Bioactive Free Testosterone: Did you know that the majority of testosterone that gets released from the testes never even reaches muscle? That’s because a protein called sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) circulates in your blood and binds to testosterone, rendering it useless! The fact is, elevated testosterone is only beneficial if it is circulating in the blood as bioactive free testosterone. Only free testosterone can enter your muscles and increase muscle growth. Accordingly, taking nutraceuticals that boost both total and free testosterone is essential for anyone trying to optimize muscle growth.
Estrogen Control: Unfortunately, even if you manage to spare free testosterone, not all remains once it is produced. The “aromatase” enzyme naturally converts much of your testosterone into the female hormone estrogen, which promotes feminization, including gynecomastia, the accumulation of body fat and water retention, among other unwanted side effects. So while boosting testosterone may support your muscle growth, if you ignore estrogen control, you could be in deep trouble…This makes it crucial to combine testosterone boosting ingredients with natural aromatase inhibitors to help reduce the conversion of testosterone to estrogen. Another method used is to attenuate the effects of estrogen by blocking estrogen receptors. Natural Aromatase Inhibitors and Estrogen Receptor Blockers: Chrysin, Bioperine, DIM, stinging nettle leaf extract.
DHT Control: Testosterone can also convert into a hormone known as DHT, which in men is responsible for negative effects such as poor hair quality, acne and blemishes, as well diminished prostate health. Additionally, DHT competes with testosterone for attachment to the androgen receptor, thereby decreasing the anabolic benefits of testosterone. Natural DHT Inhibitors: Saw palmetto berry extract, beta sitosterol, kurzu root extract.
Bioavailable Testosterone:
Increased by diets high in fat and protein
Decreased in vegan diets (as is IGF-I)
Decreased in diets high in carbs
Decreased if soy protein is substituted for meat protein
Habito RC, Montalto J, Leslie E, Ball MJ (2000). Effects of replacing meat with soyabean in the diet on sex hormone concentrations in healthy adult males. Br J Nutr. 84(4):557-63.
Percentage free is 1.6 to 2.9 percent
Now you are fully aware that boosting testosterone levels is simply not enough. For optimal muscle building, performance and health you must optimize your entire endocrine system. This includes increasing testosterone, free testosterone, plus attenuating estrogen and DHT.
-- Edited by The Wizard on Wednesday 8th of April 2015 05:55:14 PM
