A new study is shedding light on why testosterone levels have dropped so dramatically in the last 20 to 30 years.

Researchers out of the University of Virginia Health System have mapped out how the body transports testosterone. And, what they’ve discovered is that testosterone binds to a protein called serum albumin. This protein allows testosterone to be carried through the body.¹

But here’s where it gets interesting…

Many of today’s most common Big Pharma drugs also bind to this protein.

And when there’s a competition between the hormone and a drug… the pharmaceuticals always win… leaving no room for testosterone to attach itself.

Some of the more common drugs that bind to this protein and block testosterone include:

•Blood thinners like warfarin	•Certain antibiotics like ceftriaxone
•Heart medications including digoxin	• Anti-anxiety medications like lorazepam
•Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as Aleve and Anaprox	•Some migraine and mood disorder medications like risperidone

No wonder so many men are suffering from low testosterone today.

As a regular reader, you know I consider many of today’s Big Pharma medications toxic to your body.

Don’t get me wrong. Some of their drugs are necessary, and even lifesaving.

But many of them simply treat symptoms without ever getting to the root of the problem. And come with a long list of dangerous side effects as well…

Just look at synthetic testosterone gels, patches and injections. These man-made molecules are risky and unnatural. And can lead to acne, breast enlargement or pain, mood swings, weight gain, joint pain, difficulty falling and staying asleep, swelling of the hands, legs, feet and ankles, problems urinating and an increased risk of prostate cancer.

Over the long term, synthetic testosterone can cause an increase in blood pressure which can increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

That’s why I’ve never used any synthetic testosterone in my practice. Even naturally derived testosterone injections are usually not necessary. There are other effective options for most men.

In fact, the most effective and safe way to support healthy testosterone levels is with the herb Tribulus terrestris. This little-known herb has long been used by Chinese and Ayurvedic healers as a treatment to build muscle and for sexual problems.

By gently boosting testosterone levels, Tribulus terrestris can help increase red blood cell counts, helping the body to transport oxygen, especially in older men.

Tribulus terrestris has been used in India for years to help treat impotence and fatigue. In one study, 50 patients complaining of lethargy and fatigue for periods of two to six months were observed to show an overall improvement of 45% in all symptoms after taking Tribulus terrestris.²

Another study analyzed the effect of tribulus on healthy men. The men experienced an average 30% increase in testosterone levels after just five days of oral supplementation. This is about the average rise in testosterone that I have experienced in my clinic.

I use a starting dose of 500 mg once a day, and increase to 750 mg a day if necessary. It doesn’t usually take more than that to raise testosterone up to what it should be.

Raise Your Testosterone Levels Naturally and Safely

Here are two natural nutrients that can have a direct effect on your testosterone levels:

1. Try the red root that sends testosterone soaring. Bulbine natalensis boosts testosterone naturally. It works by turning up the volume of a testosterone-boosting hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus in the brain… kind of like turning your car radio to full volume. This stimulates the testes to produce testosterone.

   A South African study showed that it produced a stunning 347% increase in testosterone.³ I suggest taking 100 mg a day.

2. Boost your testosterone levels with the “horn body” spice. Traditional healers in Africa and India have used ginger to increase “manliness” for centuries. In fact, the word ginger comes from the Sanskrit word srngaveram, which means horn body and describes the root.

   In one 30-day animal study, researchers found that ginger increased testosterone and sperm counts.⁴ Another study found that the spice almost doubled testosterone levels.⁵

   In a human study, 75 men facing infertility issues took a ginger supplement daily. After three months, their testosterone increased almost 20%. And levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) nearly doubled. LH stimulates cells in the testes to produce more testosterone.⁶

   To help boost your testosterone levels, I recommend taking one-half to one teaspoon of ginger extract daily.

To Your Good Health,

Al Sears, MD, CNS

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References

1. Czub MP, et al. “Testosterone meets albumin – the molecular mechanism of sex hormone transport by serum albumins.” Chem Sci. 2018;10(6):1607-1618.
2. Majeed M. “Stay fit and strong/tribulus evaluated for efficacy in treatment of generalized weakness.” AFI Supplements. May 4, 2017.
3. Yakubu MT and Afolayan AJ. “Anabolic and androgenic activities of Bulbine natalensis stem in male Wistar rats.” Pharm Biol. 2010;48(5):568-576.
4. Ghlissi Z, et al. “Antioxidant and androgenic effects of dietary ginger on reproductive function of male diabetic rats.” Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2013;64(8):974-978.
5. Morakinyo AO, et al. “Effects of zingiber officinale on reproductive functions in the male rat.” African J Bio Res. 2008;11:329-334.
6. Mares W, et al. “The effect of Ginger on semen parameters and serum FSH, LH & testosterone of infertile men.” Tikrit Med J. J. 2012; 18(2):322-329.

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