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What are the benefits of testosterone supplementation?
Boosting testosterone production is very important for those who wish to improve their athletic performance, give themselves a daily energy boost, and enhance their sexual performance and desire.
Testosterone is the main male sex hormone and regulates several functions in the bodies of adult men. Adequate testosterone levels are essential not only for sexual function, maintaining a healthy sex drive and achieving satisfactory erections, but also to enable athletes and sportspeople to maintain high anabolic activity and increase muscle growth.
The positive effects of testosterone on athletes can be summarised in three ‘primary effects’:
- By increasing physical strength, testosterone improves endurance during intense training, which facilitates longer training sessions and greater muscle growth.
- Testosterone has a lipolytic effect and can increase basal metabolic rate, which promotes weight loss and improves body composition.
- When the body is adequately supplied with nutrients, including protein of course, testosterone can promote better utilisation of amino acids for the repair and building of new muscle tissue.
It is important to remember that taking natural hormonal stimulants to improve sporting performance, in order for them to be effective and deliver satisfactory results, must be combined with an appropriate diet and a comprehensive training plan tailored to the individual athlete according to their specific goals.
How should you choose dietary supplements that boost testosterone?
The choice of dietary supplements to stimulate testosterone production must be based on the individual’s actual needs and the goals to be achieved; it is also essential to follow the advice of a doctor or nutritionist and to purchase high-quality products.
Testosterone-based dietary supplements are products that stimulate and promote the body’s own production of testosterone. There are various supplementsavailable to achieve this effect and, in most cases, these are based on natural substances, such as plant extracts, minerals and vitamins, which help to increase or maintain normal testosterone levels. These nutraceuticals must under no circumstances be confused with medicines or chemically synthesised products.
High testosterone levels promote muscle mass growth, improve protein synthesis, increase strength and reduce body fat. Whilst taking supplements to stimulate hormone production can be very beneficial, it is important to remember that several factors and activities play, or can play, a key role in hormone release.
Firstly, rest: several studies have shown that people who get sufficient sleep of good quality experience greater testosterone release than those with poor-quality sleep. Next, physical activity and exercise, particularly when intense, boost the metabolism and the release of hormones such as testosterone and GH. Finally, diet: prioritise healthy, nutritious foods that ensure a balanced intake. With regard to testosterone, for example, cholesterol (DHL) plays an important role as one of the precursors used by the body to synthesise testosterone. It may therefore be very important to draw up a meal plan with your nutritionist beforehand.
PTL Pure Professional
Testosterone is the most important male sex hormone. PTL Pure Professional by Tsunami Nutrition is a dietary supplement with a specific formula that restores normal physiological testosterone levels and can also be used to restore testosterone levels in athletes.
Among its ingredients, PTL Pure Professional contains Tribulus terrestris, a plant extract used to treat a number of sex-related conditions. Tribulus terrestris works by increasing testosterone levels and, consequently, by boosting male fertility and combating erectile dysfunction; zinc supports the proper functioning of sex hormones and sperm production; whilst selenium combats cellular ageing, regulates the central nervous system and supports thyroid function.
In addition, PTL Pure Professional contains Testofen®, a standardised fenugreek extract that increases lean body mass, functional threshold power and testosterone levels.
Fieno Greco
Fieno Greco by Tn Naturals is a dietary supplement in capsule form made from dried fenugreek extract. As well as its beneficial effects on the digestive system and the metabolism of carbohydrates, triglycerides and cholesterol, fenugreek has also long been used for its revitalising and aphrodisiac properties, and to support male libido.
Fenugreek can enhance the effects of testosterone and is considered one of the best supplements for stimulating the body’s natural production of this hormone.
A tonic and energiser, fenugreek has a stimulating effect on sexual activity, supporting libido and improving erections.
The high concentration of steroidal saponins in fenugreek extract promotes the dilation of blood vessels, increased blood flow to the muscles and a stronger, longer-lasting erection.
ZMA PURE
ZMA Pure is a supplement containing zinc, magnesium and vitamin B6. These substances are very important for the body as they act as cofactors for various enzymes and play a role in a range of vital functions.
This ZMA supplement is very popular with athletes and bodybuilders for supporting normal testosterone levels and restoring a normal sleep-wake cycle.
The combination of zinc, magnesium and vitamin B6 in a single supplement (ZMA) is highly valued by athletes as it falls into the category of ‘testosterone-boosting’ supplements, with all the associated benefits in terms of muscle mass growth.
ZMA can be used by athletes as well as by people who do not participate in sport but who require nutraceutical support to increase and maintain testosterone levels.
ECDY Pure Professional
ECDY Pure Professional is a product quite different from all those mentioned so far.
It is a supplement based on high-quality beta-ecdysterone derived from the root of Rhaponticum carthamoides, an extract that promotes improved body composition, increased strength and muscle hypertrophy. The product’s formula is enriched with zinc picolinate, vitamin D, vitamin B6 and the patented BioPerine® to optimise absorption.
Ecdysterone, also known as beta-ecdysterone or 20-hydroxyecdysone, is a natural hormone with excellent properties for improving muscle mass and athletic performance.
Ecdysterone has a structure similar to that of the hormone testosterone, meaning it can have certain effects that mimic and boost testosterone levels. Taking ECDY Pure Professional optimises muscle protein synthesis and stimulates the anabolic signalling pathway.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should dietary supplements that boost testosterone be taken?
Natural testosterone supplements should be taken in accordance with the instructions on the packaging and/or the leaflet. Cycles of 4, 8 or 12 weeks are generally recommended. In most cases, cycles not exceeding three consecutive months are recommended. The first effects of taking supplements to stimulate the body’s own production of testosterone are usually noticeable after the first month.
One of the best times of day to take testosterone supplements is in the evening, before going to bed. Many supplements actually promote sleep, and a good night’s rest is one of the key factors in improving the production of this hormone and maintaining adequate physiological levels. Testosterone supplements can also be taken in the morning or before lunch. In many cases – although instructions may vary from one product to another – it is recommended to take them on an empty stomach.
As for the products featured in this article, here are the recommended dosages:
- PTL Pure Professional: 4 tablets per day
- Fenugreek: 1 capsule per day
- ZMA Pure: 1 tablet per day
- ECDY Pure Professional: 2 capsules per day
What are the possible side effects of dietary supplements designed to boost testosterone levels?
In the majority of healthy people, natural supplements taken to increase or maintain normal testosterone levels do not cause any side effects. However, these products should be used on the advice of a doctor or specialist, depending on each individual’s health, needs and goals.
How long does it take for testosterone supplements to take effect?
The effects of testosterone-boosting dietary supplements can be noticeable within the first few weeks of starting to take them. As a general rule, natural hormone boosters should be taken in cycles of up to three months.
Where supplementation proves effective in stimulating the production of endogenous testosterone, an increase in strength and muscle mass, and a reduction in body fat, amongst other effects, will occur. These effects may be more pronounced when combined with a healthy lifestyle and regular physical activity.
