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Hardcore Truth With Johnnie O. Jackson: Why The Masters Olympia Is So Important
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Johnnie O. Jackson discusses his excitement for the possible return of the Masters Olympia, whether he will compete, and why the competition is so important for the sport.
Jake Wood made headlines in February 2022, when he confirmed that he is working on brining back the Masters Olympia to the IFBB Pro league. The Masters Olympia ran from 1994 to 2003 and then a brief return in 2012 with Dexter Jackson earning the final big win for the competition. Since then, the Masters Olympia has vanished. Now it seems that 2023 will bring back the prestigious competition – and Johnnie O. Jackson couldn’t be happier to hear the news. In our latest episode of Hardcore Truth, Johnnie O. Jackson explains why the Masters Olympia return is a big deal – and the true importance of the competition for the sport.
When Dexter Jackson continued to compete in the Mr. Olympia after his 2012 Masters Olympia win, it seemed to almost prove that the Masters Olympia was unnecessary. Jackson was able to continue to hold step against his fellow athletes and earn top 5 placings in the Mr. Olympia. If someone his age could place so high in the main event, what need is there for the Masters Olympia at all?
The fact that the Masters Olympia has been absent from the IFBB Pro league for so many years seems to confirm that line of thinking. That is, until it returns in 2023 (according to Jake Wood’s hopes during the admittedly still preliminary planning stages). But Johnnie O. Jackson believes that it shouldn’t have ever left.
Why The Masters Olympia Is So Important
During this week’s episode of Hardcore Truth, you can hear the excitement in Johnnie O. Jackson’s voice as he talks about the return of the Masters Olympia. To him, it’s an important part of the IFBB Pro. Why? Because it can be a vital force for the longevity of pro bodybuilders.
Not only does it provide a more fair outlet for pro bodybuilders to continue to compete – it also can provide a longer career as a bodybuilder. Johnnie O. Jackson understands that in today’s world, it’s very possible for a retired bodybuilder to continue to make a living. Social media and entrepreneurial efforts can help pro bodybuilders build a brand that becomes their new income beyond competing.
However, Johnnie O. Jackson also knows one thing is true – you can never truly take the bodybuilder out of the man. If the Masters Olympia were to return with some sort of significant prize money – Jackson could see many notable retired pro bodybuilders returning to the stage.
Even beyond that – for younger bodybuilders currently competing, the Masters Olympia could establish a much more optimistic future for how long an athlete is able to compete – should they want to well past 40 or even 50+ years old. Johnnie O. Jackson thinks that the competition shouldn’t simply be an afterthought. It could be a celebrated event with big name stars from previous years. It can not only increase the longevity of a bodybuilding career – but help the longevity of the bodybuilding lifestyle. Period.
It’s often discussed how bodybuilding can’t just be a hobby or a job you go to and leave at the door when you come home. It’s a lifestyle. Johnnie O. Jackson believes that the Masters Olympia extends that lifestyle. It provides yet another option for pro bodybuilders to live their passion.
Will Johnnie O. Jackson Compete In The New Master Olympia?
So what about Johnnie O. Jackson himself? Would he want to compete in the newly returned Masters Olympia. Nothing’s off the table – and while he doesn’t officially announce a return (most likely because the Masters Olympia return is not finalized yet) – he was very optimistic during the episode. He would be more than happy to return to the stage and possibly compete against fellow contemporaries like Lee Priest and Kevin Levrone.
Johnnie O. Jackson admits that he has little interest in trying to compete against the young guns on stage today. He knows that arena is now past his prime. But to enter against others in his age bracket is something he is very open to considering.
You can watch Johnnie O. Jackson detail why the Masters Olympia is so important and why the return will be such a massive improvement for the sport in our latest episode of Hardcore Truth above. Make sure to swing around each Thursday for brand new episodes!
KSI Thinks He Can Beat Thor Bjornsson, The Strongman Responds
KSI thinks he can beat Thor Bjornsson.
KSI says he could beat Thor Bjornsson in a boxing match. The popular YouTuber and rapper has boxing experience of his own and thinks he’d be able to take out Thor with the right game plan.
Celebrity boxing is all the rage these days. Years ago the notion of celebrity boxing was treated with disdain by the boxing community and as a freak show by the public at large. It was treated with ridicule and most matches backed up that notion nicely. Matches usually devolved into displays of ludicrous and sloppy technique. Celebrity boxing matches used to prove one point above all else: there’s a difference between trained athletes who have shed blood, sweat, and tears and the average human, no matter their other talents.
But the modern era of celebrity boxing has taken on an entirely different form altogether. These days the celebs engaging in combat range from athletes of other disciplines to social media stars. The thing that’s completely different from the past is that the combatants these days are at least taking the sport far more seriously than ever before. Celebrity boxers in the modern era all have training camps and hire out legit coaches to get them into fighting condition.
So when Thor Bjornsson and Eddie Hall went to battle the public at large knew they were in for something that would be treated seriously.
After securing his victory over his rival Eddie Hall, Thor Bjornsson has shifted focus. While a rematch with Hall isn’t out of the question, Thor is weighing his options as he seeks out possible match ups. While the list of possible opponents is considerably large, a popular, albeit unlikely social media figure has thrown his hate into the ring.
An Unexpected Challenger
British YouTuber and Rapper KSI recently made a statement about fighting Thor Bjornsson. The popular figure said he thinks he could beat Thor in a boxing match. Thor even addressed the statements in a recent post to his Instagram.
Interesting. I wonder if he truly believes he can beat me or if he’s just fooling around. What do you guys think?
KSI may have experience in fighting a larger opponent in Logan Paul. But facing off against a massive behemoth like Thor Bjornsson would be something else entirely. While he has been training with quality coaches, there’s a reason for weight classes in boxing. With KSI weighing under 200lbs and Thor over 300lbs the likelihood that the smaller would last long is slim.
What do you think of KSI calling out Thor Bjornsson?
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
News and Editorial Writer at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
Mike O’Hearn Tips On Getting Shredded & How To Keep Up Your Physique
Photo via @mikeohearn Instagram
Mike O’Hearn offers advice on how to get shredded and best way to take care of your body.
For so many of us, we look back on our younger selves, or even photos of us from a few years past, and wonder how we looked so good and how to get that back. Given our busy schedules and lives, it can be easy to lose the discipline and start to slack off in our routine. Before long, we find ourselves asking these questions with no real place to turn.
Mike O’Hearn is a familiar name to many and as a natural bodybuilder he knows just how important it is to thrive and stay consistent with an all-natural approach to building his body and seeing huge gains. Now that he has quite the accomplished career stacked up, he seeks to push himself to new heights, trying new approaches and testing his body. However, he still takes proper care for he knows how important his body is.
He is updating folks on his new diet and the progress he is seeing, being sure to mention some key tips and offer advice on how best to stay the course and see the best gains. For someone like Mike, it might seem easy to reach those goals, for he is a natural physical specimen, but even this pro has his own struggles, but doesn’t let those get in the way.
Let’s take a look at Mike and some of the great tips his picked up along his career. For those wondering how to reach these goals in a natural way without help from PEDs or other junk, Mike is the perfect mentor and role model to follow.
Photo via @mikeohearn Instagram
About Mike O’Hearn
Mike O’Hearn is a bodybuilder, fitness model, and entrepreneur, having a long of apparel, supplements, and workout plans. Having been in the bodybuilding games for decades now, he is a role model and someone to look up to for his calm demeanor, fun personality, and natural approach to looking huge.
As the youngest of 10 kids, Mike always strived to keep up with his older siblings. His dad being a former bodybuilder and football player, Mike wanted to follow in his footsteps and really took the health and fitness lifestyle.
Over the years, his hard and heavy approach to training earned him tons of bodybuilding wins, hundreds of magazine covers, and appearances in American Gladiators and Generation Iron 4: Natty 4 Life. Now with a massive platform and a desire to help others achieve their goals, Mike makes his best efforts to share what he knows and keep people up to date on the best ways to see gains.
Photo via @mikeohearn Instagram
Getting Shredded & How To Keep Physique
In a latest YouTube video, Mike offers up an update and helpful advice as he moves into his shredding diet. Mike wants to get a full body back and one that was seen in his younger years. With this diet being all about metabolism, he wants to get his metabolism to that of when he was 20-years old because he wants to peak and have people question how he can do all this naturally. But this requires his body working at 100%.
Eating almost 5,000 calories a day, people often ask how he can function at 100%. He makes it clear that your body has to tell you when it’s time and when it’s ready. You can’t tell your body. For Mike, it’s his body at the right time operating the right way as he wants to live his life. It is never about the show, but rather how well his body is functioning.
Mike uses an interesting metaphor that is actually very wise. He says how all of these fitness guys want to be millionaires for a day only to spend it all in a day. What he is alluding to is the fact that so many of these influencers want to get there fast so they load up on junk, try to get off it, and end up losing everything.
You have to do things the right way if you want to keep it. In the words of Mike, when you force it and cheat it, you don’t get to keep it.
For Mike, he keeps the same workouts and doesn’t mess around with cardio, supersets, or other extracurriculars because he is keeping everything for later. He isn’t trying to blow it all right away and seeks to only set himself up to win. At the end of the day, the whole goal is to keep it.
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Why Your Metabolism Is So Key
Mike makes a point to talk a lot about your metabolism and how important this is especially for those looking to make changes and really shred down. Your metabolism is what allows you to lose or gain weight. We all know that a faster metabolism allows you to lose weight faster (1).
In the video, Mike refers to wanting to get his metabolism back to when he was 20-years old. As we age, our metabolism starts to slow down (2) and for Mike, who wants to cut and shred in his older years (older being relative to when he was a teenage competitor), taking care of his body and working to improve his metabolism is key.
Thankfully, there are some key ways to improve your metabolism along with dieting that include strength training, high-intensity interval training, increasing your intake of green tea, coffee, and spicy foods, and getting more sleep, just to name a few (3,4,5).
Wrap Up
As Mike O’Hearn looks to shred and see great gains during his new diet, he was great in sharing some key tips that make a difference when on something like this. A key takeaway is to take care of your body and give it time. Those who rush the process will look back and wish they didn’t. A well-sculpted and toned body takes time so enjoy the process and know it will happen.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
*Images courtesy of Mike O’Hearn Instagram
References
Harvard Medical School (2021). “The truth about metabolism”. (source)
Pennington Biomedical Research Center (2021). “Metabolism changes with age, just not when you might think”. (source)
Hirsch, K.; et al. (2021). “Metabolic effects of high-intensity interval training and essential amino acids” (source)
Acheson, K.; et al. (1980). “Caffeine and coffee: their influence on metabolic rate and substrate utilization in normal weight and obese individuals”. (source)
Sharma, S.; et al. (2010). “Sleep and Metabolism: An Overview”. (source)
Sleep Problems? Here Are 10 Ways To Sleep Like A Baby
10 Ways To Sleep Better
A good night’s sleep is one of the most underrated things and we feel like it is not talked about enough in the fitness circles. Waking up refreshed, energized, and ready to take on the world is the feeling that all of us would love to have but only a few ever do.
Sleep deprivation is unhealthy and some of its effects include immune system failure, diabetes, cancer, obesity, depression, and memory loss. Whether you suffer from insomnia, are a light sleeper or a night owl, these tips should help you improve your sleep.
Get More Sunlight During the Day
A naturally secreted hormone called melatonin is one of the most vital things that induces great sleep. Sunlight provides the natural spectrum of light that we need to help coordinate the cycle of melatonin production. Melatonin then sends a signal to regulate the sleep-wake cycle in your body.
Avoid Screens Before Bedtime
Using phones, computers or tablets too close to bedtime is a big reason why many people have trouble falling asleep. Your electronic devices transmit a “blue light” that triggers the body to produce more daytime hormones (like cortisol) and disorient your body’s natural preparation for sleep.
Limit Caffeine
Caffeine is a powerful stimulant that can disrupt your sleep cycle. You should set a caffeine curfew time and stick to it. Setting a cut-off time will give your body time to remove it from your system.
Cool Down
According to a study by the Harvard Medical School, your body begins to drop in temperature right before you fall asleep. During sleep, your core temp is reduced by 1 to 2°F, as a way to conserve energy. Sleeping in a colder room will help you drop to that level faster, which will help you fall asleep (and stay that way) quicker.
Keep Your Gadgets Out of the Room
Studies have shown that Electromagnetic Fields or Electromagnetic Noise (EMFs) coming from our everyday electronic devices can disrupt communication between the cells in our body. Turn your bedroom into a sleep sanctuary and keep all the distracting elements out of it.
Eat a High Protein Low Carb Snack Close To Bedtime
Eating a high carb meal before bedtime can cause a sharp drop in blood sugar levels which can cause trouble in falling asleep or wake you up if you’re sleeping. Having a high protein meal at least 90-minutes before your bedtime can aid in falling and staying asleep.
Cut the Booze
Although alcohol might help you in falling asleep faster, it disrupts the REM (rapid eye movement) sleep and you won’t be able to fall into deeper levels of sleep, and your brain and body won’t be able to fully rejuvenate.
Shut Your Brain
This is easier said than done. Now and then the stress from work, home, finances can get to you. If you have trouble falling asleep, meditating for 10-15 minutes on the bed can put you to sleep faster.
Set an Alarm
This might sound counter-intuitive but one of the best things you can do to improve your sleep is to get up early. Knowing that you have to wake up at a certain time will make you hit the bed at the right time.
Supplement
Ideally, you should fix your sleep problem by working on your lifestyle but if you don’t seem to be making progress, supplements can be a lifesaver. If you do end up taking medication or supplements, make sure you don’t form a dependency.
Do you have trouble falling asleep? Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.
Does Sleep Help with Muscle Growth?
Is there any direct relation with sleep and muscle growth?
So you spend hours in the gym, pushing heavy ass weight, you eat super clean, while getting in all your protein and aminos but the gains don’t seem to be coming. Could muscle growth and sleep be related to the problem?
So what are you doing wrong?
The answer could be as simple as getting enough shut eye. As when you exercise, tiny tears develop in your muscle fibers but muscle repair only occurs when the body is resting or sleeping, and if you aren’t getting an adequate amount of sleep, your body cannot repair the muscle fibers as insufficient sleep is disruptive.
So how many hours of sleep should you get?
One Chinese study concluded that ‘there was a positive association between sleep quality and muscle strength. And men with shorter sleep duration(s), of (6 hours), had poorer muscle strength than that of men who slept for 7-8 hours’ and over’.
The study goes on to say that ‘good sleep quality is associated with greater muscle strength, while shorter sleep duration may be a risk factor for decreased muscle strength.
What actually happens while you are sleeping?
Sleep dramatically impacts your entire body, and it’s during sleep that your body recovers from exercise, repairs itself and grows new muscle tissue.
During this time your muscles also relax, and this is when your muscles are relieved of pain and tension.
When you are sleeping hormones such as testosterone, growth hormone and cortisol are produced in higher doses than throughout the rest of the day.
Testosterone
Testosterone is a hormone which determines how much muscle your body can build, and sleep is vital to this.
A 2011 study from the Journal of the American Medical Association found that ‘cutting back on sleep, may have a dramatic effect on men’s testosterone levels’.
The ‘study shows a week of sleep loss lowered testosterone levels by up to 15%’. And, that skipping sleep is the equivalent to ageing by that of 10-16 years.
And, Eve Van Caulter, director of the study, goes on to say that, ‘low testosterone levels are associated with reduced well being and vigour, which may also occur as a consequence of sleep loss’.
The study also found that 15% of the US adult working population were getting less than 5 hours of sleep a night, and for those wanting to add on quality muscle, that is nowhere near enough sleep.
Growth Hormone
Growth Hormone is also produced while we are sleeping, and this is greatly enhanced early in the night, specifically the first few hours of sleep.
And it has been concluded that ‘in adults the most reproducible pulse of growth hormone secretion occurs shortly after the onset of sleep in association with the first phase of slow- wave sleep (also referred to as SWS), and in men approximately 70% of the GH pulses during sleep coincide with SWS.’
So the first few hours of sleep are crucial as Growth Hormone is vital to the body being able to form and sustain muscle mass.
Cortisol
Cortisol is known as being the stress hormone but it plays so many other roles, and one of those is that it helps control your sleep wake cycle.
It stimulates wakefulness in the morning, which continues throughout the day, and slowly dips as the day goes on, coming to its lowest point around midnight, where melatonin and other hormones rise up in its place to bring about sleep.
Cortisol is the hormone that assists in the breaking down of muscle protein (catabolism), and in excess this catabolic hormone can decrease muscle mass and lean body mass.
What can help stop muscle breakdown?
When you are sleeping you are essentially fasting as your body is not consuming any food during that period and this is catabolic to muscle growth.
One study recommended ‘ingesting 40g of dietary protein prior to sleep to elicit a robust stimulation of muscle protein synthesis rates throughout the night’.
Another study stated that casein protein ingested ‘before sleep increased the ‘whole body protein synthesis rates and improved net protein balance’ and this is the ‘first study to show that protein ingested immediately before sleep is effectively digested and absorbed’.
So to increase the gains chug a casein shake to ensure you don’t waste away during your sleep.
So what supplements can help you sleep?
ZMA – is a supplement made from zinc, magnesium and vitamin B6. If you are zinc deficient then this supplement can boost testosterone levels, but it also helps induce sleep.
Supplements to increase anabolic potential
Glutamine- is an amino acid that prevents catabolism, promotes optimum growth hormone release and supports a strong immune system.
During sleeping periods, muscle wasting can occur due to amino acid shortage, and this can result in increased cortisol secretions and inflammation. Glutamine helps maintain a positive nitrogen balance and helps to promote repair.
BCAA’s – Branched Chain Amino Acids – have proven anabolic properties and increase testosterone and growth hormone levels.
BCAA’s can also help to blunt the rise in cortisol levels during sleep, helping to prevent catabolism and promote maximum anabolism.
So there you have it, male sure you get in a solid 8 hours and supplement accordingly to ensure all that hard work in the gym doesn’t go to waste – literally!
So until next time, keep pumping!
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7785053/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5749041/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4445839/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29199194/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4755451/#:~:text=During%20NREM%20sleep%2C%20there%20is,activity%20among%20respiratory%20pump%20muscles.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8627466/#:~:text=Sleep%2Drelated%20secretion%20of%20GH,decrease%20wakefulness%20and%20increase%20SWS.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1188300/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/5675428/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC297368/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7830980/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4315033/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2307119/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12787547/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5188418/#:~:text=Greater%20amino%20acid%20availability%20during,synthesis%20rates%20throughout%20the%20night.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Hassan Mostafa Looks Massive In Physique Update Preparing For 2022 Orlando Pro
Hassan Mostafa has been making improvements to his physique 13 weeks out of the Orlando Pro.
Hassan Mostafa looks hungry to take the next step during the 2022 season. In a recent physique update on social media, Mostafa is looking massive as he prepares to take the stage during the Orlando Pro.
The Orlando Pro will take place on July 2. With 13 weeks to prepare, it looks as though Mostafa is focusing on his conditioning in training. This is something that impacted his results in 2021 and it is clear that he is looking to make the necessary changes needed to get back on the podium.
“13 weeks out. Everything going as planned ?”
Hassan Mostafa finished fourth during the 2020 New York Pro and this is when he caught the eye of many in the bodybuilding world. Following the show, Mostafa was forced to take some time off after being hospitalized with an infection. This impacted his overall physique but Mostafa was able to get back on stage seven times in 2021.
Mostafa earned qualification to the 2021 Olympia despite not winning a competition. He was able to total enough points in the standings to earn his spot that way. Mostafa finished 13th at the Olympia and ninth at the 2021 Arnold Classic, which took place just two weeks prior. With the bodybuilding season back to its normal schedule, Mostafa is preparing to attack Orlando before anything else.
During the 2021 season, Mostafa’s conditioning was the main talking point about his physique. He is an extremely muscular bodybuilder and has plenty of mass needed to compete in Men’s Open. Now, he needs to work on the details and that has been his method of training. In recent physique updates, he has stated his goals and they are all leading up to Orlando.
The Egyptian bodybuilder has a chance to make some noise if he is able to make these changes to his physique. Hassan Mostafa has been working out frequently with Rafael Brandao at Flex Lewis’ Dragon Lair Gym. This has been motivation for all involved to give it their all while training.
For Mostafa, this is an important season to get back on track and all signs point to major improvement during competition. Fans have plenty to be excited about after looking at some recent updates.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Natural Bodybuilder Marc Cheatham Names 3 Reasons You Aren’t Losing Belly Fat
INBA PNBA natural bodybuilder Marc Cheatham lists some of the top reasons you aren’t losing body fat.
Losing body fat is hard, and losing belly fat is especially hard. Many men struggle with losing stomach fat since men store the most fat in their abdominal region. But International Natural Bodybuilding Association (INBA)/Professional Natural Bodybuilding Association (PNBA) up-and-comer natural bodybuilding star Marc Cheatham has some tips. He lists three reasons you aren’t losing belly fat on Instagram (IG).
Marc Cheatham is a breakout natural bodybuilder who made a mark in the sport of natural bodybuilding in 2021. In his first year of professional natural bodybuilding, he placed in the top six of his category at Natural Olympia.
On IG, Cheatham stated:
“these are some of the top reasons that get over looked
1) Constantly Snacking all day
2) Drinking Calories
3) Overeating on “healthy foods”
You can see his full IG post and clip explaining this in detail below:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CbLesTglhFk/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Belly Fat
For most men, belly fat is the hardest to get rid of. Men will lose body fat in all areas of their bodies before they have a flat stomach.
A lot of men think that doing more ab exercises is the answer. And while core workouts do strengthen your abdominal muscles, they won’t make your abs visible. The key to your abs showing is low body fat levels.
And as Cheatham stated, three top reasons men can’t seem to get rid of their belly fat are: constantly snacking all day, drinking calories, and overeating healthy foods.
Snacking will make the calories add up. It’s recommended to start with a 300-500 caloric deficit below your maintenance calories to lose weight. And snacking on junk food can easily hit those numbers. For example, two servings of a back of chips will put you around 300 calories.
And drinking calories is an easy way to consume a couple to a few hundred extra calories, depending on how many servings you have. For example, Cheatham stated that 12 fluid ounces of juice are 200+ calories. He also noted that drinking calories don’t make you feel full, so it’s a waste of calories. Moreover, although healthy foods are healthy, if you are in a caloric surplus, it doesn’t matter if you’re eating healthy foods. You still won’t lose body fat.
Body Fat and Natural Bodybuilders
Of course, the top natural physiques on the planet have extremely low body fat levels when they walk across the stage. But natural bodybuilders don’t maintain these low levels of body fat year-round. Because it’s not healthy or sustainable. Plus, they go through a bulking phase to pack on muscle.
When male natural bodybuilders compete, they can have as low as 3-6 percent. And although they train with high intensity and a lot of volumes compared to regular gym-goers, they also have very rigid diets – which is the key to their extremely low body fat levels.
Furthermore, natural bodybuilders have to be even more on point than enhanced physiques since natural athletes only rely on nutrition and training to build their bodies. Of course, doping is prohibited in natural bodybuilder leagues.
Recap
Avoid snacking throughout the day, consuming beverages with calories, and eating too many calories even if the foods are healthy to get rid of stubborn belly fat.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for more fitness tips from the top natural physiques globally!
Promescent VitaFLUX For Men Review To Enhance Libido & T Levels
This triple power formula of VitaFLUX can enhance libido, maintain healthy T levels, and more!
Product Overview
Are you someone who often finds themselves too drained for sex? That it feels more like a chore than the pleasurable act it should be? It can be debilitating and not only affect your love life, but also your confidence. Enough floundering around and feeling sorry for yourself, because VitaFLUX is a great nitric oxide supplement to boost libido, increase testosterone, and enhance overall energy so you feel your best, especially in bed.
The company is Promescent and this product is marketed as a nitric oxide supplement. Nitric oxide is produced by most, if not all, your cells and plays a role in increasing blood flow and overall better blood vessel health. It is what is called a vasodilator, meaning it widens the blood vessels to allow for better blood flow. One of the benefits of VitaFLUX is increased erectile functioning, and as we know, increased blood flow allows for better…Well, we know you know the rest.
VitaFLUX is a great nitric oxide supplement perfect for increasing your sexual health in the bedroom and daily life outside of it.
Promescent is a company who believes that everyone should be able to find the right products at the right prices to better their sex life and feel stress-free. They believe sex should be pleasurable and empowering, while also safe and comfortable, and with their great line of supplements and products, Promescent works hard, along with their team of doctors and other experts, to produce the best for all consumers.
VitaFLUX Highlights
VitaFLUX is a clinically proven nitric oxide supplement designed to improve sexual health, but also provides benefits “beyond the bedroom”, as Promescent duly notes.
When it comes to sexual health, VitaFLUX can help to:
increase erectile functioning
improve libido and satisfaction
support testosterone regulation
As for beyond the bedroom, it may:
boost energy
increase mental clarity throughout the day
improve cardiovascular health
Clinical Study Results
Studies on VitaFLUX did yield promising and worthwhile results, noting that erectile function and sexual desire both increased in men, and in the longer term, it reduced androgen deficiency and improved mood substantially (1). Third party tested for accuracy and made with premium ingredients and the consumer’s health in mind, VitaFLUX is one of those supplements designed for men that can prove to be a game changer in daily life and in the bedroom.
Ingredients
L-Arginine: Responsible for the production of nitric oxide and may support blood pressure regulation (2).
L-Citrulline: May help boost L-arginine’s bioavailability, therefore potentially being a vital component to nitric oxide production and vasodilation (3).
L-Carnitine tartrate: Can enhance blood flow and oxygen supply into the muscle tissues (4).
Magnesium: Can increase free and total testosterone levels (5), while also having a positive influence on anabolic hormone levels in general (6).
Zinc: Has an important role in modulating and supporting testosterone levels in men (7).
Other Ingredients
Gelatin, Maltodextrin, Silica, Magnesium Stearate
Number Of Ingredients
5
Number of Servings
30
Serving Size
6 Capsules
Highest Dosed Ingredient
L-Arginine (2000mg)
Best Way To Take
Take 3 capsules in the morning and three capsules at night with or without food.
Price & Effectiveness
VitaFLUX is that nitric oxide supplement perfect for improving your overall sexual health and beyond. With great ingredients and a powerful formula, what you will find is better erectile functioning, improved libido, supported testosterone regulation, more energy, and better cardiovascular health. With 30 servings per container, 6 capsules is a serving size.
Pros
Great ingredients with a powerful formula
Proven benefits to erectile function, sexual desire, and mood
Third party tested for accuracy and transparency
Cons
6 capsules are a large serving size
A little pricey considering the number of servings and serving size
Price: $49.95
Who Should Use VitaFLUX & Best Way To Take?
VitaFLUX is great for men who feel they struggle in bed. It can be debilitating, maybe even embarrassing if you have a tough time during sex. But with VitaLFUX, you know exactly what you are getting since this is third party tested and created from only the best ingredients.
It is best to take VitaFLUX twice per day, 3 capsules in the morning and 3 capsules at night.
Overall Value
VitaFLUX is that nitric oxide supplement perfect for improving your sexual health and giving you that boost in your daily life as well. Perfect for those looking to increase erectile functioning, improve libido, support testosterone regulation, and a host of other benefits. What you are getting is a high-quality and clinically proven nitric oxide supplement with great ingredients, third party testing, and a company behind it that cares.
Try VitaFLUX and increase your sexual health so your sex life stays stress-free.
Try VitaFLUX Today
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Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
*Images courtesy of VitaFLUX and Envato
References
Vascoe, J.; et al. “Oral Supplementation with VitaFLUX Improves Male Erectile Function and Female Sexual Function”. (source) VitaFLUX Clinical Study[12518].pdf
McRae, M. (2016). “Therapeutic Benefits of L-Arginine: An Umbrella Review of Meta-analyses”. (source)
Gonzalez, A.; et al. (2020). “Effects of Citrulline Supplementation on Exercise Performance in Humans: A Review of the Current Literature”. (source)
Fielding, R.; et al. (2018). “L-Carnitine Supplementation in Recovery after Exercise”. (source)
Cinar, V.; et al. (2011). “Effects of magnesium supplementation on testosterone levels of athletes and sedentary subjects at rest and after exhaustion”. (source)
Maggio, M.; et al. (2014). “The Interplay between Magnesium and Testosterone in Modulating Physical Function in Men”. (source)
Prasad, A.; et al. (1996). “Zinc status and serum testosterone levels of healthy adults”. (source)
Best Testosterone Booster Supplements 2022 For Masculine Vitality
Testosterone boosters are everywhere. They’re all over the supplement market with a lot of claims, but not a lot of studies. So, what are the best masculinity booster supplements for vitality with quality ingredients?
In this article, we examine the top testosterone boosters for masculine vitality, energy and that help the most with production of testosterone: what works – and why. These are nutrients that can help balance your hormone levels that are backed by clinical studies to prove their efficacy as testosterone supplements.
How Do Testosterone Boosters Help Testosterone Levels?
Natural testosterone boosters help testosterone levels by supplying your body with the natural nutrients it needs to encourage more of the masculine hormone body state.
For example, a good testosterone booster can optimize your body to:
Ramp up Testosterone Production
Increase Masculine energy
Increase Muscle Mass and Muscle Growth
Support Athletic Performance
Act as a mild inhibitor of the T-diminishing hormone prolactin
Lower Body Fat
Enhance Sex Drive
Masculine Vitality and Fights Estrogen
Balance Hormone Levels
However, not every T booster is capable of this. In this article, we look closer at the most effective boosters on the market.
These are products and supplements which are backed by clinical studies, well-dosed, provide masculinity in a capsule and are the best options out there for bodybuilding, low testosterone, older men and more.
Best Testosterone Booster 2022
#1. Testo Lab Pro | Best Overall Ingredients
Testo Lab Pro is the strongest testosterone booster on the market. Hands down.
It is an all-natural testosterone booster which contains 10 clinically-proven ingredients which all help in some way to help improve testosterone levels.
These natural ingredients can help increase testosterone levels by being:
Well-Dosed – In-line with clinical studies to offer the best effects.
Clinically Backed – Seen in clinical studies to help testosterone boosting
Clean and High Quality – Third-party tested, vegan, gluten-free, Non-GMO and more!
Proven Forms – Uses exactly the same branded ingredients as clinical studies (i.e. KSM-66 Ashwagandha)
And as we’ve mentioned, it’s not only the strongest testosterone booster on the market – it’s also the cleanest. There are no dyes, artificial fillers, or synthetic additives in this product unlike other testosterone boosters.
It’s natural all the way down. An all in one masculine enhancer for testosterone. Highly absorbable and very effective.
Each order of Testo Lab Pro comes with a 30 day money-back guarantee. Not seeing the results? Send it back for a full refund.
You can even save some money by buying in bulk. If you buy 3 boxes of Testo Lab Pro you get an extra one free. That’s 4 boxes for $51.75 each – instead of $69.00. This also includes worldwide shipping in the price. If you live in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia or anywhere – Testo Lab Pro can delivered to you.
Testo Lab Pro is an ultramodern test booster making this a strong option. Great for improving masculine vitality and muscle mass, this is a great natural option.
Best Testosterone Booster 2022 (Bodybuilding and Muscle Mass)
Looking to build muscle mass, boost energy levels, and take your lifting career to the next level? Don’t worry – we compiled a list of the best testosterone booster supplements that:
Boost Muscle Mass
Increase Endurance
Speed Up Recovery
Improve Physique
And more
Below are the top options that work the best for bodybuilding and muscle mass. They’re back by clinical studies and are the best natural options to give you the biggest return from all your hard work in the gym.
Here’s our top picks:
#2. D-Aspartic Acid in Testosterone Boosters
TL;DR: DAA has been seen in multiple studies to raise testosterone. One study shows it to raise test by 42% over 12 days. Another shows it boosting T levels by an average of 30 – 60% over 90 days. It rocks.
D-Aspartic Acid is an amino acid which is ideal for natural testosterone boosting and muscle mass. It works well because it can help promote your body’s levels of the Luteinizing Hormone (LH).
LH is your body’s precursor to both growth hormone and testosterone. The more of this that you have in your system, the more support your testosterone levels have to rise.
So, to get this amino acid in a testosterone supplement is always a good sign that you’re in for an effective ride.
But just how effective is D-Aspartic Acid compared to other testosterone boosters? Is it the best to boost testosterone?
In one study, men aged between 27 and 37 took D-Aspartic Acid for a period of 12 days. At the end of the study, 20 out of the 23 men that were supplementing DAA had an average increase of 42% in overall testosterone.
Three days later, without using any D-Aspartic Acid, their testosterone was still 22% higher than it had been at the start of the study.
In a similar study, men aged between 27 and 43 took D-Aspartic Acid over a period of 90 days. At the end of the 90 days, there was an average growth of 30 – 60% in overall testosterone.
D-Aspartic Acid is one of the more potent testosterone boosters and a great option for those who are looking to maximize their T levels and improve muscle mass for bodybuilding. One of the better testosterone boosters.
#3. Zinc (Best Mineral for Testosterone Production)
TL;DR: Studies indicate low Zinc levels appear to go hand-in-hand with low testosterone. Not only that, supplementing Zinc can help boost testosterone that has been lowered by intensive training and other factors.
Zinc is one of the most useful testosterone boosters for helping your testosterone levels with bodybuilding and muscle mass.
One of the main advantages that Zinc has, like DAA, is that this mineral can help to raise your overall levels of LH – the Luteinizing Hormone. As we’ve mentioned, fueling your LH can help with increased production and release of your growth hormone and testosterone.
The most notable study is from 2006, where a group of wrestlers were experiencing temporary low testosterone levels from training to exhaustion. When supplementing Zinc it seemed to reverse this effect and restore their T back up to their optimum levels – so they could keep training hard without the downsides.
Another study saw that supplementing Zinc can help to raise serum testosterone levels, in those who had experienced a drop in T from dialysis.
Other studies have indicated a connection to low zinc levels and low T levels. By helping to keep you Zinc intake at an optimum level, you may be able to maintain steady and healthy T and better muscle mass.
It’s a great mineral for free T and one of the main testosterone boosters to help T levels in a man. Another one of the top-tier testosterone boosters.
#4. Vitamin D3 + Vitamin K1 and K2 (Best Vitamins for Testosterone Production)
TL;DR: Numerous studies show that long-term supplementation of Vitamin D3 can help raise your levels of testosterone. Vitamin D is technically a hormone and closely linked to boosting testosterone levels – and experts believe up to 1 billion people are deficient in it!
Vitamin D is an essential vitamin to your body – and it’s also technically a hormone. It’s a potent, natural resource that has been linked to promoting your testosterone level. Especially with Vitamin K2 and K1.
Why do we need to supplement it for bodybuilding and muscle mass?
Because your body naturally absorbs it through your skin via the sun’s rays – and considering that we spend most of our time indoors, that’s not a whole lot of Vitamin D.
Experts actually believe that up to 1 billion people are deficient in Vitamin D. Not only that, studies have also found that there is a link between deficiencies in Vitamin D3 and low testosterone.
In one study, participants were made to spend more time outdoors in the summer sun. In doing so, there was a large spike noticed in their overall testosterone.
A yearlong study, involving participants supplementing Vitamin D supplements daily noticed a 20% increase in testosterone levels on average.
As it is technically a hormone – and one that most of us are deficient in – supplementing vitamin D3 can be huge for promoting your overall testosterone.
It’s always good to supplement Vitamin D3 with Vitamin K2 and K1. Vitamin K2 and K1 can help guide the added calcium to your bones, for a healthier skeleton and joints, as well helping to increase testosterone levels.
Best Testosterone Booster For Males Over 40 (Top Ingredients)
As you start to get older, your testosterone levels begin to drop. This typically begins after 30, with your testosterone levels declining around 1% every year.
At first, it’s not that noticeable – but sooner or later the effects start to show. Couple that with the lifestyle changes you face at that age – running a family, more responsibility and generally stress, stress, stress! It’s a cocktail of disaster for your T levels.
However, there are natural ingredients out there which can help with testosterone production, as well as managing your levels of stress. Combined this can give you a testosterone boosting supplement which can not only help your T levels – but can also help your mindset as well. Helping to promote better hormonal balance and more effective lifestyle management.
#5. Ashwagandha (as a Testosterone Booster)
TL;DR: Ashwagandha is arguably one of the most potent herbs when it comes to raising testosterone levels. KSM-66 Ashwagandha is the best and can help raise testosterone, muscles mass and even lower stress.
There are numerous ways that this herb can help improve your levels of T. It can help both directly and indirectly. Personally, we see it as one of the best testosterone boosters.
Indirectly, Ashwagandha can help lower cortisol, your body’s stress hormone. When your cortisol levels are higher, your testosterone levels drop. This is how your body manages the hormones. Ashwagandha has been seen in clinical studies to help reduce levels of the stress hormone, and by extension increase testosterone.
Lowering stress is ideal for the over 40s as this is typically a harder point in your life with children, work and more factors that create low testosterone levels.
In another study, Ashwagandha was seen to promote muscle mass and even reduce body fat by 3.5% compared to the placebo group.
The best form of Ashwagandha is definitely KSM-66. There’s an endless list of clinical studies supporting the KSM-66 strain. It’s seen to help stress, low testosterone levels, endurance, strength, sex drive, weight management, memory, anti-aging, sleep and more.
It’s one of the finest natural testosterone boosting supplements.
#6. Magnesium (for Free T Levels)
TL;DR: You should be looking to get a good amount of Magnesium in your testosterone booster. It’s effective for protecting your free testosterone and maintaining your overall T levels.
Magnesium is one of the better minerals out there for men over 40 for testosterone. It’s effective for helping raise your levels of free testosterone.
Free testosterone is the amount of T that is freely circulating throughout your body. The threat to this type of testosterone is Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG). SHBG binds to the free testosterone in your system, and strips it of its anabolic potency. The result is that it reduces your overall levels of free testosterone.
Supplementing Magnesium can help to minimize this problem. Studies show that taking Magnesium can help to reduce the impact of SHBG. Magnesium does this by inhibiting the SHBG, which helps stop it from binding to your free flowing testosterone.
#7. Mucuna Pruriens (Leans out Chest Muscle)
TL;DR: Mucuna Pruriens can help raise testosterone, lower stress, fight man boobs and even raise dopamine. What more could you want?
Mucuna Pruriens are a great testosterone booster for males over 40. The main active ingredient that matters most in Mucuna Pruriens is L-DOPA.
L-DOPA can raise your brain’s level of dopamine which can offer a combination of good effects including reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol, erections, masculine sex drive and generally making you feel better.
What it can also do is increase your levels of GnRH – that’s gonadotropic-releasing hormone. This can help to raise your body’s levels of the Luteinzing Hormone. As we’ve mentioned this is your body’s precursor to both growth hormone, and testosterone.
Another benefit of L-DOPA in Mucuna Pruriens is that it can help reduce your overall levels of prolactin in your body. Prolactin is the hormone in your body which is linked to causing soft breast tissue – or man boobs – which is more of a risk as you get older.
By getting a good supply of L-DOPA, you can help reduce your levels of that hormone, and help create a leaner and meaner chest. It can also help in areas such as stress management and sex drive.
Best Testosterone Booster For Men Over 50 (Best Ingredients)
Lower testosterone is an issue in older men. It’s natural – but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for it. There are plenty of natural options out there which can help to fight the process and allow you to maintain (and in some cases raise) as much testosterone as possible at over 50.
However, testosterone isn’t the only problem. Another factor from being older men is a rise in estrogen – the female hormone. This can unbalance your hormones and create more issues for your overall masculine health and improve sex drive.
Below, we have compiled a list of what we believe to be the best testosterone boosters for men over 50. These can help if your testosterone levels are low, or even if you are struggling from a rise in estrogen.
#8. Boron (Top Mineral for Fighting Estrogen)
TL;DR: Boron is great for both raising testosterone, and lowering estrogen. This is ideal as those are big factors that need support as you get older.
Boron makes our list of the top testosterone boosters for men over 50 because it has been clinically proven to do 2 things: boost testosterone, and lower estrogen.
A full review of Boron in 2015 in the IMCJ covered a lot of the mineral’s overall effects, with the main takeaways being that it can help increase free testosterone by nearly 25%. It can also almost have the amount of estradiol (estrogen) in your system, and even allow more free testosterone to bond with proteins in your blood which can help as you age.
With all that considered, this makes it a great choice as a testosterone booster for men over 50. It can tackle many of the age-related factors that affect T as you get older. Including allowing for more protein binding and reducing growing levels of estrogen.
Boron has even been seen to help in these areas with subjects who are suffering from low testosterone. It’s an effective, natural mineral for T levels.
#9. Luteolin (Top Nutrient for Fighting Estrogen)
TL;DR: Luteolin can help lower estrogen – which becomes a much bigger problem as you get older.
The final testosterone booster that we’ll be covering in our list is Luteolin. It is an antioxidant found in citrus fruits like lemons and oranges.
Luteolin is technically not a testosterone booster – but it is a great natural aromatase inhibitor.
The aromatase enzyme is an enzyme in your blood which converts your testosterone into estrogen. As you get older, this enzyme becomes more active, converting more T into estrogen. This is definitely not what you want for hormone optimization.
Studies have shown that supplementing luteolin can potentially inhibit estrogen biosynthesis – which could in turn reduce your overall levels of the female hormone.
As you get older and your estrogen levels rise, and your T levels decline – it’s smart to get all the help you can get. Luteolin has some promising studies behind it and a great tool to help deter a rise in estrogen.
Best Natural Testosterone Booster Supplements 2022
As you can see, there are plenty of good options out there when it comes to maximizing your overall testosterone and hormone levels.
When it comes to which test booster is the most effective though – we have to give it to Testo Lab Pro.
Individually, many of the ingredients we’ve covered here are great for boosting testosterone – however, together, they are on another level. That’s what you get with Testo Lab Pro.
You get solid, clinically-backed, well-dosed ingredients all together in one stacked out supplement. It even uses KSM-66 Ashwagandha, which is the most clinically proven form of the herb.
The vitamins and minerals in Testo Lab Pro are also NutriGenesis – making them nature-identical and super easy for your body to absorb.
The clinical studies for all the ingredients in Testo Lab Pro are off the charts. The health benefits range from boosting muscle for a bodybuilder, to giving an energy boost to older men.
It hits all the marks, and we recommend to anyone looking for a natural, and above all, effective test booster.
You can find out more by visiting the Testo lab Pro site below:
Testo Lab Pro is an ultramodern test booster making this a strong option. Great for improving masculine vitality and muscle mass, this is a great natural option.
Testosterone Boosting Foods / Not Supplements
Testosterone boosters aren’t everything. Eating right and exercising goes a long way too. Below, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best testosterone boosting foods out there that you should add to your diet to maximize your overall progress.
Here’s a shortlist of the foods that could help you the most.
Tuna as a Testosterone Booster
Tuna contains a rich source of Vitamin D. Vitamin D, as you’ll know by now, is technically a hormone which has close links to raising testosterone levels.
Due to the mercury content, moderation is key with a food like this. Two to three servings a week should be enough for you to get a healthy supply of this vitamin from your food.
Other fish options that contain good amounts of this vitamin would be salmon or sardines. There’s plenty of options.
Milk as a Testosterone Booster
Milk is another good source of Vitamin D. Mostly touted for it’s ability to help bones and muscles through its high calcium and protein content, many people forget that it also contains a good amount of Vitamin D.
Again, with a nice amount of D in here, milk can help support a rise in your testosterone levels.
Pro-tip: Opting for a lower fat milk like skimmed or semi-skimmed may be a wise idea to avoid saturated fat content.
Egg Yolks as a Testosterone Booster
Again, another rich source of Vitamin D. Eggs can help raise testosterone levels by offering a good amount of this natural vitamin.
Not only that, eggs are also an effective source of healthy cholesterol. This can help support the leydig cells in your body to promote overall testosterone.
An egg a day is a good way to get the health benefits from this food, without overdoing it.
Fortified Cereals as a Testosterone Booster
Cereals that have been fortified with Vitamin D can be ideal for helping low testosterone. Getting fortified cereals into your diet can help increase your overall vitamin D and increase testosterone levels.
These types of cereals also pack vitamins and minerals that offer general health benefits to keep you going.
Oysters for Low Test
Unlike most of the other food we’ve mentioned, oysters are good for testosterone due to their level of zinc.
Zinc is a great example of testosterone boosting supplements, as it can increase your levels of the luteinizing hormone (LH), which is your body’s precursor to both growth hormone and testosterone.
Beef is a red meat that you shouldn’t over-consume. However, in moderate amounts it can be fine for your health – and even beneficial to your testosterone.
Beef contains a good amount of Zinc and Vitamin D, which can both contribute as testosterone boosting supplements.
Finally, a nice plant-based testosterone booster in our list of T boosting foods. Beans, lentils, chickpeas and more all contain a good amount of Zinc.
It’s a nice natural testosterone booster and an easy one to have with numerous meals to improve your low testosterone levels and give yourself a good amount of protein.
Conclusion: What Are The Best Natural Testosterone Boosters?
The best natural testosterone boosters are a mix of numerous clinically proven herbs, vitamins and minerals. These are all options which have been seen in studies to help tilt the hormonal balance in your body in favor of testosterone.
Ideally, you want a supplement that combines all of these natural ingredients into one easy stack. That’s why we’ve put Testo Lab Pro at the top of our list.
Testo Lab Pro contains all of these natural ingredients in high dosages with patented branded options that were featured in the original studies (like KSM-66 Ashwagandha).
Not only that, it’s aggressively clean with no artificial additives, or synthetic ingredients. It’s also totally vegan, and uses nature-identical vitamins and minerals to maximize absorption and effectiveness.
If you’re wondering what the top testosterone booster on the market at the moment is – let us answer it for you: It’s Testo Lab Pro.
Solid nutrient profile, clinically-effective dosages, and clean as a whistle. What more could you want? You can learn more by visiting their website below:
Visit Testo Lab Pro Here
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
*Images courtesy of Envato
References
D-Aspartic Acid Studies
Topo E, Soricelli A, D’Aniello A, Ronsini S, D’Aniello G. The role and molecular mechanism of D-aspartic acid in the release and synthesis of LH and testosterone in humans and rats. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2009 Oct 27;7:120. doi: 10.1186/1477-7827-7-120. PMID: 19860889; PMCID: PMC2774316.
D’Aniello, S. Ronsini, T. Notari, N. Grieco, V. Infante, N. D’Angel, F. Mascia, M. Fiore, G. Fisher and A. D’Aniello, “D-Aspartate, a Key Element for the Improvement of Sperm Quality,” Advances in Sexual Medicine, Vol. 2 No. 4, 2012, pp. 45-53. doi: 10.4236/asm.2012.24008.
Zinc Studies
Kilic M, Baltaci AK, Gunay M, Gökbel H, Okudan N, Cicioglu I. The effect of exhaustion exercise on thyroid hormones and testosterone levels of elite athletes receiving oral zinc. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2006 Feb-Apr;27(1-2):247-52. PMID: 16648789.
Jalali GR, Roozbeh J, Mohammadzadeh A, Sharifian M, Sagheb MM, Hamidian Jahromi A, Shabani S, Ghaffarpasand F, Afshariani R. Impact of oral zinc therapy on the level of sex hormones in male patients on hemodialysis. Ren Fail. 2010 May;32(4):417-9. doi: 10.3109/08860221003706958. PMID: 20446777.
Fallah A, Mohammad-Hasani A, Colagar AH. Zinc is an Essential Element for Male Fertility: A Review of Zn Roles in Men’s Health, Germination, Sperm Quality, and Fertilization. J Reprod Infertil. 2018;19(2):69-81.
Vitamin D Studies
Sizar O, Khare S, Goyal A, et al. Vitamin D Deficiency. [Updated 2020 Jul 21]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-.
Wehr E, Pilz S, Boehm BO, März W, Obermayer-Pietsch B. Association of vitamin D status with serum androgen levels in men. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2010 Aug;73(2):243-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2265.2009.03777.x. Epub 2009 Dec 29. PMID: 20050857.
Pilz S, Frisch S, Koertke H, Kuhn J, Dreier J, Obermayer-Pietsch B, Wehr E, Zittermann A. Effect of vitamin D supplementation on testosterone levels in men. Horm Metab Res. 2011 Mar;43(3):223-5. doi: 10.1055/s-0030-1269854. Epub 2010 Dec 10. PMID: 21154195.
Ashwagandha Studies
Chandrasekhar K, Kapoor J, Anishetty S. “A Prospective, Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Safety and Efficacy of a High-Concentration Full-Spectrum Extract of Ashwagandha Root in Reducing Stress and Anxiety in Adults.” Indian J Psychol Med. 2012 Jul-Sep;34(3):255-262. DOI: 10.4103/0253-7176.1060
Wankhede S et al. “Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial.” JISSN. 2015;12:43. DOI: 10.1186/s12970-015-010
Magnesium Studies
Excoffon L, Guillaume YC, Woronoff-Lemsi MC, André C. Magnesium effect on testosterone-SHBG association studied by a novel molecular chromatography approach. J Pharm Biomed Anal. 2009 Feb 20;49(2):175-80. doi: 10.1016/j.jpba.2008.10.041. Epub 2008 Nov 5. PMID: 19095394.
Mucuna Pruriens Studies
Gandhi KR, Saadabadi A. Levodopa (L-Dopa) [Updated 2020 Oct 27]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482140/
Müller T, Muhlack S. Acute levodopa intake and associated cortisol decrease in patients with Parkinson disease. Clin Neuropharmacol. 2007 Mar-Apr;30(2):101-6. doi: 10.1097/01.WNF.0000240954.72186.91. PMID: 17414942.
Shukla KK, Mahdi AA, Ahmad MK, Shankhwar SN, Rajender S, Jaiswar SP. Mucuna pruriens improves male fertility by its action on the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis. Fertil Steril. 2009 Dec;92(6):1934-40. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.09.045. Epub 2008 Oct 29. PMID: 18973898.
Shukla KK, Mahdi AA, Ahmad MK, Jaiswar SP, Shankwar SN, Tiwari SC. Mucuna pruriens Reduces Stress and Improves the Quality of Semen in Infertile Men. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2010;7(1):137-144. doi:10.1093/ecam/nem171
van der Gugten AA, Sahuleka PC, van Galen GH, Kwa HG. Prolactin inhibition test with L-dopa: decrease and restoration of plasma prolactin levels in the rat by a peripheral process. J Endocrinol. 1976 Mar;68(3):369-81. doi: 10.1677/joe.0.0680369. PMID: 1255091.
Boron Studies
Pizzorno L. Nothing Boring About Boron. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2015;14(4):35-48.
Shea JL, Wong PY, Chen Y. Free testosterone: clinical utility and important analytical aspects of measurement. Adv Clin Chem. 2014;63:59-84. doi: 10.1016/b978-0-12-800094-6.00002-9. PMID: 24783351.
Naghii MR, Mofid M, Asgari AR, Hedayati M, Daneshpour MS. Comparative effects of daily and weekly boron supplementation on plasma steroid hormones and proinflammatory cytokines. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2011 Jan;25(1):54-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2010.10.001. Epub 2010 Dec 3. PMID: 21129941.
Luteolin Studies
Lu DF, Yang LJ, Wang F, Zhang GL. Inhibitory effect of luteolin on estrogen biosynthesis in human ovarian granulosa cells by suppression of aromatase (CYP19). J Agric Food Chem. 2012 Aug 29;60(34):8411-8. doi: 10.1021/jf3022817. Epub 2012 Aug 20. PMID: 22838964.
Nordeen SK, Bona BJ, Jones DN, Lambert JR, Jackson TA. Endocrine disrupting activities of the flavonoid nutraceuticals luteolin and quercetin. Horm Cancer. 2013;4(5):293-300. doi:10.1007/s12672-013-0150-1
Bruce Willis Diagnosed With Speech And Language Disorder Aphasia, Will Step Away From Acting
The family of Bruce Willis made a statement after his diagnosis.
Bruce Willis will be stepping away from acting after being diagnosed with aphasia, a condition that impacts speech and language.
Willis’ daughter, Rumer, took to Instagram on Wednesday to make a statement on behalf of the family. Rumer is the eldest daughter of Willis and his ex-wife, Demi Moore.
“To Bruce’s amazing supporters, as a family we wanted to share that our beloved Bruce has been experiencing some health issues and has recently been diagnosed with aphasia, which is impacting his cognitive abilities. As a result of this and with much consideration Bruce is stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, aphasia is a contrition that can affect a person’s ability to speak, write, and understand language, both verbal and written. There are different types of aphasia and it typically occurs after a stroke or head injury. It can also also come on slowly from a slow-growing brain tumor or disease that causes progressive damage.
At this point, it is unclear what led the the diagnosis of Bruce Willis but he will be forced to take some time away from his extremely successful acting career.
“This is a really challenging time for our family and we are so appreciative of your continued love, compassion and support. We are moving through this as a strong family unit, and wanted to bring his fans in because we know how much he means to you, as you do to him.As Bruce always says, “Live it up” and together we plan to do just that.Love,Emma, Demi, Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel, & Evelyn”
Bruce Willis has appeared in many classic movies over the years including Die Hard, Pulp Fiction, and The Sixth Sense. His career dates back to the 1980s when he first burst onto the scene as an actor.
Aphasia is a condition that robs a person of their ability to communicate. Once diagnosed, the best treatment for the disorder is speech and language therapy. This is where a person can relearn how to communicate and practices language skills. Family members are often a big part of the process as the person learns new ways to communicate.
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