Boosting Up !!

A primary goal of all bodybuilders is to increase testosterone levels and optimize its anabolic effects. Testosterone is a powerful anabolic hormone that is released from the testes in males, and the ovaries and adrenal glands in females. Testosterone’s release is controlled by Luteinising Hormone, secreted from the pituitary found at the base of the brain. Testosterone effects can be anabolic; accelerated growth of muscle, bone and red blood cells; or androgenic, changes in sex organs and voice pitch, increased face and body hair, and psychological effects such as aggressiveness. Anabolic hormones stimulate rebuilding and repair reactions in the muscle. Catabolic hormones stimulate the breakdown of carbohydrate, fat, and even protein for energy. Testosterone stimulates muscle protein synthesis. Supplement timing increases testosterone production and enhances uptake of testosterone by muscle. A minimum of 20% of your calories must be consumed from fat to maintain normal testosterone synthesis, with saturated fat being the preferred form.4 However, it is almost important to remember that a high fat diet, especially one high in saturated fats puts you at risk of negative effects on your lipid and cholesterol levels as well as putting you further at risk of some cancers.

Testosterone supplements are often used by men who feel the onset of particular symptoms that are most often associated with older age. The symptoms maybe tiredness, erectile dysfunction, losing muscle mass, less libido and just an overall feeling of not being as virile as once was experienced. Additionally, depression, lower sperm count, weaker orgasms, trouble concentrating, and thinning skin may also be signs of low testosterone (low-T) levels. But while testosterone is basically on the male arena, women do have it in small doses also. So there may be cases, such as postmenopausal symptoms, anemia, and lack of libido following chemotherapy where women will receive natural testosterone supplements also.

One of the most widely used herbal testosterone supplements for raising T levels is Tribulus Terrestis. As an herb it's known as the puncture vine. The herb has been used for a long time in countries around the world for various medical purposes. Because tribulus terrestis is an herb, it has almost no side effects and has been shown in some medical studies in Eastern Europe to have improved reproductive functions such as increased sperm production and T levels. But it should be stated that not enough studies have been conducted to really form an opinion about its ultimate safety or side effects. The herb gained notoriety in the 1990's after athletes from that part of the world talked about its performance enhancing abilities. Various health food stores sell the herb under different product names.

Testosterone boosting supplements/formulas have become a very popular category in the supplement industry of late. It seems everyone, boy or man, seems to want to “boost” their levels of the hormone that makes men men.