Benefits of Testosterone

We have all tried to combat aging as a problem in our lifetime, either philosophically or practically. However, one side of aging you might have ignored the most relates to your sexual response cycle that gets disturbed as you age.

Earlier it was debated that only women face a condition around the age of 40-50 years, named Menopause, which results in complete stoppage of the female menstrual cycle.

In recent years, new studies have come to light that suggests that males also have a similar condition that decreases the amount of testosterone in the body and gives rise to a hormone called estrogen, which may ultimately result in diminished libido, or in some cases a complete halt of the sexual response cycle. The condition has been made famous as Andropause.

It has been estimated that in the past as many as 2.5 million American men between the ages of 40 and 55 suffered from this problem. Several studies and reviews between 1970 and 1995 reported that men, during this phase, show signs of decline in free testosterone and total testosterone levels.

Later studies revealed that this was not a sign of aging because DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) did not change with age. In fact, testosterone levels started falling slowly after 40 years of age because of increased Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG). Today, it is estimated that 30-35% of men over 40 years of age suffer from this condition.

 

South Carolina School of Medicine, Monash University, University of Melbourne, etc. all made point measures of the same problem, a reason to which could not be concluded. That was until Montefiore Hospital stepped in with their observations in 1982 and reported that total testosterone count in men starts decreasing steadily from the age of 21 years and that it is a 24-hour cycle that repeats itself until the age of approximately 85-90 years.

At this point, it is incontestably claimed among the medical community that testosterone declines in older men more frequently, i.e. more in 41-60-year-old men than 20-40, and similarly, more in 61-85-year-old men than in 40-60. However, it is very important to notice that it is after 40 years of age that most men start to feel physiological changes affecting their body in a negative way.

Reduced levels of self-rewarding chemicals like dopamine also play a role in decreased androgen levels with age. Over time, the hypothalamus located in our brain (responsible for creating these chemicals) tends to diminish the production of dopamine and thereby reducing the production of Corticotrophin Releasing Factor (CRF), Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH), and Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormones (LRH).

These, in turn, result in the reduction of pituitary hormones, such as Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Growth Hormone (GH), and Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone (ACTH).

 

Studies in the past and current ongoing research have already concluded the following physiological changes occurring in males with age:

•    Total testosterone (Total T) as well as bioavailable testosterone (Free T) declines.
•    SHBG (responsible for reducing Free T) increases.
•    Leydig cells degenerate.
•    Hypothalamic Dopamine Function declines to result in Pituitary Function decline.
•    DHT levels do not necessarily change.
•    Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a substrate for testosterone, also declines.
•    Testosterone does not decline by the increased aromatization of estrogen.
•    Melatonin and Serotonin declines are also a reason behind low T levels.
•    Nutritional deficiencies including Zinc also reduce testosterone levels.

The Real Cause of Low Testosterone

Technically speaking, testosterone is not only the fuel for masculine sex drive but it is indeed one of the most important hormones that affect a lot of other aspects of life too.

These include restricting build-up of body fat and improvement in muscle mass. Low testosterone can reduce the ability to have satisfying sex. In other words, diminished libido. In some cases, it was found to be the main reason behind erectile dysfunctions.

 A study concluded that the decline of testosterone levels in men is more likely a result of behavioral and health changes rather than aging. The problem may not be the result of aging at all, as the scientific community would have us believe.

To conclude Gary Wittert’s (MD, professor of medicine at the University of Adelaide, Australia) findings from a study of testosterone levels in 1500 men, after ruling out all abnormalities and considering samples from men aged 35 to 80 years, testosterone levels did not decline significantly over five years.

These findings completely nullify previous notions of gradually diminishing testosterone levels. Witter and his team concluded that men with poor dietary habits and more exposure to a depressing environment were more prone to testosterone decline.

We know from previous studies that depression is already linked to low T. Most of us try to accommodate ourselves to be farther away from these conditions by sticking to good exercise routines.

However, if one has not considered a zinc and magnesium rich diet (along with other nutrients and minerals), all those efforts might have been in vain after all. Fortunately, nature has bestowed upon us various ways in which we can enrich our bodies with the nutrients they have been deprived of for years. I will discuss these in later sections of the text.

Low T and Male Sexual Response

Low T doesn’t always mean that you will have a low sex drive. Some men are able to maintain a sexual desire even at relatively lower testosterone levels.

However, low T may cause a series of other problems in the body like obesity and inability to build muscle mass. It may result in a wide variety of sexual problems, other than reduced libido. Nevertheless, one thing is for certain, that if testosterone levels are lowered enough, all men will face diminished sex drive.

A study conducted in Massachusetts concluded that even relatively younger men with low testosterone levels had low libido. It was considered that older men might have worse sexual and physical symptoms, including, but not limited to, increased levels of stress, sleep deprivation, and chronic depression.

Low T rarely causes Erectile Dysfunction (ED), but nonetheless, is one of the reasons behind it and other physiological changes that cause ED.

In November of 2005, Thomas G. Travison et. al found that sex drive and testosterone levels in the body are strongly correlated at the population level and that supplements can drive the symptoms of Low T away, including reduced libido. Food supplements that increase testosterone were found to result in improved sexual functioning, mood, and even strength.

Both libido and testosterone levels seem to share a common causative agent and that is elevated LH. This study found that even patients who have normal levels of testosterone but elevated LH may face diminished sex drive.

On the other hand, Wittert’s research suggested that males with greater testosterone reductions tend to be unmarried. This can, however, be attributed to a previous study that suggests married men are healthier and happier than unmarried men, but frequent sexual activity cannot be ruled out of the picture. There is more research that shows regular sexual activities tend to increase testosterone levels.

It is clear at this point that there are various factors that play a role in determining male sexual response and testosterone helps regulate many of those factors. Aging is simply a process that cannot and should not be associated with diminished libido as far as it comes to males.

The diminishing testosterone levels cannot be attributed to one or multiple causes yet and further research needs to be conducted on the issue.

 Although the cause of male hormonal change remains unknown, we definitely have conducted researches with conclusive results on how these changes can be reversed naturally as well as artificially.

To stay strongly contextual, this text discusses the natural methods proven to reverse the effects of low T while increasing Free T in the blood stream.

How to Improve Testosterone Levels

As the causes of Low T are varied, the ways in which you can improve your body testosterone levels are also more than just one. It is possible that you already follow some of these practices and may require others to effectively enhance testosterone levels.

These techniques range from emotional therapy to natural dietary supplements and we will discuss them one-by-one in order to shed light on how each may affect your body.

Working Out

There is never an excuse good enough to not to work out. If you have low testosterone, exercising will definitely help you. Fitness professionals and even physicians are still learning about the variety of benefits exercising may have on our body, and there is no clear verdict on its effect on testosterone levels.

However, one thing that is definite according to these and other experts, it is that if exercise is a habit for you, benefits will prevail in your body including improved levels of testosterone.

 Testosterone levels rise immediately after exercising but they do not stay for long. According to Todd Schroeder (Ph.D., University of South California), T levels can stay up after a workout session for as long as 1 hour. These temporary boosts are not yet known to have any long-term health effects, but exercise comes with many other well-known perks.

According to Scott Isaacs (Endocrinologist, MD, Emory University), men with borderline low T may get a more potent effect from working out.

Levels of testosterone may improve through workout depending on various physiological factors, such as:

Weight: Obesity is certainly a big part of the problem. If your weight is more than what it should be, shedding extra pounds off your body by working out will improve your testosterone levels. Scott Isaacs describes the phenomenon in detail in his book Hormonal Balance: How to Lose Weight By Understanding Your Hormones and Metabolism.

Age: Younger men seemingly derive higher boost in T levels, post-exercise. But that is not a reason for older men to be disappointed since a boost in testosterone after a workout has been documented in almost all age groups. Older men can also benefit with improved bone and muscle health.

Timing: The time you exercise may vary the boost you get from it. T levels are typically highest in the morning and even that, in most cases, is not the best time to work out. Research suggests that workouts have more impact on T levels when practiced in the evening after the body testosterone levels recover from its lowest levels (i.e. the afternoon). This means that a small boost from an exercise session after work maybe more effective than a large boost in the morning.

Fitness level: If you are not in great shape, the testosterone boost you derive from exercising will be bigger than for someone who is already in good shape. In a few weeks, though, your body will get used to the challenge and eventually the hormonal response will level out with that of a fit man.

Type of Exercise: The type of exercise routines you follow will also affect the testosterone boost you can derive from them. For example, endurance and resistance training boost testosterone levels briefly, but strength-training has a larger and longer lasting effect on body testosterone.

Backed by several types of research, these strategies will give you an even bigger boost than strength-training:

•    Exercise multiple muscles and don’t focus on only one.
•    Lift heavier weights rather than doing many reps of the same weights.
•    Have shorter rest periods.
•    Build an exercise plan including cardio and flexibility workouts.
•    Never push too far. Over-exercising can be detrimental

You know you have taken it too far when:

•    You feel excessive soreness.
•    You take a longer time to recover.
•    You have trouble sleeping.
•    Performance and strength loss.

The Relationship Between Fat and Testosterone

It is not enough to follow a workout routine temporarily to ameliorate depleting levels of testosterone in future. To maintain a normal testosterone level, getting and staying fit are equally important. Fat increases the metabolizing of testosterone. The more fat you carry, the faster you'll burn through the already-depleted testosterone levels.

In other words, if you want to get the most out of your exercise routine and your testosterone, keeping your weight down must be on your checklist. In addition to sticking with any other testosterone treatments, you can adopt sports, walking certain distances every day, or finding any other active hobby.

In some parts of your body, such as fat cells and the brain, fat can also be converted into estrogen. Widely regarded as the female hormone, you definitely do not want it in excess because it can lead to fat gain and block production of testosterone resulting in a continuous downward spiral of Low T. It can also decrease brain hormone levels. In fact, it could get much worse than it sounds.

It is advised to have a nutritious diet to help your body recover after workouts and support itself for any extra strain. Dr. Edward Levitan (also referenced later) says, “Exercise is extremely important, as is significantly decreasing the number of carbohydrates and sugar in your diet. Excess sugar and carbohydrates have been shown to negatively affect mood, while exercise boosts it.”

Emotional Therapy

We have already stated how low testosterone levels can result in bad mood and how it is even linked to chronic depression, in many cases. In fact, it also affects your overall health.

Men can face problems like mood swings, stress, concentration issues, weight gain, etc., all resulting from the loss of healthy testosterone levels. Testosterone’s role in the body is much wider than simple sexual arousal. It also plays a role in how well your brain works.

Low testosterone is one of the most common casuse of mental health issues that men face. Our brain has testosterone receptor cells that can significantly affect mental health if the levels are not appropriate.

The most common issue faced by men with insufficient testosterone receptors is fatigue and often depression without any significant reason. The area of study where testosterone has such profound effects on our mental health is still under research, and as of now, is mostly a blank sheet with scribblings in a corner.

 Recently, a study of 600 elderly men in Netherlands found a key association between depression and low testosterone. The men were found to be dealing better with symptoms of depression hinting that this process does not affect men overnight and embeds itself in behavior over long periods. Declining levels of testosterone

Declining levels of testosterone is like a vicious cycle of a downward emotional spiral (just like the physical one I previously mentioned) that leads to more causes and effects of clinical depression. It is basically compounding frustration with smaller and then bigger problems and stress.

Tips for Boosting Mood

There are a series of lifestyle and environmental changes that you may have to undertake in order to successfully combat mood swings and make emotional therapy effective in recovering testosterone levels. Below are a few tips to encourage better mental patterns:

Keep a check: Low testosterone often comes along with obesity and inactivity. So the first step is to address the issue by making your routine a more active one. It is important to get plenty of sleep, and at the same time, to make sure you get enough sunlight. You should always keep an active schedule even when you do not have any problems.

Communication: It is not uncommon to see that low T may be caused by ineffective communication between partners or someone else important in your life. You should make sure that you include your partner or any other member of your social life in your mission to combat this issue.

In the case of married or unmarried couples, sex therapy or counseling has helped them express their needs in a more open and healing environment. Because low testosterone does not only affect the ability to get and maintain an erection, honest communication is required in order to treat it.

Stress control: There is no doubt about the connection between stress and low testosterone. It has been proven that one causes the other. Dr. Levitan of Visions Healthcare says, “If you’re stressed and in constant fight-or-flight mode, your body is going to focus on handling the stress before it thinks of having sex. And, if stress is controlling your life, it can be difficult to get a handle on the other emotional issues related to low testosterone.”

To understand how emotionally devastating Low T can get, let’s look at an example:

Timothy Bullock felt that things were not quite right when he lost the desire to have sex at the age of 52. Even the times he would feel like having sex, he could not get an erection. As mentioned by Timothy, his sex life had always been very active. Even critical medical procedures, like his bone marrow transplant, did not affect his sex drive and now, all of a sudden, he had lost his desire to have sex.

"After the operation, I did not feel any problems immediately, I had a lot of energy and great libido. And then, it just did not work for me anymore," Bullock (name changed) says. "It was easier for me fall into depression because of my operation and now this."

Finding out that he could not perform in bed was frightening for Timothy. After a discussion with his doctor, he received a prescription for Viagra. Of course, that was not going to help Timothy because he was suffering from a different problem. After a follow-up with his doctor, who took his blood sample, he found out that his testosterone levels had diminished starkly. This could have been a side-effect of the medications he was on.

Timothy was unable to explain to his wife until this point that what his problem was. After consulting a urologist and receiving treatment in the form of medication, supplements, and other lifestyle change prescriptions, he could finally breathe a sigh of relief. It took him five months to recover because he could not stop the medication he was already on.

"Now, I feel more and more confident every day," Bullock says. "Raising my blood testosterone levels has lifted my mood intensely. I feel normal now. In fact, sometimes better than earlier."

All other medical conditions aside, Bullock’s low testosterone condition is shared by many men like him around the world, and specifically in that age group. The only difference in his case was that like most men, his testosterone levels did not diminish over a long period. Instead, they dropped almost overnight because of his medication. As discussed previously, age-related loss of testosterone happens gradually, usually - 1-1.5% every year after 21 years of age (on an average).

Bullock’s example shows us how even a brief decrease can have men feeling less self-assured, less energetic, and less manly. "It felt like something was taken away from me," Bullock adds, “and I can assure you that it wasn’t just about the sex. I couldn't gather enough strength as I used to, and I was also losing muscle mass."

Testosterone is a key hormone for men. It is responsible for puberty, intensification of the voice, muscle development, and even pubic hair growth. Without testosterone, there would be no beards or mustaches. The rate of sperm production is regulated by testosterone. It is essentially what makes a man a man, and it is what fuels their desire for sex. Emotional support for anyone suffering from low T is an absolute necessity.

Dietary Improvements

Everyone is aware of the phrase, ‘we are what we eat'. There are several examples out there where following a proper diet completely turned the condition of low T upside down for many men. It is true that having a diet full of testosterone boosting foods is most likely to help you recover from the loss of essential free testosterone in your blood. US census data suggests 13.8 million men over 45 years of age have this condition. This staggering number can be brought down very effectively if right diets are promoted.

To be able to understand how a diet can affect testosterone levels in your body, you must understand how it is naturally produced in the body. On the contrary to traditional belief that testicles are the primary driver for testosterone production, it actually starts in the brain. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (or GnRH) released from the hypothalamus triggers the release of LH from the pituitary gland. LH then travels via the blood to the testes and finally activates the enzymes that convert cholesterol into the building blocks of testosterone. Depending on your diet, you can positively or adversely affect this process.

The foods I am about to mention will not just boost testosterone and bring back youthfulness, they will also reduce the risk of life-threatening diseases (relating to heart, in particular).

Honey: Undoubtedly, the most delicious remedy to low T is honey. Because it is rich in energy, it works great with breakfast. Honey is also referred to as nature’s healer because of boron and nitric oxide present in it. These compounds open up your blood vessels and increase the strength of erection.

It also contains Chrysin, a potent crystalline compound that slows down the conversion of testosterone into estrogen. Honey is great only if you can find its unprocessed form and it works as a great aphrodisiac as well.

Cabbage: I know it is not easy for most people to like cabbage, but it has a little secret known as indole-3-carbinol. This compound is known to reduce estrogen and make testosterone more effective in the process.

Asparagus: Folic acid, Potassium, and Vitamin E are essential for healthy testosterone production and asparagus has them all. It is famous around the world as an irresistible aphrodisiac and is also rumored to temporarily enlarge the erection a little more than usual.

Almonds: Almond is probably the world’s most consumed nut but little did you know that it also contains testosterone production boosting elements. Calcium, magnesium, potassium, fatty acids, vitamin E, etc. present in almonds, are all vital for proper functioning of testicular and adrenal glands.

An amino acid called L-Arginine is also observed in almonds, which is critical to muscle build-up and improved erections. Another good thing about almonds is that they help improve sex drive in both men and women.

Garlic: Garlic does not necessarily boost testosterone directly but it attacks the stress hormone known as cortisol, allowing Free testosterone to function more effectively. It also triggers luteinizing hormone to better regulate the production of testosterone.

Eggs:

This one is a no-brainer. Eggs have saturated fats, Omega-3s, vitamin D, cholesterol, and protein, all of which are vital for testosterone production. To break it down for you, cholesterol makes up the building blocks of testosterone. Without cholesterol, there will be no testosterone.

If you are worried that eating whole eggs may not be good for your heart’s health, you can finally rest assured because the study that linked consumption of egg yolks with heart diseases has been deemed not credible enough and new research on the topic shows no signs of adverse effects of consuming whole eggs. So feast on the cholesterol they provide without any worries of choking your arteries.

Watermelon: Essentially a natural alternative to Viagra. Scientists at Texas A&M University discovered the amino acid called “citrulline” in this delicious fruit. This amino acid can boost blood flow in our body and have similar effects such as Viagra.

Korean Ginseng: A study in 2002 at the Ulsan College of Medicine found that red ginseng can treat 60% of erectile dysfunction cases effectively.

Spinach: Spinach is rich in magnesium; it is probably one of the best dietary sources of it. Magnesium is a mineral that aids muscle development and as we all know; it is vital for reproductive functions.

A study comparing athletes to inactive individuals concluded that supplementing with 22 mg magnesium for each pound of body weight for four weeks can raise the testosterone levels significantly, regardless of the activity.

Another study conducted on men over 65 years of age concluded that testosterone levels, as well as muscle strength, are directly associated with the magnesium levels present in the body.

Pumpkin Seeds: Similar to spinach, pumpkin seeds have a lot of magnesium present in them. But, they also contain another essential amino acid called leucine. It is useful in the oxidation of fats and for someone suffering from ED or similar challenges of low T, this amino acid is especially beneficial.

Oysters:

Is it coincidental that Giacomo Casanova used to eat 50 oysters for breakfast each morning? After all, oysters are by far the richest source of zinc and we already know how important it is for testosterone production. It is also responsible for gradually boosting growth hormones and physical performance.

Grapes: According to the University of Hong Kong, a handful of grapes a day can make you more fertile, increase testosterone levels, and make sperm more resilient.

Tuna: Tuna is rich in Vitamin D, which can help raise testosterone levels by 90%. The figures are concluded by Graz Medical University in Austria. Vitamin D is essential for bone density, cartilage formation, semen quality, and sperm count.

Broccoli: Veggies like broccoli are rich in indoles, that we discussed earlier. But what I did not mention was that these compounds are also anti-cancer. As men age, the estrogen level in the blood gradually increases, while testosterone level falls. Indole-3-carbinol indirectly helps balance the two by cutting the level of estrogen hormone estradiol in half. A study found that indole supplements increased urinary excretion of estrogens among men. Microwave-steamed broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, or Brussels sprouts are all equally good sources of indole-3-carbinol. Another research suggests that microwaving these veggies also increases their antioxidant content.

The routine with which you consume these stimulating nutrients can also potentially influence testosterone after it has been produced. After the consumption of some foods, like honey, testosterone travels in the blood to tissues either as a free or as a protein-bound state. It is the free testosterone that has the positive effects that you want to see reflected in your medical report.

Although we have discussed that fats are interconnected with low T levels, there are some particular types of fats that are good for testosterone production. Research suggests that saturated fat and monounsaturated fat intakes increase the production of testosterone. Foods like avocados, Brazil and other nuts, & olives are high in monounsaturated fats. Red meat and dairy products are good sources of saturated fat.

Studies have also concluded a direct correlation between drinking too much alcohol and diminished testosterone production. As we know testosterone is converted to estrogen at an increasing rate when we get older, alcohol consumption has also been linked to speeding up this process. It is advisable to cut down consumption of alcohol to a few glasses per week or even less.

To sum up a great deal, diet can have positive and negative effects and compared to exercise and emotional therapy, it is regarded as more effective for combating low T, feeling younger and fitter.

How Tongkat Ali can Benefit you

image credit: https://myfitstation.com/

You will find a number of urologists, physicians, and even family doctors advising you to go forward with testosterone replacement therapies or testosterone patches. These can be effective for some but they are often temporary and problems start to resurface since they do not encourage your body to produce testosterone at levels it is supposed to. In contrast to that, there are several supplements like Ginseng and Tongkat Ali extract that can naturally encourage your body to boost the production of testosterone. 

There are many success stories of people who found their stamina, strength, and endurance, like they were young once again even in their 60s and 70s, which I have to say is quite incredible. There is nothing magical, miraculous, or mysterious about these supplements since there has been a lot of research on them but the right amounts can actually work for most people. When statistically compared to the most advanced medical practices of testosterone replacement, these herbs, and their extracts have clearly helped a larger number of people and as I said earlier. There is plenty of scientific research backing both the positive effects and the numbers.

The most famous of these supplements is Tongkat Ali and it can be found in the form of Tongkat Ali powder on a number of credible herb providers and websites. It is also known as Longjack powder after the tree (Longjack) it is extracted from. These trees can be found in the jungles of Asia, particularly Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, but the most potent form of Longjack Tongkat Ali comes from the jungles of Indonesia.

It is sometimes also referred to as the Asian Viagra because it essentially is a natural testosterone booster indigenous to Asia. The natives in Indonesia consider each part of the tree as a medicine for some purpose. The Longjack powder is made from the roots of the tree and in placebo-controlled clinical trials, it has proven to be an effective medicine to fight andropause or low T. According to research, its consumption resulted in increased libido & enhanced performance in bed.

Along with enhancing androgen levels, it is currently being studied for its surprising and mysterious (contrary to my previous statement) effects on erectile dysfunction and even impotence. Just like Ginseng, in controlled researches, Longjack powder extract has cured men facing these issues. The root is locally used as a tonic, energy enhancer, and also as an aphrodisiac. There is no doubt that the herb and the supplements derived from it improve sexual health, but they are also great for bodybuilders who are looking for natural supplements to boost testosterone production. Several bodybuilding forums recommend a Longjack extract with a density higher than 100 to 1, but I personally recommend a Tongkat Ali extract 200 to 1 for men trying to combat low T.

You may also encounter people referring to the herb as Eurycoma Longfolia Jack, Eurycoma Longfolia Powder, or Eurycoma Longfolia Extract. They are all essentially the same products extracted from the same tree which is more popularly known as Longjack. I have mentioned earlier how Free testosterone is the one that is useful and can be absorbed by the tissues. The Tongkat Ali herb can significantly decrease the testosterone-binding globulin (protein) and increase the free T count in the blood. But perhaps the reason why this herb is so effective is not because it works on the surface to give you temporary T boosts but that it also affects the root of the problem.

A study in Malaysia conducted with a sample of 76 men who consumed the extract for only a month, resulted in a 90% increase in body testosterone levels. After the findings of the research, it was dubbed as the Malaysian Ginseng, which is not appropriate because the overall benefits of Longjack root powder outweigh that of Ginseng. In Malaysia, you will often find the extract to be included in coffee, soft drinks, and tea as a general health enhancer.

Coming back to the effectiveness of the herb on the core of the low T problem, it actually breaks the downward spiral of low T we have discussed previously, whether it is physical or emotional. Daily supplementation with Tongkat Ali root extract improves stress hormone profile and encourages better mood states. It may even be considered an effective remedy to modern chronic stress including general day-to-day stress as well as the stress of dieting, sleep deprivation, and working out.

Eurycoma or Longjack roots contain a group of small peptides (molecules made of more than one amino acids) also known as “eurypeptides”. These peptides are renowned for improving energy status and sex drive. Although with concern to these effects, there have not been any human clinical trials. But in studies on other mammals, there have been significant observable changes. Not to mention, the locals have been consuming the extracts for centuries with seemingly very limited side-effects like breakouts for people with sensitive skin. Experts suggest that you need to find the right dosage for yourself to avoid any side-effects. The one I suggested earlier works for most men.

According to the findings so far, Tongkat Ali can be considered to be a testosterone booster as well as a maintainer of testosterone levels. At the same time, it can also be called a “restorer” of T levels. The US National Library of Medicine, National Institute of Health has also concluded the herb to be “particularly beneficial for individuals with subnormal testosterone levels, including those who are dieting for weight loss, middle-aged individuals suffering from fatigue or depression, and athletes undergoing intense training who may be at risk for overstraining.

With all these benefits and recent researches, the extract is still not very widely known and is available at considerably low prices because of lower demand. There are several websites selling incorrect compositions of Tongkat Ali and may result in dissatisfaction, so you need to be careful. It is very important that you source it from a distributor that sells Indonesian Tongkat Ali powder extract. One example is irealherbs.com, which has been thoroughly researched and well-reviewed.

You can always purchase the best Tongkat Ali supplement here.