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  • Tongkat Ali for Testosterone Levels: How Effective is it?

    Tongkat Ali for Testosterone Levels: How Effective is it?

    For every adult, especially for males, having the right testosterone level is essential. It aids in improving their libido, increasing lean mass, and enhancing athletic performance.

    Several studies have concluded that taking testosterone booster can be beneficial for increased muscle, strength, fat loss, and enhanced sexual function.

    While there are some over the counter medicines and supplements available in the market, there are some natural and effective ways to boost your testosterone level. One of them is Tongkat Ali.

    This article looks into the efficacy of Tongkat Ali in increasing testosterone levels, its side effects, and many more.

    Tongkat Ali: What is it?

    Tongkat Ali is a herbal supplement derived from the roots of the Eurycoma longifolia, a green shrub native to Southeast Asia.

    Also known as longjack, this traditional medicine has been used in Malaysia, Thailand, and some other Asian countries to treat infections, erectile dysfunctions, and male infertility.

    Tongkat Ali is quite famous due to its ability to increase testosterone levels in men with a low level of this hormone.

    Various studies have been conducted on Tongkat Ali dosage and its effectiveness in improving testosterone levels. However, before you start taking natural testosterone supplements, you need to know why an increased testosterone level is essential for you.

    Importance of Testosterone Level

    Testosterone is known as the primary male sex hormone. It’s crucial in the development of some of the male reproductive tissues, such as prostate and testes.

    However, maintaining the right level of testosterone is essential for both men and women. Especially men with low testosterone levels may suffer from issues like erectile dysfunction, low libido, and even infertility.

    Low testosterone levels can be a result of aging, radiation treatments, chemotherapy, infection of the testicles, chronic alcoholism, and many more.

    Apart from suffering from infertility, a low level of this hormone can cause anorgasmia in women, reduced stamina, increased body fat, and plateau in muscle building.

    How Can Tongkat Ali Help?

    The effectiveness of Tongkat Ali in improving the testosterone level is well researched and documented.

    Several studies conducted on both animals and humans have shown that it can enhance the hormonal level in general while improving sperm quality. This herbal remedy has also been shown to improve arm circumference, strength, and decrease body fat percentage.

    Research performed on 76 older men with low testosterone found that consuming 200 mg of longjack extract every day can improve testosterone levels in over 90% of the participants.

    Another study was conducted on 108 men aged between 30 and 55. The result showed that those who took 300mg of this herbal medicine had an increased motility and sperm volume by an average of 44% and 18%.

    These studies show that Tongkat Ali is quite effective in treating infertility and low testosterone problems in some men. However, more research needs to be done to establish this fact.

    Can Tongkat Ali Improve Libido?

    While testosterone is considered as the primary sex hormone for men, it’s equally important for women as well. A drop in this hormone level can have an adverse effect on the sexual performance of both men and women.

    A pilot study performed on physically active men and women involved taking 400 mg of Tongkat Ali per day for 5 weeks.

    The result showed a significant improvement in testosterone level, muscle strength, and libido in both men and women.

    Anxiety, stress, age, and other difficulties can also affect libido in males and females. Tongkat Ali can effectively reduce anxiety and improve libido.

    According to a study conducted in 2013, this herbal supplement can reduce the level of the stress hormone cortisol, resulting in less anger, stress, and anxiety in older adults.

    Other Benefits of Tongkat Ali

    Apart from improving the testosterone level and sexual performance, this herbal medicine offers other health benefits as well.

    Components like alkaloids and flavonoids found in Tongkat Ali can act as antioxidants, which can effectively fight cell damage caused by free radicals. Regular consumption of it can also enhance body composition.

    Besides, longjack can improve athletic performance, reduce fatigue, and treat insomnia. The supplement also contains antibacterial properties that can be useful in treating some issues in the digestive tract.

    Does Tongkat Ali Have Any Side Effect?

    Little is known about the safety of longjack as few studies have been conducted to find its effects on humans. As most of the studies used 200mg to 300 mg of this supplement, it’s not sure exactly how much is safe for a healthy adult.

    One study suggests that taking 300 mg of Tongkat Ali can be considered safe. However, none of the studies was conducted for a long time, so it’s unclear whether it’s safe for long-term use.

    However, a study found 26% of mercury in longjack supplements from Malaysia, which can lead to mercury poisoning, mood swing, and even memory problems.

    Also, if you don’t take this supplement in moderate dosage, your testosterone level may become extremely high, causing kidney and liver disease, heart problems, sleep apnea, etc.

    Who Should Take Tongkat Ali?

    Tongkat Ali can be an excellent supplement to increase testosterone and improve libido and other bodily functions, but you must make sure that you get it from a trusted source.

    Considering its popularity and demand, there are many fake products available in the market. Some manufacturers are also producing supplements that have a reduced concentration of longjack herb, which you must avoid.

    While you’re having Tongkat Ali as a testosterone booster, consider taking other vital ingredients such as magnesium and zinc. Also, consult with your doctor as it might conflict with the other medications you’re having.

    However, if you have any issues like heart problems or kidney disease, it’s recommended that you avoid such supplements or take them under the supervision of a doctor.

    Final Thoughts

    Having a healthy level of testosterone is crucial for optimal body functioning. While there are multiple treatments available to increase this hormone level, alternative herbal medicine like Tongkat Ali can be considered as a natural and safe way to do so.

    However, due to the shortage of clinical studies, this supplement should be taken moderately and after discussing it with a doctor or nutritionist.

    Always purchase from a reputed brand to avoid counterfeit products. And make sure you don’t have any physical issues that can become worse after taking this supplement.

    Shawn is a content writer at FeedFond. A pet enthusiast and fitness freak, he loves all things animals. To read more of his articles, visit FeedFond.com.

    Featured image from Shutterstock

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  • How To Test For Low Testosterone At Home And What Foods To Avoid For Treatment

    How To Test For Low Testosterone At Home And What Foods To Avoid For Treatment

    Testosterone is a male sex hormone and that is what separates men from boys by giving them a deeper voice, larger muscles, or hairs on the body and face.  This hormone stimulates the growth of sexual organs since the beginning of the puberty, increases libido and improves mood. However, for years, the amount of testosterone declines naturally, and this period in men’s life is called Andropause.

    Symptoms of low testosterone are:

    Low libido (decreased sexual desire)

    Problems with erection

    Smaller penis

    Decreased spermatozoa count

    Decrease in overall muscle mass

    Increased percentage of body fat

    Loss of body hair

    Depressed mood

    Problems with concentrating

    Feeling fatigue

    One of the most common symptoms of low testosterone is reduced libido. In fact, almost every man suspects having a lower testosterone level, complains of having a lack of sexual desire. Apart from low desire for sex, men with a lack of testosterone are less masturbating and have lesser fantasies and erotic dreams. Parts of the brain in charge of sexual lust such as the amygdala are filled with testosterone receptors. Lack of sexual desire also causes erectile problems, but these problems are not caused by a disease. Without high-quality testosterone, penile tissue, scrotum, and testicles will atrophy and decrease. As a result, there is a decrease in the length and width of the penis. Also, there is a reduced production of sperm, but with the help of therapy, the old “glory” can be restored very quickly. Also there are some scientific ways that help you to boost testosterone levels naturally.

    An increased level of testosterone in the body creates an anabolic state, or a process in which muscles are built. In practice, this means that our organism will formulate processes for the production of proteins that will prevent muscle contraction. When the level of testosterone decreases, our body enters the catabolic state and then decomposes the muscle tissue. This is best seen if you regularly go to a gym where, despite your great effort, your muscles are “melting”.

    Even when you begin to lose weight, a part of your body will begin to grow. Unfortunately, it’s a stomach. Visceral fat is deep abdominal fat deposits that form around our organs and increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

    Problems with thinking and memory loss are common symptoms in men with testosterone deficiency. Some of the side effects of testosterone deficiency in addition to sexual dysfunction and weight problems are long lasting bad mood. Consequently, mood disorders such as depression and anxiety can trigger a dangerous cycle because depression can negatively affect the ability of your testicles to produce testosterone.

    Besides aging, there are the reasons that might be contributing to decreased level of testosterone:

    Poor function of the liver

    Poor gastrointestinal health

    Any acute illness

    Blood sugar or insulin problems

    Problems with pituitary gland

    How to determine testosterone level at home?

    Technology outbreaks gave us the solution for testing testosterone at home. There are several products on the market and all of those are using saliva as a specimen, which is very convenient for performing test at home. After you collect the sample of your saliva, you should pack the test kit according to product requirements and sent it by mail to lab for further testing.

    So, once again-you can collect your saliva at home by using some of the test kits available on the market, but the analysis of the saliva and determination of testosterone level has to be performed in the authorized laboratory.

    Can I rely on those tests?

    No one can deny the fact that the most accurate way to determine your testosterone level is to make an appointment at your doctor’s office who will arrange blood sampling (inserting a sterile needle in your vein on the inside of the elbow and filling the lab tube with your blood). Blood sampling is most appropriate to perform between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., because at that time testosterone level is highest.

    However, if it is too complicated for you, home tests can use as an orientation. Unfortunately, there is still controversy about reliability of saliva versus blood tests.  On one hand, it is less stressful to give saliva sample and more convenient, since you can do that at home. On the other hand, we mustn’t forget that sometimes test results depend on how we collected the sample or handled the home test kit.

    What should I do if my test results are showing low level of testosterone?

    Either way, physical and psychological signs of low testosterone along with the poor test results are an alarm for us to see the doctor and to find out whether the testosterone loss is solely due to ageing, or there might be a disease which affects the level of this sex hormone. Nevertheless, sometimes all we need to do is to change some bad habits that make our testosterone low.

    What food to avoid if my testosterone level is not as expected for my age?

    First of all, we have to make an effort and change some of our habits. That means we have to give up some food that might interfere with testosterone production.

    We have to avoid:

    Alcohol drinking – alcohol destroys our liver, leads to gain weight and boosts estrogen, which all lead to lower testosterone

    Soya – soybeans are full of fytoestrogen which boosts the production of estrogen and lower testosterone

    Low-carb diet – such diet boosts production of stress hormone cortisol, which is further responsible for low testosterone levels

    Trans fats – all products containing those “unhealthy” fats, such as fast foods, snacks, pastry, cookies, cakes, margarine and other vegetable oil spreads affects the testosterone levels.

    There are also results of various studies available where some other foods are listed as potentially bad for adequate testosterone levels, such as any food containing high levels of sugar, microwave pop corns, mint, flaxseed and spearmint, to name some of the few. Also there are some amazing foods that are natural testosterone boosters, try taking these foods to produce more testosterone.

    Article courtesy of Gracy Liura

    Featured image courtesy of Shutterstock

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