How to Increase Testosterone Levels Naturally

Testosterone is a hormone that regulates the sex organs, metabolism, bone loss, and other bodily functions. Though affecting primarily men, both sexes can experience low testosterone or Low T. Studies have shown that lifestyle choices play the biggest part in testosterone levels. Exercise, sleep, stress, and obesity can all affect hormone levels. Find out how to increase testosterone levels naturally.

Additionally, check out When Should You Try This? to learn more about when you may wish to consider trying natural methods of increasing your testosterone levels.

Consult your doctor for a yearly physical. Ask for a detailed analysis of your weight. If you are overweight or obese, this could be the cause of a drop in testosterone.

·         Obese people secrete more aromatase, an enzyme that works to convert testosterone to estrogen. Your metabolism will continue to decrease as your body produces more aromatase, making the problem worse. Create a weight loss plan with your doctor.

Avoid processed, packaged, and prepared foods. Increased weight and obesity can lead to low testosterone levels. Changing your dietary patterns can make a big difference not only to your testosterone levels but to your risk for heart disease and diabetes. Start changing your diet by cutting out processed, packaged, and prepared foods.

Eat foods as close to their natural state as possible. Eating “whole” foods means cutting out excess sugars, trans and hydrogenated fats, preservatives, etc. Try to incorporate:

·         More fruits and vegetables

·         More fish and quality meat.

·         Avoid processed food, including grains, lentils, beans, and dairy.

·         More nuts and seeds

Avoid outside sources of sugar. This includes sugars added to processed foods (such as high fructose corn syrup), as well as artificial sweeteners. If you need a “sweet hit”, try using Stevia, a herb that can provide sixty times the sweetness of sugar.

Increase healthy fats. Omega-3 fats are healthy fats found in a variety of foods. These include those found in eggs, algae, fish, and mussels, but also plant oils like flaxseed, hemp and walnut oil. Healthy fats actually help to build a healthier body.

Drink plenty of water. Lots of water is essential to any healthy diet. In addition to hydrating you, water can also stop you from feeling hungry.

Eat only when hungry. Cut down on snacking, eating when bored, and other sneaky calories. Try to eat only when you are hungry.

Don't go on crash diets. Restricting calories significantly may send the wrong signals to your body, which will not increase testosterone. Instead, cut your calories by approximately 15 percent the first week.

·         All weight loss goals should be reasonable. Aim to lose a pound per week by improving diet and increasing activity levels.

Eat following a workout. Meat, high-protein yogurt, and some vegetables can help build muscle. Increasing muscle will help burn fat and increase testosterone.