Testosterone and Cardiovascular Health…Are They Related? - Wakunaga of America
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Testosterone and Cardiovascular Health…Are They Related?

Research shows that for many men, testosterone levels may have a significant connection to heart health. Coincidence? Not according to this study.

Research shows that for many men, testosterone levels may have a significant connection to heart health. Coincidence? Not according to studies conducted at the University of Sheffield, UK, that linked low testosterone to an uptick in heart issues. 1 If you are concerned about heart health, ask your doctor to check your testosterone levels.

Before we further dissect the relationship between testosterone and cardiovascular health, let’s take a couple steps back, and understand exactly what testosterone is and what it does. Testosterone is a hormone made in the testicles, and it helps in the formation of male sexual characteristics, and also plays a large role in maintaining muscle mass and healthy bone density. Healthy testosterone levels also fuel a man’s sex drive and a positive mental outlook.

All About Testosterone

Testosterone production starts to decline around age 30. 2 A blood test can pinpoint your exact testosterone levels, and can tell you if your testosterone falls within normal range, or is above or below average. If your testosterone levels are too low, there are some things you can do to help, such as testosterone therapy. Testosterone is actually available as an injection, a patch, a gel, or a dissolvable tablet.

Conditions such as disorders of the testicles or problems with the pituitary gland may cause low testosterone levels in men. Lowered testosterone also occurs as a normal result of aging and doesn’t always mean that something is wrong with you. In years past, doctors frequently prescribed testosterone for men without medical conditions who had low testosterone as a result of normal aging. But these days, the FDA recommends that added testosterone therapy shouldn’t be used for low levels as a result of normal aging.

A recent study published in the journal “The Aging Male” found an association between low serum testosterone and heart problems.3  Additionally, a study from the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute in Utah showed that testosterone therapy helped elderly men with low testosterone levels and pre-existing poor coronary artery conditions by reducing their risk of major cardiovascular events. The study showed that patients who had participated in testosterone therapy fared much better in heart-related events than non-testosterone therapy patients. Their research team studied just under 800 male patients between the ages of 58 and 78.4

Holistic Ways to Boost Testosterone

If testosterone medical therapy makes you uneasy, there are some alternative and holistic things to try. First and foremost, get enough sleep. Men produce most of their daily testosterone when they sleep. Set a regular bedtime and wake time, and watch the amount of caffeine you consume. If sleep apnea is a problem, seek professional help. Another tactic is to drink in moderation. Alcohol has been shown to lower testosterone levels and inhibit the release of nitric oxide. Limit yourself to two drinks per day. Lastly, get some exercise! Exercise naturally increases testosterone levels. Aim at getting at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. Doing what you enjoy, whether it’s going for a run, playing some basketball, or riding a bike, can help you stick with your fitness goals. Also, try and get some weight training in too. Studies have shown that compound weightlifting workouts increase your testosterone levels most of all. As a bonus, exercise effectively lovers stress levels and improves mood.

Now that fitness is covered, let’s talk healthy eating. Try adding some cooked veggies like spinach, asparagus, mushrooms, or peppers to your morning eggs for an antioxidant-rich, high-protein breakfast. Avoid processed foods that are high in sugar and carbohydrates if possible – even if they say they are “whole grain.” Try to eat at least one fresh salad each day that includes a variety of leafy greens and raw vegetables to make sure that you are getting enough circulatory-supporting nutrients.

If you would like to try the supplement route to enhance your testosterone levels, look for ones that contain a synergistic blend of clinically studied herbs and nutrients such as Maca, LongJack, and Codonopsis Lanceolata, that can work with your body to enhance testosterone levels safely and naturally.*

Practicing these healthy habits and adding a natural supplement may help you regain some of your youthful vitality, improve your cardiovascular health and enhance your overall wellbeing.*


References

  1. Kyolic Men’s Healthy Living Guide
  2. https://www.healthline.com/health/testosterone-and-heart-health
  3. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13685538.2018.1479387
  4. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/04/160403195920.htm

This article is for informational purposes only. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.