Testosterone is the male hormone that helps regulate body fat levels, support muscle growth, energy production and maintains a healthy libido. Testosterone production in the body can be lowered as a result of aging, nutritional deficiencies and overworked and stressed adrenal glands. Correcting deficiencies and adding supplements can improve testosterone production to near youthful levels.
Step 1
Take ZMA, a trademarked supplement containing zinc and magnesium aspartate, to correct for any zinc or magnesium deficiences to boost testosterone production. According to sports nutrition experts, Mike Greenwood, Douglas Kalman, and Jose Antonio, correcting zinc deficiencies increases testosterone production. Zinc has an anabolic effect on hormone production and steroid receptor activity. When correcting for low levels that may be present in athletes, testosterone production can be restored to normal levels.
Step 2
Add estrogen aromatase inhibitor supplements to your supplement regimen for 8 to 12 weeks. Aromatase inhibitors work by supressing the conversion of excess androgens to estrogens. Greenwood, Kalman and Antonio state that aromatase inhibitors seem to be the only supplement on the market that has scientific proof to back the claim of boosting testosterone activity in the body.
Step 3
Take a low dose of pharmaceutical grade DHEA and gradually increase your dose to a maximum of 50 mg per day for supporting testosterone levels. DHEA is the precursor of testosterone, meaning it is converted to androstenedione, which the body uses to make testosterone. Supplementing with DHEA can restore androgen/estrogen ratios in the body and restore bodily functions, lower body fat levels and support lean body mass, according to "The Natural Testosterone Plan" author Stephen Buhner.
Step 4
Take additional pantothenic acid -- also known as vitamin B5 -- to support adrenal health. Adrenal glands of both men and women produce testosterone. Symptoms of adrenal fatigue include irritability, tiredness, excessive use of caffeine products for energy and sleep irregularity. Buhner recommends taking 150 to 500 mg of pantothenic acid a day to support adrenal function and the production of testosterone and other male androgens.
Step 5
Swallow L-arginine on an empty stomach at night to stimulate testosterone production during sleep. L-arginine is an amino acid that plays a role in amino acid turnover, muscle mass and nitric oxide production. Deep sleep or REM sleep increases the release of testosterone in the body from the pituary gland. Taking L-arginine at night boosts this release of testosterone during deep sleep and increases the action of testosterone by dilating blood vessels to increase blood flow through out the body. "Life Extension Magazine" states the nitric oxide boosting effect of arginine is enhanced by pycnogenol or yohimbe supplementation.
