It is estimated that men with low T are four times more likely to be diagnosed with depression. Further, uncorrected hypogonadism may result in only partial benefit from anti-depressant therapy. It is believed that low testosterone can effect serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. Serotonin and norepinephrine are brain neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood. Many of the anti-depressants on the market today work by increasing the amount of serotonin and / or norepinephrine in the brain.

Many psychiatrists and primary health physicians rarely order testosterone levels. However, it seems to increasingly make sense to  routinely check the level of this important hormone in men over forty in light of the increased awareness of the impact of low T on both physical and mental health especially if there is a complaint of decreased sex drive and / or erectile difficulties. 

One of the challenges patients encounter is  that even if the doctor does check their total and free testosterone levels, they often will not treat the patient with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) if the patient’s levels are within the “normal range.” Many physicians do not take into account that for many men being in the low end of the normal range may represent of drop in the amount of free hormone available to them and may not be the optimal part of the range for them to experience optimal health. 

To be clear- not all  older males with depression have low T, and not all men with low T have have depression; but it make sense to be mindful about the connection between the two conditions.

Here are some of coffees benefits:

-lowers risk of diabetes by decreasing blood glucose levels and increasing insulin sensitivity

-increases metabolic rate and reduces adipose accumulation

-reduces risk of of breast, prostate, colorectal & liver cancer

-decreases inflammation

-improves HDL (good cholesterol) levels

-reduces risk of Alzheimer's and dementia

-improves cognitive function

-decreases DNA damage

-increases immune function (coffee drinkers generally get less colds than non-coffee drinkers)

-prevents constipation 

-increases energy and exercise performance 

Possible concerns with caffeine consumption (especially in excess) could be an increase in anxiety levels, insomnia, irritability, caffeine withdrawal headaches and frequent trips to the bathroom due to caffeine's diuretic effect. It may also pull B vitamins out of the body, so I think all coffee drinkers should supplement diet with B complex. Some holistic health providers warn of stress placed on adrenal glands from caffeine use, but I think the concerns are overstated. 

See ya at Starbucks

I have been using the herb for several months now and notice increased energy, improved exercise performance and enhanced workout recovery. 

Dosage ranges from 1,000 to 3,000 mg per day have been recommend. I think it would be best to divide the daily dose over 2-3 meals. 

Here are a list of some additional claimed benefits I came across:

Increases circulation

Flushes the organs of wastes

Strengthens the nervous system

Eliminates toxins

Improves immunity

Tightens the skin

Increases energy

Decreases depression

Enhances weight loss (presumably by burning calories to maintain your body temperature)

The cold shower is not for the faint of heart. It has been advised that people with heart conditions or high blood pressure do not engage in this type of therapy. As always if you decide to try it, check with your medical doctor to get the OK.

Unfortunately, some people only achieve a partial response to these anti-depressants and do not achieve complete remission. This can result in a poorer long term prognosis and an increased likelihood of future relapse. It is now thought that some of these partial responders may have low levels of L-methylfolate in the brain and may benefit from L-methylfolate supplementation.

L-methylfolate helps the brain to naturally produce more of the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. Low brain methylfolate levels could be due to inadequate folic acid intake, certain chronic diseases (i.e. diabetes, hypothyroidism, cancer, Chron’s disease etc.), oral contraceptives and anti-seizure medication use, smoking, excess alcohol, pregnancy, anorexia and/ or poor nutrition. Interestingly, about 70% of those with depression may have a genetic factor that limits the body’s ability to convert folic acid from the diet to L-methylfolate in the brain. L-methylfolate is the only usable form of folic acid that can assist in the production of the neurotransmitters linked to depression.

To best increase the folate levels in the brain, one needs the active form of folate which again is L-methylfolate. Deplin which contains this active form of folate is able to cross the blood brain barrier to assist in the production of the neurotransmitters thought to be low in those suffering from depression. As a result, Deplin often helps your current antidepressant work better. My experience using Deplin with my patients has generally been very positive. I find it not only boosts the antidepressant response one is getting from their current medication, but also helps to increase energy levels as well.

Since Deplin is not a drug, but a medical food, it is extremely well- tolerated and side-effects are generally not an issue. Many patients may notice a beneficial response after only 1-2 weeks with the full effect taking up to several weeks. Even though Deplin is not a drug, it does require a prescription. Talk to your doctor to see if Deplin may be right for you

Coconut Oil may help with weight loss by optimizing thyroid function and improving metabolism. It is also thought to improve digestion and assist in nutrient absorption and may help with irritable bowel symptoms. In addition, it improves immune function and helps the body fight against fungal, bacterial and viral infections. It also improves blood sugar regulation and insulin secretion and is very beneficial to the pancreas. As a result of its ability to improve nutrient absorption, it can help improve and preserve bone strength. Not only does Coconut Oil have excellent anti-oxidant properties, but it is very beneficial for heart health. The high lauric acid content in Coconut Oil may help to reduce the risk of arteriosclerosis, improve cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure. Generally, one teaspoon twice per day would be sufficient. Applied externally to the hair it acts as an excellent conditioner and can help with dry scalp and dandruff. Some even apply it to the skin to moisturize and beatify the skin and help with dry skin and wrinkles. 

I use ACV that is made from organically grown apples and is free of pesticides and preservatives. I take a tablespoon of ACV diluted with several ounces of water and drink it twice a day before lunch and dinner to help with digestion. You can add a bit of honey to help with taste if needed. ACV can also be used as a salad dressing. My salad dressing consists of ACV and olive oil. 

No wonder ACV has been considered to be a wonder food.  

As always the claims in any of these blog posts are for information only and not meant to be constituted as medical advice.

You can simply add the turmeric spice to the foods you naturally eat; but for more potent benefits, I like to supplement with turmeric extract capsules that can be bought in most health foods stores. Most good extracts will have a 95% curcumin content which again is the active ingredient of turmeric. I take 300 mg twice a day and feel great. It is not recommended that people with gallstones or bile obstruction use turmeric. Caution should also be used if you already on a blood thinning medication. As always, consult with you doctor if you have any concerns.

To give your adrenals a fighting chance, consider the following: 

Reduce stress or at least develop coping strategies to better deal with stress.

Get a good night sleep.

Curb caffeine use. Caffeine depletes your adrenals and depletes your body of important B vitamins.

Eat a diet rich in Omega 3 fatty acids (see post on fish oil).

Eat protein at each meal and reduce intake of junk food & high glycemic carbs (i.e. sugar, white floured breads and pastas, white rice, sweetened fruit juice, etc).

Eat several smaller meals per day as opposed to 2-3 larger ones to avoid blood sugar fluctuations as a drop in blood sugar places additional stress on your adrenals.

Supplement with Vitamin C, magnesium, B-complex, DHEA and l-tyrosine.

Consider any or all of the following herbs to heal your adrenals and help them better deal with the effects of stress- licorice, siberian ginseng, astragalus, cordyceps and/ or rhodiola.

Balance work with exercise, rest and relaxation.

Don't take life so seriously; have some fun.

Others benefits of Oolong tea include its ability to: strengthen teeth & bones, boost immune functioning, increase energy, improve mental functioning, reduce the negative effects of stress, remove free radicals, treat allergies and give your skin a radiant glow. Oolong is also helpful in reducing bad cholesterol. Besides it is endorsed by Oprah.

One of the most important things that can help in dramatically increasing growth hormone production are intense weight training (check with your medical doctor before engaging in intense physical activity). Other things that may help with hgh production are systematic under-eating, limiting carbohydrate intake especially later in the day & before bedtime and insuring sound sleep. Growth hormone production spikes with deep sleep, so taking a power nap in the afternoon (if able) can give an extra hgh boost.