Just Ask Terry

Terry is happy to provide his opinion on diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle choices. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.

Q. Dear Terry, “I have two questions. What causes your testosterone level to drop and what can you do to bring it up? What causes your oxygen level to drop and what can you do to bring it up? Thanks!” — Connie R., Limestone, TN

A. Dear Connie, Let’s address the issue of low testosterone levels first. Testosterone, the most important sex hormone in the male body, is responsible for development of body and facial hair, muscle growth and strength, and a deep voice. Testosterone also influences the production of sperm, and promotes sexual function and sex drive. Unfortunately, there is no one answer as to why testosterone levels drop – low levels could be due to a metabolic disorder, metabolic defect, illness, or age. The good news is that there are a number of options when it comes to increasing testosterone. I recommend one botanical in particular, called Long Jack (Eurycoma longifolia). Also known as Tongkat Ali, it’s a tall, slender shrub-like tree native to Southeast Asia.

Another interesting supplement is a form of boron. Research has demonstrated a connection between the mineral boron and hormones in the human body. I recommend looking for a formula that features boron – specifically in the form of fructoborate. Fructoborate is the form of boron found in fruits and vegetables. In this form, boron is interwoven with plant carbohydrates. Fructoborate behaves differently in the body as does mineral boron. One study in particular showed that boron, in the fructoborate form, raised testosterone levels in all participants.

Now to the issue of low oxygen levels. When it comes to increasing oxygen levels in the blood, iron is an excellent choice, because iron increases the oxygen carrying capacity in your blood. However, simply running out and picking up any old iron supplement is not the answer. Most iron supplements aren’t well tolerated or absorbed by the body. For instance, three types: iron sulfate, iron fumarate and iron gluconate are extremely difficult to digest and absorb—which is harsh on the stomach and causes constipation. While formulas may provide 200 mg of these forms, only about 2 mg of iron will actually reach the bloodstream.

If you’re looking for a natural, more absorbable form of iron, liver is the best. It contains heme iron, a form of iron attached to hemoglobin – the protein that transports energizing oxygen to muscle cells. The great thing about heme iron is that up to 33% of the quantity of heme iron ingested can be absorbed, versus the approximate 1% absorption you find with iron salts, which means that it can be up to 33 times more powerful – and it’s not harsh on the stomach or constipating.

I recommend you look for a product that contains heme iron (from liver extract). Make sure the product contains predigested and concentrated liver extract that comes from animals raised without the use of chemical sprays, pesticides or antibiotics.

Healthy Regards!

Terry . . . Naturally