Need to boost your testosterone levels? Welcome to the right page. To enhance the production of testosterone in your body, you first need to look at your daily habits. “I never prescribe testosterone alone without talking to men about their lifestyle,” says Martin Miner, MD, co-director of the Men’s Health Center at the Miriam Hospital in Providence, R.I.
It takes time to improve production of testosterone; however, there are some ways to boost it more quickly. Here is what you should do:
Drink enough water
One major cause of lower production of testosterone is dehydration, so drink enough water every day. If you don’t drink enough water, your hormonal system slows down, which decreases testosterone and dopamine production. Drink 8 glasses of water each day to stay hydrated and boost your testosterone level, more if you exercise a lot or are bigger than average in height and/or weight.
Keep active
Testosterone behaves according to your body’s behavior. If you sit on the couch all day, then your brain gets the message that there is no need to bolster muscle and bone. On the other hand, when you are physically active, your brain understands that you need more hormones and will begin to make more testosterone and more muscle. Start today with a brisk 10-20 minute walk and add other exercise as tolerated. The recommendations are to get about 150 minutes of moderate to brisk exercise every week. It doesn’t have to be done all at the same time.
Get enough sleep
Getting enough sleep is important for staying healthy and mentally sound. Studies show that low quality sleep or sleeping less than 7 hours per day cut testosterone production by 10-15%. It also hampers the growth of hormones and restricts the potential of muscle building. Keep 8 hours reserved for good quality sleep.
Eat eggs
Eating at least one egg daily improves good cholesterol, an important building block needed in the production of testosterone. Eggs are also rich in protein and contain zinc that boosts testosterone levels. Cholesterol in itself isn’t always bad for you and you need cholesterol to act as a precursor to sex hormones like testosterone.
Control stress
A stressed body cannot create testosterone. Stress alters the body’s functional capability, which adversely affects hormone production. Decrease stress, and try practicing meditation or qi gong. Miner advises men to reduce working hours to 10 hours or less per day if possible. Spend at least 2 hours daily doing things you enjoy, doing sports, art, music, games, or anything other than work.
Reduce alcohol use
There are many reasons to reduce your use of alcohol and hormonal performance is a major one. When you drink alcohol, the production of testosterone decreases for up to 24 hours. It’s also responsible for increased cortisol and lowers levels of growth hormones so your muscle strength will be just as affected as your testosterone levels.
Eat healthy
Adopt healthy eating habits and welcome foods like spinach, nuts, lean protein, avocados, olive oil, broccoli, and Balsamic vinegar to your daily diet. These foods help increase the production of testosterone. Avoid the use of supplements that claim to boost testosterone, as they do little for the amount of money you’ll pay for them. Natural is better.