Healthy by Nature radio show this week
Kat James, author of The Truth about Beauty, and I talk about health transformations and simple steps that pack a big punch. (Get her book free with this special offer.) James LaValle is a Pharmacist, Naturopath and Certified Clinical Nutritionist. His books include Cracking the Metabolic Code and this new one, Your Blood Never Lies. We discuss what it actually means to “take control of your health”. Click here to find podcasts, show archives and how to listen nationwide.

“Low T” revisited
We received a lot of interest from last week’s interview with Dr. Kyl Smith about his new book, The Testosterone Switch. Because it is such an important topic and we covered so much detail, it seemed appropriate to do a little review here.

The benefits that accrue from men normalizing their testosterone include: improved vitality, muscle mass, motivation, mental performance, stamina and sexual function. Restoring optimum testosterone provides long-term health benefits such as improved bone density and reduction in the risk of death from all causes.

What ages are affected: Dr. Smith said the problem of suboptimal testosterone is growing among men as young as 30.

What is too low? He said the ranges listed as “normal” on tests are crazy-broad and to shoot for a more optimal score between 550-750 ng/dL.  Men do not have to go a doctor to be tested. They can order online at DirectLabs.com and the site will send a requisition to take to a local lab for the blood draw.

Clues that testosterone might be low: Fatigue, blue moods, indecisiveness, flabby muscles, prostate trouble and issues in the bedroom (e.g. need for the little blue pills).

Why does it get low? One of the big reasons is stress. The stress hormone cortisol shuts down production of testosterone, so reducing stress is great step in the right direction.

Dr. Smith’s 3 step plan:
1.Eat a diet that is high in antioxidants (i.e. vegetables and low-sugar fruits) but low in impact on blood sugar because insulin is an enemy of testosterone. In the bargain you will reduce your risk for most chronic diseases. Usually people lose body fat on a low-glycemic diet and that is good because body fat increases estrogen, another enemy of testosterone.

2.Do “burst” interval exercise. This is a very efficient way to boost aerobic fitness, brain health and testosterone in just 10 minutes a day. His book outlines the steps but it is too much information to include here.

3.Take supplements that science has shown to be beneficial to testosterone. Dr. Smith recommends:

300 mg of Phosphatidylserine twice a day (600 mg total)
4-6 mg Astaxanthin twice a day (8-12 mg total)
400-500 mg Pomegranate extract twice a day (800-1,000 mg total)

I said that with these high doses of supplements that are more costly you would likely save money with a product that combined those. I asked HealthWorks Mart to carry this good one.

If the husband/dad is low in testosterone, it affects the whole family. That is why I was very happy to have Dr. Smith tell us how to correct the problem naturally. There are risks associated with using the medications whether pills, injections or gels. I think it makes more sense to restore the body’s ability to do its own balancing.

By the way, Dr. Smith is speaking at Natural HealthFest (see next section) and will be available all day for questions.

What’s coming up?
Natural HealthFest Saturday, March 29 at Plano Centre
Look for our full page ad inside the front cover of my favorite magazine,
Natural Awakenings, N. Texas edition.

Last Week Follow-up
LINK to that show in the archives. Dr. Kyl Smith discussed his new book: The Testosterone Switch. He taught men (and the women who love them) 3 vital steps to improve their vitality, motivation, mental performance as well as sexual function. Long-term health factors involved in optimizing testosterone levels include reducing the risk of death from all causes.

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My first book : Natural Alternatives to Nexium, Maalox, Tagamet, Prilosec & Other Acid Blockers. Subtitle: What to Use to Relieve Acid Reflux, Heartburn, and Gastric Ailments.

My latest book: Aloe Vera-Modern Science Sheds Light on an Ancient Herbal Remedy

The information contained in this newsletter has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The contents are for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.

Copyright 2014 Martie Whittekin, CCN