Is Testosterone Booster Steroids?
Written by Ben Bunting: BA, PGCert. (Sport & Exercise Nutrition) // British Army Physical Training Instructor // S&C Coach.--
Testosterone is a hormone that plays a crucial role in the development of male physical characteristics and reproductive function.
While some people turn to steroids to artificially raise testosterone levels, there are also natural testosterone boosters available which stimulate the natural production of testosterone.
However, it's important to understand the differences between the two and why natural options may be a safer and more effective choice.
What Are Natural Testosterone Boosters?
Testosterone plays an essential role in men's health. It affects sperm production, bone strength and muscle mass - as well as mood, libido and energy levels - making low testosterone levels potentially cause fatigue, motivational issues or problems at the gym.
By supplementing with natural testosterone boosters you can increase hormone production to maintain an ideal level throughout life.
The best natural testosterone boosters contain herbal extracts and nutrients with clincial evidence demonstrating that they can boost testosterone production.
The most effective supplements include ingredients like fenugreek extract, zinc and boron as well as other extracts like mucuna pruriens or compounds such as d-aspartic acid proven beneficial in increasing testosterone production.
All of these components come together in a safe formula that allows users to achieve results without adverse side effects.
As well as testosterone-enhancing ingredients, some natural boosters may help enhance your immune system and energy levels.
One such natural booster is Ashwagandha (Indian Ginseng), which can reduce stress and depression while simultaneously increasing endurance and improving physical performance.
Furthermore, this herb may stimulate luteinizing hormones that create testosterone production within your testes.
Finding a supplement containing only natural, safe ingredients is of utmost importance when choosing an optimal testosterone booster supplement.
Some products contain multiple components which could interact negatively, potentially leading to unwanted side effects and side effects.
Read labels carefully, check ingredients lists carefully and avoid false promises or any untrustworthy marketing tactics when purchasing natural testosterone boosters. Some key points to look for are:
- Don't buy anything with a proprietary blend
- Check whether it is a private label supplement
- See who is behind the brand? A quick google check should let you know what qualification or experience the people who launched the product have
What Are Anabolic Steroids?
Steroids are synthetic hormones that are designed to mimic the effects of testosterone in the body. They are often used illegally by athletes and bodybuilders to enhance performance and build muscle mass.
Oral corticosteroids are a class of medicines designed to reduce inflammation in the body by mimicking natural anti-inflammatory hormones produced in adrenal glands (2 small glands positioned atop each kidney).
Oral corticosteroids may also serve as replacement cortisol when production decreases, such as in cases such as Addison's disease.
Steroid tablets are often prescribed to treat systemic illnesses that involve numerous parts of the body, including lupus and vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels).
When taken as prescribed for these conditions, steroids help protect or delay damage to essential organs that would otherwise result from chronic inflammation.
Anabolic steroids can promote muscle growth, enhance athletic or other physical performance and enhance cosmetic appearance.
Anabolic steroids must be obtained legally via prescription in many regions of the world. They can be injected intravenously, taken orally as tablets or applied topically as creams or gels and commonly known by their street name 'roids' or 'steds' although officially they are known as anabolic-androgenic steroids.
Many who abuse steroids are competitive athletes looking to enhance their abilities in a particular sport or improve their appearance.
Many athletic associations prohibit the use of steroids while professional sportspeople undergo routine testing for them. The military also ban the use of steroids.
Misusing steroids can have devastating and potentially life-threatening side effects, including liver damage, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, stroke and blood clots.
While some effects may be reversible (for instance changes to male sexual function such as increased breast development or tenderness) others cannot, including decreased natural sperm production in women and loss of natural sperm production in men.
Regular steroid use may also result in mood swings and depression or mania, and injecting anabolic steroids increases one's risk of HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) if needles are shared.
The Risks and Side Effects of Steroids
Short term (from days to weeks), intermittent use is unlikely to result in side effects; however, longer-term treatments involving higher dosages could produce more serious reactions.
Steroids can have serious risks and side effects, including liver damage, high blood pressure, and increased risk of heart disease.
They can also cause acne, hair loss, and mood swings. In men, steroids can lead to decreased sperm count, infertility, and breast development. In women, they can cause menstrual irregularities, deepening of the voice, and facial hair growth.
Long-term use of steroids can also lead to addiction and withdrawal symptoms when use is stopped. It's important to understand the risks and side effects before considering the use of steroids.
Oral steroids have numerous possible side effects when taken regularly, including skin thinning that leads to stretch marks and poor wound healing.
Other effects could include impaired collagen production that results in easy bruising and broken blood vessels, reduced immune system activity while taking them, increased risk of infections as a result of ineffective immune defense mechanisms, decreased bone mineral density, increased bruising risk due to their depressant effect, as well as an increase in risk due to decreased immunity while taking them.
The Benefits of Natural Testosterone Boosters
Natural testosterone boosters can provide many benefits without the risks and side effects of steroids.
They can help increase muscle mass, improve energy levels, and enhance libido. They can also improve overall health by reducing inflammation, improving heart health, and boosting the immune system.
Natural testosterone boosters are made from natural ingredients like herbs, vitamins, and minerals, and are generally considered safe when used as directed.
It's important to do your research and choose a reputable brand to ensure you're getting a quality product
Supplements should be combined with lifestyle changes like getting plenty of restful sleep and maintaining a balanced diet to maximize results.
Natural testosterone boosters should contain clinically proven ingredients like D-aspartic acid, urtica dioica, fenugreek, vitamin D and zinc that have been scientifically researched.
While natural boosters take longer to work than synthetic ones, they are safer for long-term use as there are no side effects unless misused.
They are safe for both men and women but should not be taken by people taking certain blood thinner medications such as warfarin.
Natural ways to increase testosterone include eating foods rich in zinc, fenugreek extract, vitamin A, vitamin K and iron.
Vitamin D is another essential nutrient to maintaining optimal testosterone levels; ideal sunlight exposure should provide enough.
If living far from the equator or having dark skin makes this difficult, supplementation may be necessary.
One study found that people receiving 3,332 international units daily had higher testosterone levels than those who didn't supplement.
How to Choose the Right Natural Testosterone Booster for You
The hormone testosterone is essential to male health, helping promote muscle growth, fat loss and fertility.
Unfortunately, levels can decrease with age and certain lifestyle factors can inhibit its production - but don't despair: natural and testosterone-specific supplements may help restore and boost production levels!
Natural testosterone boosters comprise ingredients like D-aspartic acid, boron, zinc, fenugreek and vitamin D that work to combat low testosterone.
Men who have tried Military Muscle report feeling an increase in energy during workouts and daily tasks as well as an improvement in libido and sexual confidence. You can check out the reviews on Trustpilot.
Always do some thorough research when looking for a testosterone booster, here's what you can look for:
- Do a quick search on the company, are they reputable? Do they have any qualification or accreditations?
- Don't rely on website 'reviews', these websites providing the 'top testosterone booster' lists are paid a commission for each sale and therefore are often bias based on the commission structure.
- Check Trustpilot reviews from paying customers.
- Transparency is key. If the product has a proprietary blend it is best to avoid it. Also, check whetere it is a 'private label' supplement. These are 'off the shelf' formulas that anyone can buy in bulk and affix their label.
- Are there any links to reputable sources explaining why the ingredients are useful? You need to look for studies and not to rely on fourm chat or anecdotal stories.
- Doses are important. Many nutrients will only have a positive effect if they are dosed adequately. A trustworthy product will have this on their website or product.
Conclusion
When most people hear "steroid," their minds immediately go to ripped bodybuilders and aggressive behavior (known as roid rage).
However, steroids are actually very prevalent within our own bodies and serve essential medical purposes.
Steroids are organic compounds with four carbon rings bonded together that bind with hormone receptors in our bodies to promote various functions like protein production and muscle growth.
Corticosteroids are among the most frequently prescribed steroids due to their anti-inflammatory effects; they're also commonly used to treat conditions like arthritis and asthma.
Testosterone boosters can often be mistaken for steroids, but the two have distinct effects on your body.
A testosterone boost supplement increases your body's natural production of testosterone, they can offer many health benefits such as increased strength, endurance and muscle growth, enhanced libido and reduced belly fat - these supplements are popular among men experiencing reduced testosterone due to aging or hypogonadism.
Anabolic steroids are synthetic derivatives of testosterone designed to boost its anabolic effects such as protein synthesis and muscle growth.
Steroid abusers commonly abuse them for cosmetic and athletic performance gains and they may become illegal if taken without a valid prescription. When taken in large doses, anabolic steroid users may suffer side effects including liver damage and kidney failure.
