Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Boost Your Testosterone to Grow

By Michael Pearson

The most critical element of the muscle building process is testosterone. There are many factors that affect testosterone levels. Research indicates "physical inactivity and poor diet promote obesity and create poor metabolic health that disrupt sensitive hormone systems that process carbohydrates, fats and proteins; and regulate signaling chemicals that build bone and muscle mass." This according to experts at Harvard Medical School.

Planning your day and doing things you enjoy lowers your stress level. Stress causes manufacturing of cortisol, a fat storing hormone. Being upbeat and optimistic with a positive attitude will keep the cortisol machine quiet.

Anabolics as defined in the Medical Dictionary are: any of a group of synthetic derivatives of testosterone which are used clinically to promote growth and repair of body tissues in senility, debilitating illness and convalescence. The bodybuilding world uses them for much the same thing.

Estrogen levels rise with the introduction of soy products into the body. This causes a corresponding decrease in testosterone levels. Alcohol also lowers testosterone levels and decreases protein synthesis.

Stress increases cortisol levels. Cortisol in instrumental in storing fat and lowering testosterone levels. Stress reduction needs to be addressed in any exercise program. Thinking like a winner, maintaining a positive outlook, performing activities you enjoy, having your schedule planned out and maintaining a positive attitude will aid in reducing stress levels. Overtraining and lack of sleep will also have a deleterious effect on testosterone levels. Losing weight if you are overweight is essential for testosterone production.

Your outlook on life has a great deal to do with your stress level and the release of cortisol. Cortisol promotes fat storage, something none of us want to see. Being upbeat and positive will keep your hormones in balance. Check yourself on occasion and see how you are doing with your outlook.

The stress on the muscles from these types of exercises will require the body to adapt to the stress by growing larger. This is what we are looking for when we overload our muscles and then rest them sufficiently.

Testosterone levels naturally decrease as we age so all the more reason to be aware of what we can do to keep levels as high as possible.

Robbie Durand, MA, recommends using olive oil, fish oil capsules and lean red meats to lead to higher testosterone production. The combination of saturated fats and olive oil was found best for raising testosterone.

Science has shown that physical inactivity and poor diet has severe ramifications on the human body. Testosterone levels are also affected. Stay active and eat well to stay healthy.

The author's site, http://tinyurl.com/6ffkno has articles, resources, products and free ebooks. His blog has his posts as well as a surprise gift. - 16089

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