Low T seems to be the subject of many commercials these days and there are big reasons why!
Testosterone is a principal marker for overall health in men, it naturally decreases about 1% a year after age 20. So let’s talk about tips and tricks to keeping it up for as long as you can! Dr. Shannan and Dr. Hughes are tracking their testosterone and you should to!
What is testosterone?
Testosterone is a primary androgen, a sex hormone that allows the body to move through puberty and mature physically. Free testosterone and total testosterone are both numbers docs look at to determine overall health.
Why worry about Low T?
Low testosterone has an effect on how we handle stress and the body as men age. Low T side effects include obesity, decreased libido and erectile dysfunction, depression, muscle atrophy, hair loss, low sperm count causing infertility, and irritability to name a few.
The long and the short of how to keep your testosterone as healthy as possible.
In the short term, reducing stress, exercising and getting enough sleep all help keep your levels where they should be.
- Heavy weight lifting, high intensity interval training, squats, pushups, and resistance training are all excellent forms of exercise to boost testosterone levels.
- In general, getting 7-9 hours of sleep a night is the goal for every adult.
- For long term effects make sure your diet includes enough zinc, vitamin D, magnesium, and fish oil.
- Antioxidants are a key component found in blueberries and pomegranates to protect testosterone producing cells.
- Some foods to keep on your regular meal plans are avocados, onions, whole eggs, fatty fish, healthy oils, and plenty of leafy greens.
- As with most healthy diets, avoid processed foods as much as possible, tobacco and heavy alcohol consumption. Keeping in line with a healthy diet will help maintain an ideal body weight.
As you can see, there are so many natural things you can try before heading straight for artificial testosterone!
Wondering where you land?
Talk to Dr Shannan and Dr Hughes about their testosterone journeys at your next appointment!
A simple blood test, will give you many of the answers you need. Need a referral to get yours tested? Our docs would be happy to write that referral for you! Just give us a call at 614-848-5211 to get your next appointment scheduled!
Dr. Hughes, Dr. Shannan, Dr. Harris
