Stephen Adele

Turn on Your Mojo, Part I

How to Ramp Up Your Natural Testosterone Levels for Greater Muscle Mass, Sexual Drive, and Confidence!

A straightforward, scientific look at the male's most potent anabolic/androgenic hormone for increasing muscle mass, strength, and sexual vigor... Testosterone: what is it, could you be deficient, and what would happen if you had more of it?

~ by Stephen Adele, Editor-in-Chief, Real SOLUTIONS magazine

IN LOCKER ROOMS, IT'S REFERRED TO AS "THE JUICE." THE "IT," AS YOU MAY HAVE GUESSED, IS TESTOSTERONE. In bodybuilding workout circles, this term refers to anabolic steroids. But let's get something straight, right from the start... We're here to talk about the kind of testosterone your body produces naturally—not the illegal form you inject or can get only from an unscrupulous dealer.

Testosterone is the male hormone that, to varying degrees, regulates your body's height, facial hair, bone density, mood, sexual functioning, and a host of other important male characteristics. But let's face it, the reason we're so darn interested in testosterone is because it's primarily responsible for making you a stronger, more muscular, completely confident guy. Testosterone is what makes a guy a man's man, so to speak. It's what gives you that uncompromising zest in your workouts... that pleasurable spark in the bedroom... that walk of confidence in your workplace... that undeniable sensation that you're on top of the world.

Unfortunately, your body's production of testosterone starts to drop off somewhere in your mid-20's. While the exact date is still up for scientific debate, this much isn't—if you're nearing your 30's or are well into your 40's, you're almost certainly on the downturn. And without some form of intervention—at least to restore your natural levels—there's a good chance you'll continue to slide down that dreadful curve for the remainder of your life. And what a damn shame, considering that you're likely to lose your mojo—or your "manhood"—along the way too!

• So, what exactly is testosterone?
  
  
• How is it responsible for our manliness?
  
  
• How do we know if we're deficient?
  
  
• And, what can we do to restore it?

These are all excellent questions, which I plan to provide clear-cut answers to. To do so, I've uncovered the latest scientific facts and some recent surprising data, to bring you the most accurate, up-to-date, scientifically correct information on testosterone enhancement. In fact, within this in-depth article, I'm going to fill you in on some new research that has never been published in any fitness or physique development magazine before today! And you know what? As a serious athlete and devoted weight trainer who just recently passed 30 myself, I consider this information to be some of the most exciting (and useful) I have ever discovered!

Testosterone... To "Be a Man"

(For simplicity sake, as we go forward in this report, I will refer to testosterone as just plain "T.") Without a doubt, for over 60 years now, T has proven its role in the lab as a primary aid in sexual function and overall body composition (i.e., muscle and fat distribution). The fact is, T is the single most important hormone in the male body, as it plays a key role in keeping men physically and psychologically healthy.

What you may not know, though, is that besides T's primary roles, which include maintaining sexual drive and sperm production, increasing muscle mass, improving mood and energy levels, stimulating development of the penis and testes, facial hair growth, deepening of the voice, etc... T has also been shown in numerous studies to help play an important role in oxygen use, immune system maintenance, blood sugar balance, cholesterol regulation, and overall neurological functioning. To say that T is merely a "sex hormone" is quite inaccurate. As you can clearly see, its role is much more important than simply sexual vigor and muscle mass.

The Circadian Cycle of Testosterone

Under "normal" (healthy) circumstances, your body carefully controls and regulates the production of T on a daily basis. In simple terms, messenger chemicals send signals from two glands in the brain—the pituitary and hypothalamus—to tell the testes how much T to produce. And your body releases T on a regular, cyclical schedule every 24 hours. Generally, T levels peak in the early morning (hence, the morning erection), and it slowly decreases throughout the day with the lowest levels in the late evening. (By understanding how the daily erection is a conditioned response of "normal" T levels, you can appreciate the link between T and proper sexual function.) This dependable pattern throughout the day is called the "circadian rhythm."

More Undisputed Scientific Facts about Testosterone

You may not be a research scientist, a doctor, or even know all that much about androgens and hormones, but I think you'll appreciate the fact that I want to support the positive attributes of T with an overwhelming amount of scientific data to prove, without a shred of doubt, T is every bit as important as I say it is for men. So here's what science has to say about T:

• In 1999, at Southern Cross University School of Exercise and Science and Sports Management in Lismore, Australia, researchers determined that of 21 weight-training subjects, the group given T therapy showed improvements in lean-tissue mass, arm girth, and thigh circumference. Further, abdominal skin-fold tests revealed significant decreases in bodyfat in the T group.
  
  
• In a study in 2000, researchers at the Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science in Los Angeles combined T supplementation with strength training in HIV positive men. Despite losing bodyweight, during the 34-month study, those given T, even if they didn't touch a dumbbell, added more than five pounds of muscle to their frames.
  
  
• In 1996, in a clinical trial involving 43 men, two groups were given weekly T and two groups were administered a placebo. Those who didn't exercise, yet were given T, still made considerable gains in muscular size and strength. However, the group that combined exercise with their T gained an impressive 13 lbs of solid muscle and increased their maximum bench press by an average of 48 lbs, after only 10 weeks of T use.
  
  
• Several studies have concluded that subjects who are given T don't tend to fatigue as quickly during their workouts—noting that muscle fibers somehow had better neuromuscular efficiencies—allowing them to work out harder, longer.
  
  
• At the prestigious Harbor-UCLA Research and Education Institute, a study of 227 closely monitored men given T measured significant strength, muscle mass, and bone-density gains. Above all, the men also showed a distinct improvement in their overall behavior and mood elevation, as well as improved sexual function.
  
  
• Five foreign studies, of which three have solidly confirmed substantial improvements in heart-health indicators (e.g., decreased total cholesterol, decreased "bad" LDL cholesterol, and higher "good" HDL cholesterol). One study concluded that T improved cardiac blood flow by 17% in men with coronary heart disease. And another study of 50 subjects using T for four to eight weeks discovered clinically significant improvements in their heart's oxygen supplies.
  
  
• A recent study, involving a whopping 1,522 participants, conducted at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, clearly showed a marked loss of sexual function in the presence of declining levels of T. Subjects who dosed daily with T for eight weeks presented an increase in sexual function (*as measured by spontaneous erections) and found these men also had a prolonged, increased state of arousal—e.g., more thoughts about sex, summarized as a general heightened state of sexual "awareness."

Now, if this scientific data isn't enough to prove to you how vitally important T is to a man's mojo, then I don't think anything will help. If you're still skeptical about the necessity of T, you may be worried about T causing unavoidable 'roid rages, moodiness, behavioral problems... and all of the other negative stigmas that supposedly accompany increased levels of T.

The fact is these half-truths are simply that... they are not based on a complete perspective of T. At best, they are overblown, exaggerated stories about single incidents that have evolved into folklore. In the few instances where some guy has "flown off the handle," I can almost guarantee it's some bodybuilder-bound teenager who has self-prescribed anabolic agents (i.e., injectable steroids) and is taking large (I mean way more than what's necessary to restore T levels) doses of T, which, make no mistake about it, is a potent chemical that can turn a mouse into a raging bull.

However, there's a definite distinction between the synthetic T you inject and the T you encourage your body to increase on its own, naturally. For obvious reasons (one of which is synthetic T is illegal without a prescription), we want to focus our attention on the later.

How Do Testosterone Levels Diminish?

Like I mentioned earlier, starting somewhere after we turn 21, our production of T starts to decline. From our mid-20's and on through our 50's, T slowly declines—until it's virtually nonexistent by the time we're in our 60's or 70's—causing about 20 million American men to suffer from "low testosterone syndrome" or, as it's now being called by the medical community—"andropause." Andropause (also called "male menopause") is just as it sounds: it's the men's equivalent to menopause, only it starts at a much earlier age.

Not only does the amount of T produced decline with age, the morning spike of T is typically not found any longer; thus, you'll experience less frequent or less pronounced erections. See, once you hit the mid-20's, the pituitary gland starts to produce less LH, which decreases T production. (Remember, LH or luteinizing hormone is responsible for prompting the body to produce more T.) Plus, as we age, men typically increase SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin), which can cause a reduction in the amount of freely circulating T available to the body.

Unfortunately, this natural decrease in T is accompanied by a gradual and undesired decline in sex drive, overall mood changes, inability to concentrate, a drop in energy levels, increased bodyfat (especially on the belly), and decreased muscle mass and strength. Low levels of T are no laughing matter! Andropause affects millions of men across America. With that in mind, I'd suggest if you'd like to explore the possibilities of whether or not you might be suffering from andropause and/or low levels of T further, you take a moment to take our test and find out... (go ahead, I'll wait!)

Do You Suffer From Low Testosterone and Possibly Have "Andropause"?

Instructions

Choose the responses below that best describe how you have been feeling:

1. Have you experienced a decrease in libido (sex drive)?
   Yes or No
   
   
2. Do you lack energy and fatigue easily?
   Yes or No
   
   
3. Have you lost strength and/or muscular endurance?
   Yes or No
   
   
4. Have you noticed a decrease in your general "enjoyment of life?"
   Yes or No
   
   
5. Are you sometimes distressed and/or grumpy?
   Yes or No
   
   
6. Are your erections less frequent and/or less strong?
   Yes or No
   
   
7. Do you find it difficult to gain muscular bodyweight?
   Yes or No
   
   
8. Have you noticed a recent deterioration in your ability to play sports?
   Yes or No
   
   
9. Do you frequently feel the need to fall asleep shortly after dinner?
   Yes or No
   
   
10. Has there been a recent deterioration in your work performance?
    Yes or No
    
    

If you answer "yes" to question one or seven or at least three of the other questions, you might be currently suffering from "andropause" and subsequently have low testosterone levels.

(Quiz adapted from "Androgen Deficiency in Aging Men Questionnaire," John Morely, M.D., Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1997.)

How Do You Detect Low Levels of Testosterone?

Aside from the obvious symptoms related to low T production, such as decreased sex drive, fatigue, trouble putting on muscle mass, accumulation of bodyfat, and an overall diminished sense of well-being and happiness, it is not possible to guess if you're really at risk of having a true deficiency. The "andropause" test is just that—a test to help you determine if you might be experiencing low levels of T. If you suspect you are truly suffering from andropause (...perhaps you answered "Yes" to all 10 questions in our quiz?), then I would certainly urge you to visit your primary physician, before attempting to try any alternative therapies we might suggest.

If your doctor suspects you are not producing enough T, he or she will likely perform a simple blood test to verify if the total testosterone levels fall into the generally acceptable range. Your doctor may also instruct the lab to measure three other important components of your T, including the bound T (SHBG), LH, and free T in the body. See, about 60% of your T is bound tightly to a protein called sex hormone-binding globulin (SBGH), and about 38% is weakly bound to another protein called albumin, and roughly two percent circulates freely in the bloodstream. Anyway, these three additional measures will ultimately help your doctor determine your entire T production, since it's such a complex system.

Are There Remedies for Low Testosterone Levels?

The good news is, if we choose to harness the power of recent scientific breakthroughs, we can naturally boost our bodies' own production of T and needn't look at synthetic forms of T (not that we were considering it anyway) to gain more "mojo." Fortunately, what I'm about to share with you, for the first time ever, is the new, breakthrough scientific theories that offer strong evidence it is absolutely, positively possible to naturally and significantly restore your body's own T levels by using a precise combination of diet, training, novel supplementation, and lifestyle factors. (Hey! I told you this was going to be exciting!)

Testosterone Boosting Alternatives Worth Taking a Look At

The safest, fastest, most surefire way to lose bodyfat, gain muscle mass, restore your body to it's natural athletic shape, and reinforce your vital male essence as a man... is to tap into your body's own natural supply of T, not to supplement your diet with unproven T precursors and potentially harmful pro-hormones.

See, your system is very good at self-regulating. Sure, you can spur your body into "thinking" it's getting more T, but within the boundaries set by nature, your body will smarten up and subsequently stop producing its own natural supply of T. Clearly, this is not what you want to have happen! That's why I propose we concentrate on the four most significant factors that can play a vital role in helping your body manufacture its own T—naturally, around the clock. In my opinion, if moderate increases in T could be achieved and maintained...the effects on muscle growth, sexual drive, and all those wonderful things that make us a man... could be optimized!

Factors That Positively Influence T Levels, Naturally

Here's a comprehensive overview of the four most potent factors that can positively influence and support our bodies' natural ability to ramp up levels of T:

(We'll get more in-depth in Parts II and III, revealing the latest breakthroughs in diet and training—explaining exactly how to eat and how to train for maximum optimization of T!)

DIET

Recent scientific evidence suggests a diet consisting of 40% carbohydrates, 40% fat, and 20% protein can produce substantial elevations in T levels.

The most crucial part of your diet is your fat intake. Diets low in fat and protein (or in overall calories) have been shown, repeatedly, to dramatically lower levels of T. Conversely, one 1987 study showed that free T levels—the part that's readily available for use in building muscle—dropped some 21% in those subjects who followed a low-fat diet.

Realizing you need protein to build muscle, your intake should remain at about one gram of protein per pound of bodyweight but no more than 20% of your daily caloric intake. You can figure this out by first converting your protein requirements into calories, and from there, you should be able to determine your daily carb and fat requirements. (For instance, a 200-lb man would eat 200 grams or 800 calories from protein per day (200 x 4 cal = 800); therefore, to achieve 40% ratios, his carbs and fats would equate to 1,600 calories each (1,600 / 4 cal/carb= 400 grams of carbs and 1,600 / 9 cal/fat = 178 grams of fat), for a total of 4,000 calories per day). Granted, at least 50% of this fat (or 89 grams) should come in the form of healthy "good" fats, like flax oil, almond butter, and fish oils, which have been shown to produce higher levels of T, longer nitrogen retention, increases in readily available energy, and improved overall mood.

TRAINING

The creation of new muscle starts with muscle damage. Lifting and lowering weights creates microscopic tears in your muscles and starts this process of muscle growth... but from there, it's up to you and your body's sufficient levels of T to promote increased protein synthesis and thus make the original structure stronger and bigger.

It's been proven that a single workout can create a prolonged muscle-building "anabolic environment" (increased T and improved protein synthesis turnover) in the targeted cells that can last anywhere from 24 to 48 hours—even longer if you've significantly damaged the muscle cells (...by using more than those chrome salt and pepper shakers for weight training!).

The most advanced training method to prime your body for the "perfect" anabolic environment can be achieved by following the guidelines of a recently published scientific study found in the Journal of Applied Physiology, which revealed a particular workout resulted in a 67% elevation in T and an astonishing 25-time increase in growth hormone (GH, another effective muscle-building hormone). To maximize the body's natural hormonal response, the study used a 10-set, 10-repetition (with 60 to 70% of one-rep maximum) single exercise lifting schedule with three-minute rest intervals. Although this type of training isn't necessarily anything new, the research has finally proven what I suspected all along... a mind-boggling boost of natural T. So, I've decided to coin it "Maximum Hormonal Response Training" (MHRT), because it does just that!

SUPPLEMENTS

The science of testosterone-boosting supplements is forging ahead at a rapid pace! I've investigated new findings at great depths to bring you the four most favorable, promising compounds. Supplements that are not only safe but that may support your body's own natural production of T, without the side effects of pro-hormones or anabolic steroids.

Eurycoma longifolia (also known as Longjack, Tongkat Ali, or its patented forms LJ100™ or LongJax™).

A plant found in South East Asia, Longjack has been used for centuries in Malaysia and Indonesia as a safe and effective aphrodisiac for men and women. Today, it's become more popular for its supposed ability to raise T levels. One recent study revealed a 170% increase in T. Another plus is, because eurycoma isn't a pro-hormone, it won't suppress your natural production of T. Instead, it boosts it.

For optimal results, I'd follow the most compelling research, which suggests using 300 to 400 mg of eurycoma twice per day for at least four to eight weeks.

6-OXO™ (or its proper chemical name of androst-3, 6, 17-trione).

Now here's an interesting, new supplement that's recently surfaced in the wake of pro-hormone controversies. It's the sole creation of a very smart "lab rat" by the name of Patrick Arnold—the brains behind one of today's hottest pro-hormone supplements, 1-AD®. What's interesting about 6-OXO is that while its nomenclature (chemical makeup and name) might suggest it's a prohormone, Patrick's work, in tandem with scientist Tom Incledon, has proven that by definition of its conversions in the metabolic pathway and its actions within the body, it's not a pro-hormone.

I'd suggest following their research and using 600 mg a day for three to four weeks.

Tribulus terrestris

Let's face the facts, chances are you know tribulus is not necessary a "new kid on the block" when it comes to T enhancement. Tribulus was originally introduced to bodybuilders in the mid-1990's, originally discovered and researched in Bulgaria, and quickly grew in popularity... probably due to the numerous anecdotal reports of increased muscle size, strength, and libido associated with its use, theoretically due to an increase in LH and free T levels. More recently, evidence has shown that the most profound effects of tribulus can only be found in forms that are standardized for 60% saponins and 20% protodioscin.

This supplement is definitely worth a try; whether you want to increase T or enhance your libido. Once again, I'd suggest you stick with the latest research and use 375 mg of tribulus twice a day (for a total of 750 mg a day) for at least four to eight weeks. (Remember to look for at least 60% saponins and 20% protodioscin—anything less likely won't do the trick!)

Zinc (Zinc/Magnesium Aspartate or ZMA™)

Despite the hoopla and bad press surrounding Victor Conte and his ZMA concoction, zinc and magnesium are excellent minerals for supporting male hormones and improving overall strength. It's become apparent for some time now that consistent resistance training causes a depletion of these vital minerals in the muscle cells. The combination of zinc and magnesium has been shown in recent studies to raise free and total T levels by over 30%, compared to the placebo, which rose only 10%. What's more, zinc and magnesium supplementation have both been reported to significantly reduce levels of the catabolic (muscle-wasting) "stress" hormone, cortisol, by 59% and 25% respectively.

ZMA is the trademarked formation of zinc and magnesium and contains 30 mg of zinc and 450 mg of magnesium, plus 10.5 mg of Vitamin B6. If you were to use the simple forms of zinc and magnesium, in these same amounts, for your natural T-boosting supplement choices, I don't see any reason it wouldn't produce the same results.

Conclusion: Creating a Plan for T-Boosting Success

There's no disputing that if you put together these four potent lifestyle factors, you can positively influence and support your body's natural ability to increase levels of testosterone—without having to resort to dangerous steroids or unproven pro-hormone supplements. See, the goal is to stimulate the body to increase its own natural production of T, all the way to upper "normal" ranges (+1,000 ng/dl). In doing so, you're almost guaranteed to have to get used to your significant other telling you you're an "animal" in the bedroom, men stepping aside when you walk by, and kids asking if they can touch your biceps. And then there's the most startling comment guys like you will overhear: "He definitely trains with weights: just look at him." Simply put, more testosterone allows you to "turn on your mojo" and realize your full potential—as a man.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FOR MEN WHO WANT TO INCREASE THEIR TESTOSTERONE, NATURALLY!

About eight months ago, the research team at iSatori undertook on the task of formulating a supplement that could meet the fierce objectives we set for it, which were: (i) to contain the specific scientific amounts of effective ingredients to be potent; (ii) be extremely safe; (iii) introduce a novel new ingredient to the pro-testosterone world (which we did in forging a way to produce Hesperetin [P-450™] estrogen inhibitor); (iv) the ability to suppress any possible conversion of testosterone to estrogen (e.g., anti-aromotation); and (v) a delivery system which creates an immediate release of the nutrients into the system for T-enhancing benefits when you want them.

Well, without sounding like I'm tooting our horn, we did it. I'm 99% certain we've managed to engineer what we believe is the most potent, safest, most novel, fastest acting, most effective testosterone-boosting supplement formula ever. Our new formula, ISA-TEST™ (click the link to read the label), should be available at some supplement retailers within the next few months. But, if you would like to try experimenting with it sooner and be the very first to take it on a "test-drive" and would also be willing to provide us with a confidential New Product Trial Feedback Form, after you've used it, limited supplies will be made available in the very near future. Each bottle of ISA-TEST contains 104 capsules (that's a full 26-day supply) and costs only $59.99. Or, you can buy three bottles for $179.96 and get one bottle free (that makes each bottle only $44.99, and you save $60). To pre-order, you can call us at 1-866-688-7679 (Dept. #1036). Or you can pre-order with us over the Internet: For one bottle of ISA-TEST, click here, or to receive four bottles for the price of three (and save $60), click here. (Because we're limiting our first run, we have to restrict purchases of ISA-TEST to no more than eight bottles per customer.)

As with all iSatori supplements, the quality and purity of our new Advanced Testosterone/Anti-Estrogen formula is guaranteed, and so is your satisfaction. We're proud to offer you the industry's only full-use, 60-day money-back guarantee. This gives you the opportunity to try our supplements without any risk whatsoever.

Stay tuned for the next issue of Real SOLUTIONS, where I'll uncover the latest diet, training, and supplementation methods, in greater depth, to naturally flood your body with testosterone.

Notice: For a full list of references, please email editors@realsolutionsmag.com with Testosterone References in the subject line, and we'll forward them to you.