Author: Dr. Vikram Chauhan

Should Older Men Take Testosterone Supplements

Abstract

With the increasing age, there are a lot of changes in the body which are seen starting from the degeneration of bones upto the level of hormones which starts decreasing with time like testosterone in males. There is no particular level of testosterone in the body because it keeps on varying throughout the day, nutrition, alcohol consumption, age and illness. According to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) the normal level of testosterone is considered 300 to 1,000 ng/dL and is considered low when it is below 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). Here is a brief introduction of low levels of testosterone in the body and how one can prevent or slow down this condition through natural remedies.

Testosterone Supplements

Introduction

Testosterone is a hormone produced by the human body. It is mainly known as male sex hormone produced by testicles. It is the primary sex hormone which helps in development of male reproductive tissues such as testes and prostate, and facilitates the development of secondary sexual characters. It helps in building muscles and helps in production of sperms. Testosterone level is high at adolescence and then gradually decreases with age. Sometimes low testosterone levels are seen due to hypogonadism which needs to be differentiated from the normal age-related decline of this hormone.

Different effects of testosterone intake on different age group people are found such as

  • Men with low testosterone levels have good effects of testosterone administration like improvement in lumbar bone mineral density, erectile function, libido.
  • In healthy older men with low-normal to mildly decreased testosterone levels, testosterone supplementation increased lean body mass and decreased fat mass. Upper and lower body strength, functional performance, sexual functioning, and mood were improved or unchanged with testosterone replacement.

Causes Of Low Testosterone

Many of the people develop low testosterone level because of the medical conditions and some develop it by the increasing age:

  • Trauma, blockage of supply of blood, infection of testes.
  • Chemotherapies for cancer.
  • Pituitary gland dysfunction
  • Medications like opioids.
  • Cirrhosis of liver.
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Kallman syndrome
  • Klinefelter syndrome
  • Obesity (increased BMI)
  • Sleep apnea
  • Ageing
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Head injury

Symptoms Of Low Testosterone Level In Body

Symptoms of low testosterone depends upon the age of the person

  • Reduced muscle bulk
  • Decreased bone density
  • Reduced sexual desire
  • Infertility
  • Depression
  • Gain of abdominal fat
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Difficulty in concentration
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability

Some other symptoms are

  • Body hair loss
  • Anemia
  • Increased body fat
  • Thinning of bone
  • Breast development (gynecomastia)

Investigation

The level of testosterone in the body can be diagnosed by Blood test, following are the levels to be noticed in a blood test:

  • Total testosterone level
  • Luteinizing hormone (LH)
  • Blood prolactin level
  • Blood haemoglobin or Hgb

Herbs Which Are Having Good Results In Low Testosterone Level

  • Musli (Asparagus adscendens) It helps in improving sexual health and is used as a testosterone booster. It can be given in impotence and relieves stress. It is aphrodisiac and anti-inflammatory in nature. It can be consumed in the form of paste or powder of its roots and seeds.
  • Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) – it has antioxidant properties and is anti-inflammatory in nature. It can be consumed in the form of decoction by adding 1 teaspoon of powdered Shatavari roots in 8 ounces of water, twice daily helps in improving overall strength and immunity booster.
  • Kokilaksha (Asteracantha longifolia) – It helps in correcting sexual dysfunction of male and improves stamina. It can be consumed in the form of powder with honey/ milk after lunch and dinner.
  • Kapikachhu (Mucuna pruriens ) – It reduces excessive prolactin and increases testosterone. It improves reproductive health and boosts energy. It improves sperm count. Its seeds in powder form are consumed per day at 6gm for adults.
  • Shilajit (Asphaltum) A very small portion of Shilajit (pea size) in liquid is drunk 3-4 times for improving overall strength and stamina of the body. It can be consumed in Powder form also. It boosts testosterone levels in the body.

Correlation Of Low Testosterone Level In Ayurveda

Low testosterone level condition is mentioned in Vajikarana chapter of Charaka Chikitsa Sthana 2nd chapter.

In Ayurveda ‘Shukra’ is the name given to the sperms.

In Susruta Sarita Sthana 2nd chapter impure properties of shukra is given as Vataj sukra dosha, pittaja shukra dosha, Kaphaj sukra dosha, Raktaja sukra dosha, foul smell with pus etc in (Su. Sa. 2//3)

A good quality Shukra properties (Prasasta phalprada sukra guna) are given in (Ch. Chi. 2/4//50) that it is of good smell, heavy in nature, white in colour, should be in good volume, and is of sufficient amount to establish a pregnancy.

In Ayurveda, a lot of other herbs are also present which are useful in improving overall strength and stamina of the body. And helps in increasing testosterone in the body some of the examples are Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), Ashwagandha (Withania somniferum), Bala (Sida cordifolia) etc.

Studies have shown that testosterone therapy or supplements are good in hypogonadism but it’s puzzling in older age groups.

Herbal Medicines For Low Testosterone Level By Planet Ayurveda

Planet ayurveda is having excellent herbal products for boosting strength of body which are 100% natural products free from all the chemicals, preservatives, starch, additives, colors, yeast, binders, fillers which promotes the immune system of body by maintaining the tridosha (three body energies) of the body. The herbs used are 100% vegetarian formulated by MD Ayurveda doctors.

Planet ayurveda “Tribulus power pack” is an excellent product of Planet Ayurveda having good results in increasing strength of the body and increasing testosterone levels in body.  Tribulus power pack is a set of 4 products with Tribull oil 1 bottle, and Amogh Passion oil 1 Pack free with them. The four products are Atirasadi Churna 1 Pack (200gm), Tribulus power 2 bottles (120 capsules), Chandraprabha vati 1 Bottle (120 tablets), Shilajit capsules 1 Bottles (60 capsules).

Atirasadi Churan

It contains Safed Musli ( Chlorophytum borivilianum), Semal Musli (Salmalia malabarica), Kali Musli (Curculigo orchioides), It helps in maintaining a healthy reproductive system and enhances ‘Sukra dhatu‘ (sex hormone/sperm).

Dosage : Consume 1 teaspoonful with plain water, after meals. Twice daily is recommended.

Tribulus Power

It contains Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) as the main ingredient. It increases sperm count, volume of ejaculation, and sperm movement hence is given in infertility. It increases libido and erections who are infertile due to low levels of testosterone.

Dosage : 1-2 Capsules twice daily, with plain water, after meals.

Chandraprabha vati

It contains Shilajit (Asphaltum), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) Sharkara (Sugar), Karpoor (Cinnamomum camphora), Mustak (Cyperus rotundus), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Chavya (Piper chaba), Vidanga (Embelia ribes) It is given in erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. It stimulates the gonads for the production of testosterone. It is given in the urinary tract infections.

Dosage: 2-3 Tablets twice daily, after meals, with plain water.

Shilajit capsules

It increases stamina and vigor. It is a good source of antioxidants which maintains a healthy body. The main ingredient is Shilajit (Asphaltum).

Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice daily with plain water after a meal.

Conclusion

With age testosterone levels decrease which can be slowed down by taking natural supplements to support vigor and stamina of the body. A healthy lifestyle including regular exercise, healthy green food, avoiding alcohol and weight management can help testosterone levels decline slowly with age.

Natural Supplements To Support The Immune System

ABSTRACT

Immunity is known as the ability of the body to prevent or defend the attack of pathogens. Pathogens are foreign bodies which enter our body (such as bacteria and viruses). An immune response is the body’s defence system to fight against antigens and protect the body. The stronger immune system leads to strong protection of the body which leads to longer life. Here’s a brief introduction to the Immunity and the natural ways of improving it for living a healthy and disease free life.

Natural supplements for immune system

INTRODUCTION

The immune system protect us from disease caused by bacteria, viruses and toxins, and help to remove foreign bodies and malignant cells from our system. Nutrition plays a very important role by increasing the immunity. An adequate nutrition helps to reduce the risk and impact of virus infections. Immunity is defined as the capacity of the body to resist pathogenic agents. Following are the two types of immunity:

  • Innate immunity/ Natural/ non-specific immunity – It is the inborn capacity of the body to resist pathogens. It eliminates the pathogen before causing any disease. It means immediately active, first time non-specific defence mechanism.
  • Adaptive (acquired) immunity It is the resistance developed in the body against any specific foreign body like bacteria, viruses, toxins, vaccines or transplanted tissue. So this type of Immunity is also known as specific Immunity. It is the most powerful immune mechanism that protects the body from invading organisms. Lymphocytes are responsible for Acquired Immunity. It means a recently evolved system of immune responses mediated by T and B lymphocytes. This immunity provides targeted attack against the pathogen, hence, is specific.

Correlation of Immunity in Ayurveda

According to Ayurveda, Immunity is the factor which destroys the disease causing antigens as mentioned in Astanghridye Chikitsa Sthana 1/15 as ‘Balam hyalam dosaharam param’. Ayurveda calls this immunity as ‘Vyadhi-Ksamatwa/ Ojas and Bala’.

With the decline in ‘Oja’, the body also comes to an unhealthy state. (Ch. Su. 17/74)

There are three types of Bala (Immunity) present in the human body as mentioned by Charaka in Ch. Su 11/36:

  • Sahaja bala – It is an in-born (natural) resistance to disorders (pathogens) which increases with time and the growth of the body.
  • Kalaja bala – It is influenced by seasonal traits and with age and time.
  • Yuktikrit bala – It is acquired by Ojovardhak (immunity increasing) diets, exercises, physical activity, Rasayanas (immune boosters) etc.

Depending upon the nature of food, Vatadi dosas and the individual’s power to resist diseases suffers from acute, chronic to severe state of the disease.

Supplements to Support the Immune System by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda Immunity Kit

Buy Now

Planet ayurveda is having excellent herbal products for boosting immunity which are 100% natural products free from all the chemicals, preservatives, starch, additives, colors, yeast, binders, fillers which promotes the immune system of body by maintaining the tridosha (three body energies) of the body. The herbs used are 100% vegetarian formulated by MD Ayurveda doctors.

Planet ayurveda immunity kit is an excellent product of planet ayurveda having good results in increasing immunity of the body by boosting the strength of body. Planet ayurveda Immunity kit is a set of 5 items i.e

  1. Immune Booster
  2. Shwas Ambu Chai
  3. Vikramprash
  4. Ashwagandha Ghan vati
  5. Giloy Ghan Vati

PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION

Immune Booster

It is useful in low immunity, anti aging, detoxification of the body and maintains overall health. The key ingredients of this product are Grape seed (Vitis vinifera), Go – Piyush (Bovine colostrums), Bhumiamla (Phyllanthus niruri), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis).

 Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice daily, with plain water, after meals

Shwas Ambu Chai

It helps to clear the phlegm so that the blocked channels get open and helps in flow of energy and hence is an immune booster. The key ingredients of this product are Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Lavanga Syzygium aromaticum), Adrak , Dalchini (Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Marchia (Piper nigrum, Vasa Adhatoda vasica.

Dosage: 1 to 2 cups of Shwas Ambu Chai twice daily.

Vikramprash

It maintains balance of the doshas (body energies), the dhatus (body tissues) and the malas (body waste). It prevents symptoms of cough and cold. It improves body stamina. Some of the ingredients of this product are- Bilva (Aegle marmelos), Agnimantha (Premna mucronata), Shyonak (Oroxylum indicum)

Dosage: 1-2 teaspoonfuls, twice to thrice daily, preferably with milk.

Ashwagandha ghan Vati

It is the best herbal supplement to maintain neurological health. It helps to maintain a healthy mind and body with the main ingredient as Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera).

Dosage: 1-2 tablets twice or thrice daily with lukewarm water.

Giloy Ghan Vati

Effectively maintains the healthy cells and tissues thus, keeping healthy and brings equilibrium in all the three vital energies i.e. vata, pitta, kapha with the main ingredient as Giloy (Tinospora Cordifolia).

Dosage: 1-2 tablets twice or thrice daily with lukewarm water.

Natural herbs and Home remedies to increase the immunity of body are

Ayurveda mentions that ‘Rasayana’ therapy and ‘Balya aushadhi’ is the best way to improve the immune system of the body. These are following:

  • Haritiki (Terminalia chebula) – It is an excellent source of antioxidants and Vitamin C. Which improves the immune system and fights against the microbes. One can simply take Haritaki powder with honey.
  • Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) Amla is easily available in the markets and can be consumed in the forms of chutney (paste) and pickles. Vitamin-C in Amla improves Immunity. It has antibacterial properties and is a good source of antioxidants.
  • Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) – It is the best rejuvenator of the body and it’s regular consumption can slow down the aging process of the body. It can be consumed in a lot of forms such as decoction and powder form.
  • Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) – It has antiviral, antibacterial and antimicrobial effects. It increases the energy level of the body and reduces stress. It increases the production of antibodies which are responsible for fighting antigens. It can be consumed in the decoction form by boiling 1 teaspoon of dried root in 1 cup of water, powdered root can be consumed with ghee or honey.
  • Bala (Sida cordifolia), Atibala (Abutilon indicum), Mahabala (Sida rhombifolia) – As a milk decoction with sugar, it is a nutritive supplement for strength and immune system. It has a rejuvenating effect as it helps build muscle tissue. It is used as tonic in general debility.

CONCLUSION

It is very important to build a very resilient Immune system to fight back the pathogens who are continuously attacking human bodies in different ways such as from unhygienic food, unhealthy lifestyle etc. One who adopts natural ways to keep the body healthy and disease free will lead a healthy and prosperous life. A powerful Immune system gives a healthy longer disease-free life.