As a man, your testosterone levels will start to decrease as you get older. This hormone is necessary for various body functions, so you might start to notice these functions getting affected. In addition to other processes, testosterone regulates your body fat, stimulating your libido or sexual drive, enhancing your muscle mass, and stimulating your feel-good level or mood. Since you need to keep these functions going as you age, you may need to stimulate testosterone production using androgen supplements.
These are natural supplements that help your body produce enough testosterone to enhance the processes stated earlier, but you must make sure that you get the right ones. Here is what you need to know about using these supplements.
Your Goals or Objectives
Before you go shopping for androgenic hormones, you need to identify what you aim to achieve and after how long. If you have had a diagnosis of low testosterone levels, you may consider them stimulating production to increase those levels. Most men over the age of 30 begin experiencing low levels of this hormone, especially those with a sedentary lifestyle. Athletes, especially bodybuilders and those in high-performance sporting activities, may also need to use some supplements to keep up with their bodies’ demands.
Natural production of testosterone alone will not be enough if you want to reach the pinnacle of your sporting career or objective. You may also require these supplements to reduce stress, enhance your mood and improve your sexual libido or strength. Ensure that you seek the counsel of a medical practitioner before using the supplements.
Consider Ingredients
There are so many testosterone supplements on the market. More than half of these products claim to have natural ingredients and no side effects. However, you need to know that there are so many synthetic and fake supplements that promise great results. Many have fallen prey to fake supplements as they are usually cheap. You must avoid falling into that trap by buying the right product from authorized sellers. Get to know the ingredients in every supplement you come across to determine those that indeed contain natural components.
You may want to look out for supplements such as fenugreek, D-aspartic Acid, Panax ginseng, and vitamin D. Those ingredients play a role in improving your sex drive while others boost your energy. Take time to understand their different purposes to choose the right supplement for your needs.
When Should You Take Supplements?
Supplements are not prescription medications that you have to take strictly at particular times. It all depends on your needs and the manufacturer’s instructions. That said, nutritionists advise that the best time to take the supplements is early in the morning with breakfast or at night with your evening meal. Others say that you can take the supplements right before your workout to give you more energy and enhance your performance or during the workout as a way to hydrate your body and give it energy.
You will find a lot of bodybuilders and weightlifters in the gym with bottles that they keep sipping periodically. While there are those with just water, many have supplements diluted in their favorite drinks. You should never do so with alcohol, though. Take note that supplements can never replace your food. As much as you take them, stick to your diet, depending on your lifestyle.
Consider Side Effects
Research shows that supplements, whether natural or synthetic, have some side effects. The boosters all have different effects on different people. Adverse effects will also vary depending on the individual. Take your time to talk to your physician or nutritionist to determine good boosters for your needs. You should also consider the dosage to avoid taking more than recommended as that would probably lead to adverse side effects. Take your supplements in moderation and watch their performance.
After some time, you will have identified those that work for you. The good thing with the natural boosters is that you can take a particular one for a while, then stop and start another without many negative effects.
Avoid Using Different Supplements at the Same Time
As a beginner, you may be impatient if you fail to see results in a few weeks. You may be tempted to try out different supplements at the same time. While some are safe to do so, focusing on one or two that will drive you towards your goal is the best approach. Avoid the temptation of taking multiple supplements as they may harm your body.
Also read: How To Know If a Child Needs Supplementary Vitamins