal supplementation increased even more compared to the after race level in the placebo condition.

In the placebo group, the testosterone/cortisol ratio decreased by an average of 69.3%, suggesting that the athlete was at risk of overtraining while after fungal supplementation it decreased by an average of 8.7%, so the athlete was no longer at risk of overtraining.

The after race testosterone level after fungal supplementation increased 3.4-fold compared to the after race level in the placebo condition. Four out of the 5 athletes who were shown to be at risk of overtraining in the placebo condition overcame these symptoms after fungal supplementation.

See the chart here.

4. KSM-66 by Nootropics Depot or Sensoril by Nootropics Depot

Ages: 18 and up

Ashwagandha is a root used traditional in Ayurvedic medicine for over 2,500 years. Studies have shown that this adaptogen reduces stress, lowers cortisol levels, enhances memory, increases antioxidant activity, enhances immune function and increases testosterone. After using this adaptogen consistently, I can say that it is one of the most impressive herbs I have taken and the research backs it up.

It is important to note that ashwagandha can have powerful effects on mood, and people react differently to KSM-66 or Sensoril. If you are sensitive to herbs or drugs that affect mood, ashwagandha may not be your best choice.

One study showed faster swimming time in rats, longer duration of muscle contractility in the heart muscle of frogs and increased glycogen storage capacity in the liver.

A second study showed that ashwagandha promoted significant immunological effects within 96 hours of consuming the root extract twice daily.

A third study found that ashwagandha increased velocity, power, VO2 max, lower limb muscular strength and neuromuscular coordination.

A fourth study used elite Indian cyclists for 8 weeks. One group received 500mg of the root extract 2x a day, while the other group received a placebo. There was significant improvement in the experimental group in all parameters, namely, VO2 max and time for exhaustion on treadmill.

Finally, a fifth double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that ashwagandha root extract supplementation (300mg 2x a day) was associated with significant increases in muscle mass (bigger arms and chest) lower muscle damage and greater strength.

5. PaleoValley Essential C Complex

Like cordyceps, vitamin C plays a major role in reducing the stress response and nourishing the adrenal glands. While taking vitamin C does not appear to directly increase testosterone levels, it repairs muscle tissue, retains zinc status, prevents illness and infection, detoxifies from chemical stressors that lower testosterone, lowering oxidative stress, lowering mental stress, and preventing environmental allergies.

Preventing all of these stressors helps your body keep the testosterone flowing. Whole food vitamin C also contains hesperidin, a potent anti-estrogen aromatase inhibitor.

How to increase testosterone naturally

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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34 Comments

  1. Jared

    There are actually some amazing anabolic steroids in plants like spinach and quinoa, you can see the graph I compiled listing the actual amounts (Natural Source of Steroids). Of course, the best steroids are the ones naturally produced by the body in response to resistance training!

    Reply
  2. Trent

    Do you know about sexual activity and increases in testosterone levels? I looked through a couple articles and the general consensus was along the lines: no solid evidence suggesting increases or decreases in long run although it is beneficial to watch pornography before workouts (for temporary increase in testosterone to be present during workout) but not masturbate, and masturbate or sex once a week after a workout because there’s a study that says testosterone peeks the 7th day after masturbation. I thought I would verify with you since a lot of this could easily be false information.

    Reply
    • Alex Swanson M.S.

      Hi Trent,

      Good question, and yes it is debatable due a current lack of research. I was basing it on a study that you read based on the visual response, and the benefits of lowering the effects of stress, increasing immunity against viruses and toxins (both lower T) and aiding recovery. It promotes the feel good hormones that benefit the brain and heart, better sleep due to oxytocin release, and improves immunity (increases IgA at 1-2x a week, lower immunity has actually been linked to higher testosterone levels). So my analysis is based not on it as an isolated variable in increasing testosterone, but as part of a whole program maintaining optimal testosterone levels.

      Reply
      • Trent

        Thanks for the reply. I’m confused. What I think you said is sexual activity can lead to an increase in immunity against viruses and toxins which both lower testosterone levels since increased immunity has been linked to decreased testosterone levels?/

        Would you put sexual activity on the raises or lowers testosterone level in the long run? (long run as in beyond the temporary increase in testosterone during sexual activity)

        Reply
        • Alex Swanson M.S.

          I’ll try to clarify, I could see how that’s confusing.

          The main two things to consider for boosting are 1) Healthy fat intake over 50% 2) compound lifts/sprints 3) healthy weight

          Then you have things that can bring it down like high cortisol levels from stress and overtraining, which in itself lowers testosterone and immunity. So it is a balancing act to try and minimize cortisol and other culprits through proper sleep, relaxation, diet, plus certain nutrients like magnesium and vitamin C which help maintain anabolic hormonal status. So just like those, I put sexual activity on the level of maintaining anabolic hormonal status in the long run due to its affects on immunity and stress.

          *In terms of low immunity/high testosterone (which I know sounds confusing) that comes from this Stanford study. I would have to look at it more closely to see what they considered high and how many were on testosterone therapy. You can read their theory as to why this may be from our hunter gatherer days.

          Reply
          • Trent

            Thanks for the clarification. I’ll check out the study.

          • Alex Swanson M.S.

            I have updated the testosterone chart, put a larger emphasis on vitamin A and D, and highlighted which artificial sugar to avoid that is very often in protein shakes and electrolyte drinks.

  3. Bill

    I find your assessment of chlorinated pools interesting. While I prefer salt water pools, and don’t enjoy swimming in chlorine, and while I’m sure it has plenty of negative health effects, my dad spent the majority of his life in a chlorinated pool. (Well over 500 hours a year, from a young age, till through high school.) being the 6th born of his 14 children, I don’t think his testosterone levels were ever lacking. Even though he’s nearing 60, I don’t think they are lacking.

    Reply
    • Alex Swanson M.S.

      Hi Bill,

      Yes it is an interesting study regarding chlorine and testosterone. This study in particular used indoor pools, but the concern with chlorine in general are the chlorine by- products. For example, chloramines are formed from people sweating, spitting or peeing in the pool. These by-products can damage the testes, and since the scrotal skin is highly permeable, can cause damage to the testes and sperm production.

      In terms of your dad, there is always a genetic component to what we are susceptible to. Not everyone will react to the same chemicals the same way based on certain detoxification mutations. Perhaps if he still tests normal for testosterone, he has a stronger genetic makeup. The problem today is that we are experiencing testosterone drops in each new generation and need to implement more strategies to preserve it.

      Reply
  4. gwyn

    Could you please give guidelines for using this information as it applies to women.
    Thanks for all your research.

    Reply
    • Alex Swanson M.S.

      Hi Gwyn,

      I should dedicate another article to this since it requires some different explanations. I’m assuming you are interested in the fitness/building muscle hormonal aspects and how it relates to females. As you know, the levels of testosterone are much lower in women. You want to take the same guidelines for exercise, and precautions for controlling excess estrogen and supporting normal testosterone production. This includes avoiding xenoestrogens, sugar/refined carbs, sucralose (found in a lot of protein powders and ergogenic aids) beer, non-organic produce, feedlot meat and dairy, while eating your cruciferous vegetables. But there are other potential issues for women including medications like birth control that lower the small amount of testosterone. I think the emotional influence on hormones is important, with a focus on preventing excess cortisol production (alterations in the HPA axis) from excess stress/overtraining.

      In terms of supplementation, there is often a focus on balancing hormones and reducing excess estrogen (if applicable) that usually involves omega-3 fatty acids, b-vitamins, vitamin C and E, zinc, vitamins A and D, and magnesium.

      Reply
  5. Michelle

    For high school swimmers that do not have a choice other then quitting team…what else can be done to help their bodies recovery from being g in the chlorinated pools…often 2 to 4 hrs a day from Oct thru March. ..i am following your other recommendations…thank you

    Reply
    • Alex Swanson M.S.

      Hi Michelle,

      Everything on the list I provided for optimizing testosterone will also help in minimizing the side effects of chlorine exposure. Vitamin C, A, D, whey protein, magnesium and zinc in particular. There is also soap by Summer Solutions that is designed for neutralizing chlorine from the skin.

      Reply
  6. Michelle

    Ok thank you!

    Reply
  7. tyler

    Good article…You know over the past few years ive experimented and basically narrowed it down to this exact diet due to trial and error. ive tried others and so on and it never worked, honestly I felt like shit. I eat a diet (actually I don’t even want to call it a diet, should just be considered healthy) high in healthy fats, grass-fed products, do heavy compound exercises and I feel noticeably different compared to before. I am not going to get into all what I do because its basically what this article explains but I just want to say its correct. its sad how most people live their lives nowadays and most don’t give two craps about their health but if you do care and want to get bigger, stronger and healthier..follow this.

    Reply
    • Alex Swanson M.S.

      Hey Tyler,

      Thanks for taking the time to reply and for the feedback. It works, and well done on your part putting it all together on your own.

      Reply
  8. Matt F.

    Hi Alex,

    I’m 28 and and avid weight lifter for years. I lift 6-7 days a week, but eat a very restrictive diet mostly due to convenience and cost. I’m 5’9″ ~175lbs and lift about 2 hours a day. A normal day of eating for me is a pre-made (Boost) nutritional drink and a banana for breakfast. 2 cans of tuna and 8 whole grain crackers for lunch. A Balance brand protein bar for snack, and 8 oz of chicken and mixed veggies for dinner. May eat another protein bar after dinner. Average about 2k calories a day. I take quite a few supplements already and have been reading multiple articles from your website and am a little overwhelmed by all the supplement suggestions and costs of each. I know you suggest trying to eat as best you can and get your nutrition from diet, but I have come to rely on supplements for much of my lack of nutrients. Would you have a suggestion for your idea of the “Ultimate Male Stack” which includes what you think are the top needed supplements for someone who trains as I do? I’m already thinking of purchasing Zinc, Magnesium, Vitamin C, Thorne 2/day and maybe some others you listed. Just looking for the best stack so I’m not wasting my time and money every month.

    Thank you for your time!

    Reply
    • Alex Swanson M.S.

      Hi Matt,

      If I had narrow it down, I think the “Ultimate Male Stack” would include magnesium, zinc, and ashwagandha. I have been testing ashwagandha for the last three months and your question reminded me to add it to this article for testosterone and training. When you consuming a lot of lean protein and training as hard as you are, you want to make sure you are getting sufficient vitamin A, calcium, magnesium and B6 to name a few. For this reason, the Basic Nutrients 2 a Day would also be a good idea, which means you wouldn’t have to buy extra zinc. So the most bang for you buck would come from Basic Nutrients, magnesium, and ashwagandha.

      Reply
  9. bill

    i noticed you list “grapeseed extract” – any suggestions? i use BRI Nutrition extra strength GSE capsules. i was also wondering if bee pollen supplements are also helpful – thanks in advance!

    Reply
    • Alex Swanson M.S.

      The grapeseed extract appears to work in a similar way to vitamin C, in that it is helping preserve testosterone by protecting against oxidative stress. I haven’t looked into different brands and types of grapeseed extract, so I couldn’t tell you if one is really better than another.

      I think anything from the bee is helpful. Bee pollen, raw honey, propolis and royal jelly all have health benefits.

      Reply
  10. kartik

    I am planning to use Ashwagandha and Tribulus Terristris in powder form. I do 6 days of exercise. I take whey protein , magnesium and zinc supplement. How much quantity of Ashwangandha per day should I take.

    Reply
    • Alex Swanson M.S.

      Hi Kartik,

      The studies listed have used 500mg of ashwagandha twice a day.

      Reply
  11. KAUSTUBH V NAIK

    hello,
    pls guide me i was age 29-30 my wegiht was 100 kgs but t levels were 550 last year with proper deit and treadmill i lost 30 kgs in 6 months but t levels came to 450 in jan 2017 hence forth i m on magnesium, copper, zinc balanced deit intake but last 6 months t level came down to 350 now i m having erectile dysfunction problem docs suggesting steroids i fear it i m also taking neciations as hair stim , saw palmetto biotin for hair growth i ahve sever hair loss in last 10 years but prostate tests are all o.k pls guide

    Reply
    • Alex Swanson M.S.

      Hi Kaustubh,

      Did you start any medication that would cause such a decline in testosterone? Do your doctors have any idea why it went from 550-350 in that time at your age?

      Reply
  12. KAUSTUBH V NAIK

    i also have 5 gms of ashwagnadha, 5 gms of moringa powder at night take sleep of 8 hours green tea balanced dit

    Reply
  13. Anne

    My husband (41) and I (35) are not quite ready to conceive, but want to have a family in the not-so distant future. Last year, we went to see a fertility endocrinologist after receiving a low T report from his urologist. We were unhappy with the urologist’s suggestion: artificial T—which in all forms often lowers sperm production, mobility, and quality–basically telling the man’s body: your testosterone is at a good level (through artificial means), so you don’t need to produce it naturally. Since the natural production of testosterone is directly linked to the production of sperm, the result is often: artificial testosterone = birth control. In a young healthy men, their bodies can often recover after a year or so. But when numbers are already challenged and age and health are factored in, the end results could be irreversible. The fertility endocrinologist said his thyroid and pituitary gland were good. His testosterone was low, and his sperm count was good, but the viable ones were only at 2% last year. We are trying to bring these numbers up naturally.

    Reply
    • Anne

      At the moment, he has been taking a multi-vitamin (switching to Naturelo soon), probiotic (Vitamin code raw for men), Green Pasture Blue Ice Fermented Cod Liver Oil (raw and refrigerated), 5000IU daily of D3 (as cholecalciferol) from Dee Cee Laboratories in addition to 60mg in his multi-vitamin (he deals with headaches, trouble sleeping, fatigue, headaches, high stress), Ancient Minerals Genuine Zechstein magnesium chloride flakes (and trace minerals). I mix in in a spray bottle in a 1 part boiling water to 1 part magnesium flakes, and we spray it on the bottoms of our feet in the evenings. Maca extract (root, 300mg, standardized to contain 0.5% macamides and macaenes) plus pygeum extract (bark 40mg), and Formula 594 Dynamic Complex: Horny Goat Weed (whole plant, 500mg, epimedium sagittatum, standardized 10% Icariin), Maca (lepidium meyenii, root, 250mg, standardized to contain 0.6% macamides and macaenes), Mucuna pruriens (seed, 33.4mg, standardized 15% L-Dopa/L-Dihydroxyphenylalanine), Polypodium vulgare Ext. 4:1 (leaf, 25mg). These are produced by Dee Cee Laboratories, and he is taking one with breakfast and one with dinner.

      Would you suggest, he add Ashwagandha root or Ashwagandha tincture, Reishi and Cordyceps CS4 in addition to the other things he’s taking in order to boost his testosterone?
      I also am strongly considering adding C-Salts Buffered Vitamin C.

      Reply
      • Anne

        Is there anything he is taking above that you would not recommend?

        Reply
      • Alex Swanson M.S.

        Hi Anne,

        That sounds like a pretty solid plan. All of those have research behind them for your goals. The magnesium spray isn’t going to be enough for him, especially for raising testosterone. I have a magnesium article here.

        If this combination isn’t working, he likely needs more foundational work. Imagine it like having a hole in a bucket that you keep trying fill with water. Chronic stress is one of the biggest drains on testosterone, and it upsets insulin sensitivity. I wouldn’t suggest adding cordyceps and ashwagandha to that mix, but I do think these two may be more effective than maca for some people. People often respond differently to each adaptogen.

        Reply
        • Anne

          Thank you for your help. Should he cut the maca or continue it with the others? How much magnesium would you recommend at this point? What is your opinion regarding the quality of Dee Cee Laboratories products?

          Reply
          • Alex Swanson M.S.

            Hi Anne,

            If maca isn’t working, it is worth experimenting with other adaptogens. For testosterone, research has found that 500mg (split into two 250mg doses) is the most effective dose.

            I’m not familiar with Dee Cee Laboratories. From what I can see, some of it looks high quality while other formulations are using poor forms of vitamins (folic acid, cyanocobalamin).

        • Anne

          Do you think Dee Cee Laboratories is producing things at a high standard or is there another brand you would recommend instead for the Maca, D3, and their Formula 594 (of course, I could get what’s in the formula individually, if that’s better)? I can find Dee Cee and Megafood products at places here in town which is convenient. However, I am willing to special order things if it means a superior quality.

          Reply
          • Alex Swanson M.S.

            Hi Anne,

            Those formulations look fine. The test will be if it is working based on his blood work.

    • Alex Swanson M.S.

      Hi Anne,

      You can bring these numbers up naturally, but it requires serious changes in diet, exercise, sleep and stress management first. This is especially true as you start getting in the 40’s and up.

      Reply

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