Stephen Adele

Turn on Your Mojo, Part II

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: Trends to enhance it, alternatives to drugs, and how to flood your body with up to 600% more of it!

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

IN CASE YOU MISSED PART ONE OF MY TWO-PART SERIES ON TESTOSTERONE ENHANCEMENT...here's the Reader's Digest version of the most important male hormone: testosterone (which I'll refer to as just "T.")

T is the male hormone that, to varying degrees, regulates your body's muscle mass, height, facial hair, bone density, mood, sexual functioning, and a host of other important male characteristics. But, 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. 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. (If you want to take our test to learn whether your T levels are on the downturn, please click here to take our Testosterone test.

While exactly when T levels start to dip 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—to at least restore your natural levels—there's a good chance you'll continue to slide down that dreadful curve the rest of your life. And what a damn shame, considering you're likely to lose your mojo—or your "manhood"—along the way!

In the last issue of Real SOLUTIONS, we took an inside look at: What exactly is testosterone? How is it responsible for our manliness? How do we know if we're deficient or have low levels? And, what can we do to restore it... and turn on our mojo?

In this issue, we're going to take an in-depth look at:

• The outdated ways to boost T levels.
  
  
• The current scientifically proven remedies for low T levels.
  
  
• Supplement strategies that will flood your body with enough T to really turn on your mojo!

Ready? Great! Let's get started...

What Are the Remedies for Low T Levels?

Let's take a quick look at some of the past, more popular nutritional supplements touted to help support T levels. You'll notice that while many of them quickly became extremely popular in bodybuilding circles in the 1990's, most of them are already "old news" and have been proven to be literally worthless or even outright dangerous in the real world.

An Update on Past Natural Testosterone Boosters

This is the granddaddy of all pro-hormone supplements. Naturally produced in the body by the adrenal glands, DHEA (or dehydroepiandrosterone) originally gained immense popularity when data was first released that it might help the aging population turn back the clock by replacing the body's own supply of DHEA and was only two steps up the metabolic pathway from testosterone. Once news got out that the supplement also helped reverse the dwindling testosterone levels present (or absent in this case) in older men... voila! DHEA "hit the charts" with bodybuilders and athletes trying to gain that "extra edge" with a testosterone-boosting supplement.

Unfortunately, as with many supplements, people jumped the gun instead of waiting for the scientific data needed to prove its effectiveness with appropriate users first. Some of the drawbacks with DHEA surfaced shortly thereafter.

First, because the supplement was originally tested on men over 50 years old, instead of young athletes and weight trainers (whose T levels might already be sufficient), it lacked any real relevance. The second fault of DHEA was that it required the use of very high, costly doses—ranging from 1,600 mg per day.

Unfortunately, DHEA also was found to easily convert to estrogen and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which happen to cause some very undesirable side effects. For instance, excess estrogen can cause water retention, gynecomastia (female-like breast tissue), and, in severe cases, even certain forms of cancer. And elevated DHT may lead to enlargement of the prostate gland and male pattern baldness. For these reasons, DHEA's popularity quickly diminished in muscle-building supplement circles.

"Andro"

Next came the pro-hormone androstenedione (or "andro")—the supposed "East German Secret Weapon." Well, as nice as the story was, and despite baseball slugger Mark Macguire's national endorsement of the supplement, the use of andro fizzled in popularity after only about two years. And for good reason...

Remember the rationale that DHEA is only two steps away from converting to T in the body? Well, andro is only one step away. Lo and behold, it must be better... cried the supplement marketers. The problem? The marketers for andro used the same faulty assumptions as did those for DHEA... only this time, it was a poorly designed study performed in 1962, which measured increased levels of T in a few women (yes! women).

See, the study showed a 300% peak increase in blood levels of T within 60 minutes after orally taking andro. Sounds great, doesn't it?! Consider this, however—since women already have lower levels of T (much lower, thanks to genetic design), it wouldn't take much to produce a 300% increase. (For instance, if a women had 5 ng/dl, and her levels jumped to 15, that would be a 300% increase; unfortunately, for us guys, who have anywhere from 300 to 1,000 ng/dl of freely circulating T in our bodies, an increase of 10 or even 20 ng/dl is not going to grow a single hair on a your chest, let alone help you pack on any muscle mass!) Despite their lack of concrete evidence, unscrupulous supplement manufacturers marched forward with andro, touting it as a suitable alternative to steroids (based solely on the misrepresentation of the study I just mentioned).

Unlike DHEA, however, andro was met with skepticism from consumers along with scientific scrutiny for its inability to substantiate its claims to elevate T levels. Plus, as consumers soon realized, andro didn't produce any measurable results in muscle mass or strength, and it came with a whole host of unwanted side effects. In fact, manufacturers of andro-type products who marketed and sold them during the late 1990's are facing a six-state, $10-million class-action lawsuit from consumers who have suggested various supplement manufacturers knowingly made fraudulent and misleading claims about andro as a safe and effective "steroid alternative," when in fact it was once again proven in a 1999 report in JAMA, beyond a reasonable doubt, not to hold up to these claims.

Pro-Steroids (Methyl or Ether-Based)

Considered the third generation of T-boosting hormones, these substances are actually not classified by many as pro-hormones, simply because pro-hormones have to convert into T in the body (being one, two, or three steps away), whereas these compounds, known as pro-steroids, are already orally active (meaning your body doesn't need to break them down and convert them into T, like pro-hormones). This new breed of hormone was appropriately labeled as 1-testosterone (or 1-T for short).

I'm not going to go into all of the scientific jargon that describes the chemical differences between 1-T and an "old-school" pro-hormone, like andro. Let's just say this new "designer steroid," 1-T, did more than push the scientific envelope.

Backing up a few years, you'd see that pro-steroids were invented by a super clever organic chemist by the name of Patrick Arnold. (He also owns his own supplement company by the way, called ErgoPharm.) His next generation pro-steroid concoction, 1-T (or, by his company's trade name: 1-AD) suddenly came into a class of its own, setting itself apart from the outdated andro-type supplements for one reason: it worked! Within months of its entrance onto the market, bodybuilders from here to Russia were snatching it up just as quickly as Patrick and his company could make it. Soon after, the "copy-cat" 1-T products appeared.

Suddenly, it seemed as though literally every man, eager to raise his T levels and put on serious muscle size, was coming out from the gyms just to try the new super-hormone 1-T. And, as often happens with an overnight sensation in the supplement industry, companies skipped over a few critical steps to meet the new demand.

See, in their eagerness to put on slabs of muscle, the desperate consumer forgot to ask... where's the scientific evidence to support they really do raise T levels? Where's the true explanation as to how these pro-steroids work? And more important, where are the studies to show this stuff is even safe? And therein lied the problem... there wasn't any evidence. Not a single shred of qualified, peer-reviewed scientific evidence existed for this new breed of T supplements. Nope. Just an old study, produced in the 1960's by Searle that stated 1-testosterone (the hormone naturally found in the body) was seven times more anabolic than regular T. But hey, it's selling really, really well, claimed the manufacturers of these new "copy-cat" substances... so what the hell—let's make some more money.

While the team at Ergopharm was busy trying to prove their innovation was in fact safe and effective, other "copy-cat" manufacturers decided they didn't need to invest any money proving this new creation was actually safe or truly effective (even though antidotal, "word on the street" evidence sounded like it was extremely effective), so it didn't take long before the FDA stepped in to take a closer look at this new breed of supplements. They didn't like what they found—substances so close to the "real deal" (medically prescribed T), it finally led them to fast-track a ban on these new pro-steroids, as well as pro-hormones.

Now, I certainly don't agree with the FDA banning supplements. However, I do err on the side of caution when it comes to safety. My belief is, and will always be, that no matter what: safety comes first. Above all else—sales and profits included.

However, as I wrote this report, a newswire came across my desk about this very subject, concluding the year-long search into pro-hormones/pro-steroids. It reads: "H.R. 3866, the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004, passed overwhelmingly in the U.S. House of Representatives." There's no stopping the government interference now—it's time to say goodbye to pro-steroids and this class of pro-hormone supplements, forever!

Supplements That May Positively Influence T Levels, Naturally

The science of testosterone-boosting supplements is forging ahead at a rapid pace! I've investigated the new findings at great depths to bring you only the most promising compounds. Supplements that are not only relatively safe but that may support your body's own natural production of T, without the side effects with pro-hormones or anabolic steroids. (PLEASE notice I said "may," as some of these substances have yet to be proven in humans, and I'll point those out when appropriate.) You might want to note, however, one particular supplement, which I will discuss in a second, has been shown in a recent study to produce nearly three times the elevation of T than those in the control group experienced. Almost sounds too good to be true, doesn't it? Well, just remember, you heard it here first!

Eurycoma longifolia (also known as Longjack, Tongkat Ali, or its patented form, Longjax™).

Two studies have shown significant effects on sexual behavior and increases in T—one showing an up to 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. Now, before you get too excited... even though there have been several studies on Eurycoma, to date, none have been performed on humans. So, whether these impressive results found in rats can translate to the same for humans has to be left to anecdotal evidence. To date, I've been able to gather feedback from users on the street who have experienced favorable results.

From what I've been able to gather, a study to measure the potential effects of Eurycoma on T levels, as well as any health benefits, is underway in a cooperative study between the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). I'll be sure to report any finding on this as soon as it becomes available. (You can count on that!) For now, it's been noted that 80% of people who use Eurycoma notice an immediate, definite increase in their libido. According to the science, it appears Eurycoma is a potent stimulator of T levels and sexual arousal and vigor, which really isn't all that bad if you think about it!

Currently, there have been no negative side effects reported from the use of Eurycoma. 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 weeks. (I'd stick to the patented forms, LongJax™ or LJ100™, since you can trust their purity and potency.)

6-OXO™ (or its proper chemical name of delta-4-10, 13-dimethylcyclopenta[9] penathrene-3, 6, 17-trione).

Just before writing this, I was given a study—hot off the presses—conducted by Tom Incledon at his Athlete's Performance Lab in Tempe, Arizona. The study was presented at The American Dietetic Association in October, and it revealed 6-OXO was able to raise free T levels by 226%. Six healthy men (ages 32 to 40), some with clinically defined low levels of T already, supplementing with 600 mg of 6-OXO a day for three weeks, saw a 188% rise in Total T levels and 226% increase in Free T levels. In fact, two subjects jumped from 100 ng/dl of Free T to almost 300 ng/dl—which is pretty impressive. What's more, results were seen after only the first week of use, and there were no apparent side effects. (There were, however, reports of improved health markers.)

The explanation for the supplement's impressive actions are actually quite simple: 6-OXO inhibits the aromatase enzyme and blocks the conversion of T to estradiol. Consequently, an increase in T is produced to compensate. Basically, what happens is the establishment of a new baseline level of T... to maintain the body's "normal" levels of estradiol. To say the least, the research is impressive, and this compound is on my list of promising new alternatives to pro-hormones. Still, I would like to see research conclude whether this rise in T levels translates into changes in muscular strength and body composition (e.g., lean mass, bodyfat, etc.). If you want to try it, I'd suggest sticking with their research and using the recommended dosage of 600 mg a day for three to four weeks.

Tribulus Terrestris (otherwise known as Tribulus or by the active compounds, saponins and protodioscin).

Surprisingly, this herbal extract was originally discovered and researched in Bulgaria (the home of many of today's Olympic Powerlifters, I might add!). Even though it's been lopped into the same boat as pro-hormones, let me just clear the air—it's absolutely, positively not a hormone. In fact, tribulus works with your body—not to inhibit it—but to help support its natural ability to produce T and restore it to within "normal" ranges. Many theorize this is possible because tribulus works by increasing LH, which in turn tells your body to start producing more T. In fact, one study done with healthy males who supplemented with 750 mg of tribulus per day showed a 72% LH increase and an impressive 41% increase in free T levels. Another study showed participants had increased libido, sexual behavior, and sperm production. As a result of these findings, tribulus has become extremely popular and widely accepted as a safe and effective alternative to pro-hormones.

By the way, if you decide to give tribulus a try, I'd suggest you look for a reputable brand. Saponins are the most important, active compound in tribulus. The higher the potency of the concentration of saponins and the purer their extract, the better the results you'll likely notice. Beware: While some supplement companies claim 80% saponins, let me be the first to tell you, this is literally impossible—ask any biochemist! Sixty percent saponins is likely the highest extract you can find (verified by lab analysis.)

This supplement is definitely worth a try; whether you want to increase T or enhance your libido. I'd suggest you stick with the latest research and use 250 mg of tribulus, taken twice a day (for a total of 500 mg a day), for at least four to eight weeks (and use a form that is as close to 60% saponins as possible).

Zinc/Magnesium (Zinc Aspartate, Magnesium-Aspartate, or by its trademark name ZMA™)

Despite the controversy surrounding Victor Conte, his company Balco Labs, and the mounds of bad press about his creation of "designer steroids," his other creation, ZMA, a zinc/magnesium combination, is still a sound mineral supplement for supporting male hormones and improving overall strength.

Supported by two studies, one called "Effects of a Novel Zinc-Magnesium Formulation on Hormones and Strength," from the Exercise and Sports Science Laboratory in Washington... this trademarked combination has proven its worth in the lab and in the real world.

It's become apparent for some time now that consistent resistance training causes a depletion of vital minerals in the muscle cells. One such critical mineral is zinc. Zinc has also been shown to play an important role in the body's ability to get a restful night's sleep. When you are able to get a sound night's sleep, your body releases many more hormones, namely T and growth hormone—two very powerful anabolic hormones for building muscle mass. In fact, a larger percentage of T secreted daily in men occurs during sleep, and levels peak during the early morning. As you can see, a good night's sleep is vitally important for increasing T levels, and thus supplementing with zinc can help replace not only the "depleted" zinc from weight training but supply the body with adequate amounts for a restful night's sleep... so your T levels can continually stay on the rise (pardon the pun.)

ZMA 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.

Because zinc and magnesium deficiencies are both commonly found in the general public and are even more prevalent in intensely trained athletes and weight trainers, this combination has become popular. I suppose it's also safe to say that because zinc and magnesium is merely a harmless mineral combination and not a pro-hormone, it's becoming more and more widely used by competitive athletes, including college, professional, and Olympian. And with great success!

ZMA is the trademarked formation of zinc and magnesium (from BALCO labs), 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. If you prefer to use zinc and magnesium, I'd suggest you stick to the research and take these exact amounts, nightly before bedtime, for at least four weeks. However, because it's a vitamin/mineral combination, you can use it for as long as you feel you need to.

P-450™ Hesperetin ([(S)-2,3-dihydro-5,7-dihydroxy-2-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-4-H-1-benzopy-ran-4-one])

Hesperetin is an interesting citrus bio-flavonoid found primarily in oranges and lemons. The antioxidant properties of hesperetin are fairly well established, and more recent studies have indicated hesperetin may also have anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, hypolipidemic (reduces total cholesterol, including HDL), vasoprotective, and anti-carcinogenic actions. But a newly discovered, added benefit of this substance may be even more profound for weight trainers since hesperetin appears to be a potent anti-aromatase.

See, aromatase is the enzyme that is involved in the process through which hormones in the body are converted to estrogen. As an anti-aromatase, hesperetin reduces the formation of estrogen in the body. This is important because the conversion of testosterone to estrogen is thought to increase as we age (at least in males), and because increases in estrogen are linked to a whole host of unwanted side effects, like increased bodyfat, testicular shutdown, water retention, and in extreme cases, even gynecomastia (a "female breast-like" appearance) or testicular cancer.

What's interesting is that no one has used this powerful anti-estrogen compound—until recently that is. Probably because hesperetin was virtually unknown until recent research indicated its potential positive effects for inhibiting estrogen and because it takes an immense amount of resources to learn how to extract such a compound from its natural source. Recently, however, hesperetin has been trademarked under the name P-450 and will be made available to consumers very soon under that name. If you'd like to use P-450 (hesperetin) as a potent estrogen inhibitor, I'd stick to the most recent research and consume 200 mg at least once daily. And since it's a natural compound and it doesn't "shutdown" your body's natural production of T, you can use it for as long as you'd like.

Create Your T-Boosting Plan

There's no disputing that if you put together these potent lifestyle factors, combined with intelligent supplementation, 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, like I mentioned in the previous Real SOLUTIONS newsletter, 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). By putting all of these T-boosting factors into place—diet, training, and supplements—you're almost guaranteed to have your T levels rise to new heights, and you'll 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 complimentary comment guys like you will overhear: "He definitely trains with weights, just look at him."

Stay tuned... In the next issue, in Part III, I'll go in-depth and cover the complete diet and training routines required to complement your supplements—resulting in a 67% increase in T and an astonishing 25-time increase in growth hormone.

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.