What is testosterone?
Testosterone is the main reproductive hormone in males. It is also found in females
but in trace amounts. This hormone is mainly responsible for the secondary sexual
characters found in males like hair in the pubis and chest, hoarseness of voice,
sexual drive etc.
This hormone peaks at puberty and is in maximum concentration in males in their
20s and 30s. After the age of 30 years, there is a slow and steady fall in the concentration
levels of Testosterone in males.
What does this natural hormonal decrease really mean? What symptoms or side effects
accompany a loss of the male hormone? Testosterone helps maintain a number of important
bodily functions in men, including:
- sex drive
- sperm production
- muscle mass/strength
- fat distribution
- bone density
- red blood cell production
Because testosterone affects so many functions, its decrease can bring about significant
physical and emotional changes.
Ayurvedic Point Of View
Ayurveda also agrees to the age related natural lowering of the Testosterone levels.
To maintain optimum levels of male hormones in the body, there are many herbs that
not only help to prevent the age related lowering of the male hormones in the body
but also help to improve the overall virility in males of all ages.
Ayurveda considers that an inability to perform the sexual functions properly in
males may be present by birth due to genetic or congenital problems. There may even
be problems like erectile dysfunction and Premature Ejaculation.
Sometimes, there are many disorders that lead to the lowering of the Testosterone
levels in blood. In all such cases, Ayurvedic herbal solution can help the man to
lead a normal and fertile life without the fear of losing his sexual vitality at
an early age.
Causes for low testosterone levels:
Age: The testosterone level in blood start reducing as age advances .Usually
it starts between 35 to 45 years of age. Irrespective of age the andropause in men
sets in as the testosterone level starts dipping.
Injury to testicles: Testicles are prone to injury as they are suspended
outside the abdomen. Injury to both testicles can reduce testosterone production
Infection of testicles: If mumps infection during adolescence or early adult
hood involves testicles it may affect testosterone production
Cancer treatments: The treatments for cancers like chemotherapy or radiation
therapy may temporarily cause reduction of testosterone levels. But sometimes it
may become permanent.
Diseases: Chronic kidney related diseases, Cirrhosis of liver, Sarcoidosis,
chronic illness etc can also cause low testosterone levels.
Medications: Corticosteroid medications and medicines used to treat prostate
cancer can cause lowered testosterone level.
Apart from the above mentioned reasons alcoholism, stress, insufficient exercise,
obesity and a poor diet which is not rich in nutrients can also cause lowered testosterone
levels.
Symptoms of lowered testosterone levels
- Erectile dysfunction
- Obesity
- Osteoporosis
- Infertility
- Low libido
- Fatigue or weakness
- Enlarged male breasts
- Decreased body hair
- Loss of muscle mass
- Depression
- Loss of concentration
- Mild anemia
How Can Ayurveda Help In Case Of Low Testosterone?
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that makes use of herbs existing
in the nature and formulates herbal remedies using the inherent power present in
these herbs. We in Ayurveda believe that herbal remedies bring to you the richness
of the herbs in a natural, unadulterated form. These combinations help improve immunity
and provide strength, endurance and will.
The herbs for low testosterone help the glands work in a natural way and increase
the hormone level in the body so as to produce adequate quantity of male gametes
and for the normal functioning of the male gonads.
Simple natural ways to increase testosterone level
- Increased weight or obesity leads to increased estrogen levels. Increased estrogen
lowers testosterone level. Hence try to shed excess fat. Do not fast or skip meals
to shred excess fat. Once again poor eating habit reduces testosterone level. Losing
2kgs of weight per month is always ideal.
- Do not take a diet which is very high in protein. Reduce carbohydrates, sugar and
oil content in daily diet.
- Regular eating habit prevents frequent fluctuation of hormonal level.
- Exercise regularly.
- Perform sex frequently specially in morning. Frequent sex reduces weight and increases
testosterone levels.
- Eat pea nuts, pea nut butter and olive oil.
- Reduce alcohol intake. Relax and try to distress. Yoga and meditation help to reduce
stress level.
Herbs In Ayurveda For Low Testosterone
WITHANIA SOMNIFERA (ASHWAGANDHA)
The ancient Ayurvedic herb Ashwagandha is a multiple benefit herb. It was beneficial
effects over the complete human body in a natural way. Ashwagandha helps in cases
impotency, stress, constipation, rheumatism and many more chronic ailments. A look
at these disorders tells us that they are all related to our life style. The increase
in stress and manifold decrease in a healthy diet and lifestyle leads to stress
induced disorders including many neurological disorders. People usually complain
of stress, fatigue, memory and bodily weakness. Most of us face issues of low stamina
and endurance power.
Ashwagandha herb plays a vital role in such cases. It is a great antioxidant and
has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to promote overall well-being of the
body and nourishes it with strength and immunity. Apart from these, the herbal product
has potential powers to nourish the brain to make the functioning of the brain quicker
and sharper. It has dynamic results on the male sexual system as it facilitates
quicker and longer lasting erections. Ashwagandha herb is an indispensable part
of many of our formulations owing to its benefits.
TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS (GOKSHURA)
Tribulus is a wonderful herb for strength and stamina. It helps improve the immunity
which enhances the self esteem and self confidence in men. Tribulus herb for prostate
health and power helps improve erectile dysfunction. It increases sperm count as
well as sperm quality as it is rich in antioxidants so it works as a supplement.
It has anti aging and strength giving properties. The herb increases male fertility
naturally. It increases libido in men and reduces lack of desire for sex. The Tribulus
power pack and Male support formula have Tribulus herb.
ASPHALTUM (SHILAJIT)
The Ayurvedic herb Shilajit has been popular since ages for its wonderful effects
on the male libido. Ancient physicians used it for improving vigor and stamina.
The herb helps in improving physical and mental stresses. Modern physicians have
tested its application in cases of low libido, premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction
and many sexually related disorders. The fertility rates and sperm counts increase
multi-fold with the usage of Shilajit. Ayurvedic physicians recommend Shilajit herb
for improving stamina and energy levels in males thereby helping them feel more
powerful and efficient when working out.
ASPARAGUS RACEMOSUS (SHATAVARI)
The botanical name of Shatavari is Asparagus racemosus. The herb has been used for
its multiple health benefits over centuries. Its medicinal properties have worked
well for nervous and gastric disorders. Ayurvedic physicians have used its beneficial
effects for improving female health and female sexual system since centuries. Its
main sphere of action is on the female sexual system where it helps to increase
the libido thereby helping improve confidence and self esteem.
The usual symptoms seen in women are irritation over petty issues, stress from work
or due to other emotional factors, decreased interest and desire for sexuality and
low energy complains in performing daily activities. They usually complain of feeling
tired all day or the lack of stamina. Shatavari herb helps improve stamina and energy
levels in women.
Garlic
Garlic is known as “rasona” in Ayurveda. The stress hormone Cortisol suppresses
the effectiveness of testosterone. Garlic contains allicin a chemical compound and
this lowers the hormone cortisol which is released due to stress. The lowered level
of cortisol allows testosterone to work effectively. Eating raw garlic cloves is
more beneficial.
Honey
Honey is treasure house of nutrients and a natural healer. It is known as “madhu”
in Ayurveda. The mineral Boron is associated with high level of testosterone. Honey
is rich in boron. Honey also contains nitric acid which boosts blood circulation
to improve strength of erections. Honey is eulogised as yogavahi in Ayurveda. Yogavaahi
means the best carrier of nutrients. Honey can be consumed raw or mixed with desserts
and salads.
Grapes
Grapes are known as “Draksha” in Ayurveda. They eulogise these fruits as best aphrodisiac
fruits. Eating a bunch of grapes daily can raise testosterone levels, improve sperm
motility, and enhances hard erections. Raisins the dried forms of grapes are also
very beneficial for men. Eating a handful of raisins daily, helps to maintain the
testosterone in normal level.
Milk and dairy products
Milk and dairy products such as cottage cheese and yogurt are very good resources
of zinc. They are considered as excellent testosterone foods or natural libido enhancement
foods. One should add milk and other dairy products in his diet in order to get
lost libido back. According to ayurvedic principles, milk is sweet to taste and
nourishes body tissues. It is eulogized as “vrishya” (aphrodisiac) and increases
shukra dhatu. It is advise to consume many herbal preparations especially aphrodisiac
preparations with milk. The nourishing properties of milk enhance the medicinal
action of herbs and help them to penetrate tissues and reach optimum level.
Bananas
Bananas contain potassium in very high amount. This helps to reduce blood pressure
and boost body energy level. Potassium is also very essential in testosterone production.
Apart from this banana contains bromelain, an enzyme which helps boost testosterone
levels.
Cabbage
This vegetable is loaded with vitamins and minerals. The body of men produces female
hormone estrogen when they put on weight. Estrogen reduces the effectiveness of
testosterone. Cabbage contains indole-3-carbinol, which reduces levels estrogen,
allowing testosterone to do its function.
Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits contain Vitamin C and Vitamin A. These fruits lower the stress hormone
cortisol, reduce estrogen hormone level and help in production of testosterone.
Pomegranate Pomegranate is also known as “Dadima” in Ayurveda. This fruit is eulogized
for its cold potency which reduces hot elements of body. It is the best aphrodisiac
fruit and helps to recover from anemia, reduces incidences of IBS and improves sexual
function. A paper in the International Journal of Impotence Research reported that
47% of impotent men who drank a glass of pomegranate juice a day saw an improvement
in their condition.
Spinach
Spinach is very low in cholesterol. It is also a good source of Niacin and Zinc,
and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin
E (Alpha Tocopherol), Vitamin K, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Foliate, Calcium,
Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Copper and Manganese. All these are essential
building blocks of testosterone and are required for male health. This leafy green
is proven to lower estrogen levels.
Almonds
Almonds are rich source of vitamins; minerals, proteins and fiber. They are also
natural rich source of zinc. Just a handful of these nuts contains one-eighth of
our necessary daily protein and could boost the sex drive of both men and women,
and that’s because they contain plenty of zinc, a testosterone booster and libido
enhancer.
Water melons
It contain a vital amino acid called “citrulline”, this amino acid gets converted
into argenine in body. Various researches have shown that arginine promotes function
of testosterone. Argenine also helps in liberation of nitric oxide which increases
blood flow to body and reproductive system. Thus arginine helps to increase hard
erections. Why not grab this tasty fruit which acts as a natural Viagra. The juicy
melons are rich in potassium. Potassium helps to control high blood pressure. As
there is a link between erectile dysfunction and blood pressure, men are doubly
benefited by use of this fruit. Thus watermelon can be best natural remedy for erectile
dysfunction.
Black Beans
Beans are indeed the magical fruit. Beans pack a bigger shot of zinc than any other
member of the veggie family; some (like baked beans) even rival the zinc content
of red meat. Add that to a food that’s high in protein and fiber and low in fat,
and you have winning combos.
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