Supplements
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Do I Need A Testosterone Supplement?
by Poliquin™ Group Editorial Staff
3/11/2020 12:51:37 PM
If you suffer from low testosterone, nutrition can have a powerful effect on this essential hormone. Testosterone is vital for health, mental outlook, libido, and body composition.
Unfortunately, navigating the world of testosterone supplements can be overwhelming. Not only is there a seemingly endless list of testosterone-boosting supplements, many products make dubious claims that have little scientific evidence supporting their use. If that’s not bad enough, a recent study found that 10 percent of testosterone supplements on the market contain ingredients that lower testosterone (1).
That’s why our new TestoFS supplement is designed to provide nutritional support with two well-researched compounds that work synergistically to produce healthy testosterone levels. Testo FS features the adaptogens shilajit and eurycoma longifolia, which aid vitality and promote physical and mental well being in men and women.
Shilajit is a natural antioxidant known for improving testosterone release, heightening physical performance, and relieving fatigue (2). It is commonly used in ancient ayurvedic medicine and is known as a rasayana because of its rejuvenating qualities.
Eurycoma longifolia is an herbal extract with reliable aphrodisiac qualities. It is well known for supporting hormone balance, raising bioavailable testosterone, and having anti-estrogenic effects, leading to improved libido, fertility, and sexual health (3, 4). It is considered an adaptogen, helping to stabilize physiological processes and promote homeostasis. Studies have identified eurycoma longifolia as a tonic that can counter stress-related disorders, including improving energy, aiding sports performance, and supporting weight management.
Together these compounds work to balance hormones and support healthy libido and sexual function. Eurycoma longifolia is better known than shilajit with a meta-analysis concluding that there is convincing evidence for using it to overcome male sexual disorders, including erectile dysfunction, infertility, downregulated testosterone, and low libido (5). Eurycoma is also protective against stress: A study of stressed out adults found that 4 weeks of supplementation led to a significant reduction in tension, anger and confusion (3). Subjects also experienced a 37 percent increase in testosterone and 16 percent decrease in cortisol for an improved testosterone-to-cortisol ratio, which serves as a marker of the body capacity to handle stress.
Shilajit also has research supporting its use to overcome low testosterone: A randomized placebo controlled trial that gave middle aged male volunteers with testosterone deficiency a supplement of 250 mg of shilajit twice a day for 90 days showed an increase in free and total testosterone of 20 percent (6). A second study that gave infertile male patients 100 mg of shilajit twice a day for 90 days resulted in a 23.5 percent increase in testosterone and a 60 percent increase in total sperm count (7).
Because shilajit is a powerful antioxidant, it has also been shown to reduce cardiovascular risk factors, assist in exercise recovery, and convey neuroprotection, potentially improving Alzheimer’s symptoms (2, 8, 9).
Who Should Try TestoFS?
Testo FS is a great nutritional aid for men suffering from sub-par testosterone levels. Symptoms of low T include low libido, lack of energy or strength, fatigue, or a recent decrease in “enjoyment of life.”
TestoFS can also be used by individuals who want to support hormone balance and ease stress because the combination of shilajit and eurycoma longifolia provides strong antioxidant and adaptogen support. For instance, TestoFS could give a boost to individuals who have a hard time putting on muscle mass or recovering from intense physical training. It might also be indicated for individuals suffering from extreme stress who have experienced a recent change in libido.
Who Shouldn’t Take TestoFS?
Diabetics or individuals dealing with irregular blood sugar should consult with their doctor prior to using products containing shilajit because shilajit can lower blood sugar and could impact the necessary insulin dose.
Both high-quality shilajit and eurycoma longifolia have strong safety profiles, however, there have been reports of contaminated supplements that are harmful to humans. For example, during the extraction process, shilajit can be tainted with mycotoxin, heavy metal ions, and free radicals (2) that are harmful to humans, making a purified product like what is used in TestoFS necessary.
Quality is also important for eurycoma longifolia because there have been reports of contamination with mercury or illegal spiking with prescription drugs (3).
How To Take Testo FS?
Prior to supplementing with a testosterone support supplement, it’s worth making the effort to optimize your nutrition. Sugar and refined carbs are killers for testosterone and they wreak havoc on hormone levels. Balanced diets that provide plenty of dietary fat, high-quality protein, and healthy carbs are generally the best choice for supporting testosterone. Once you have your nutrition dialed in, supplementing with TestoFS can give the body the added support it needs to optimize testosterone release and reduce the aromatization of testosterone to estrogen.
When supplementing with TestoFS, it’s recommended to take two capsules in the morning. This will provide 500 mg of shilajit and 200 mg of eurycoma longifolia.
What Supplements Is It Safe To Use With TestoFS?
Many supplements go well with TestoFS. Certain nutrients are essential for testosterone release and hormone balance including magnesium, vitamin D, and zinc.
DIM, a compound that helps the body metabolize excess estrogen (the hormone that opposes testosterone) may support testosterone levels and provide reproductive support when taken in conjunction with TestoFS.
Supplements that support the adrenals and fight stress may also be paired with TestoFS to support testosterone release.
Final Words: If you’ve made the effort to establish healthy eating habits but still suffer from symptoms of low testosterone, a T-boosting supplement may be just the ticket. Testosterone supplements are most effective when combined with lifestyle habits, including good sleep, a stress management plan, and regular strength training.
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