How To Cycle Herbal Supplements To Increase Testosterone

Summary

In this informative video, Zach from Nutrition Library discusses how to properly cycle ashwagandha, tonkat ali, shilajit, and ectosteroids to increase testosterone safely. He explains the mechanisms of action for each supplement and their potential side effects. Zach emphasizes the importance of cycling and proper dosage to maximize results and minimize risks. He also shares his personal dosing protocol, which includes daily intake of shilajit and ectosteroids and workout-day usage of tonkat ali and ashwagandha. He advises viewers to experiment with these compounds to find what works best for their individual needs, highlighting the importance of staying in tune with one's body and hormone profile.

Takeaways

• 🌿 Ashwagandha has three main effects on testosterone: reducing cortisol, increasing thyroid hormone, and improving serotonin signaling.
• 🍃 Ashwagandha's impact on serotonin is complex, decreasing the suppressive 5-HT1A receptor and enhancing the 5-HT2A receptor, which can lead to increased testosterone production but potential neurological side effects if misused.
• 💪 Tonkat Ali's testosterone benefits come from upregulating enzymes for testosterone production, antagonizing alpha estrogen receptors, and increasing dopamine levels.
• 🚫 Tonkat Ali should be cycled due to its potential negative effects on bone, joint, and heart health if used excessively or for too long.
• 🛡️ Shilajit's mechanism involves increasing testicular antioxidant capacity, mineral content, and providing protective fatty acids, with no need for cycling due to its specific action.
• 🌱 Ectosteroids work by binding to beta estrogen receptors to initiate muscle protein synthesis and do not significantly affect hormone levels, suggesting no need for cycling.
• 🔄 There is a potential interaction between Tonkat Ali and Ectosteroids where Tonkat Ali can negate the effects of Ectosteroids due to its blocking of estrogen receptors.
• 🕒 The speaker's personal dosing protocol involves taking Shilajit and Ectosteroids daily, and Tonkat Ali and Ashwagandha only on workout days, spaced appropriately.
• 🧘‍♂️ Ashwagandha has mood and cognitive benefits due to its effects on GABA signaling and reducing cortisol levels but requires careful dosing to avoid the 'gray effect'.
• 🧬 Individual responses to these supplements can vary greatly, so personal experimentation and monitoring are crucial for finding the optimal protocol.
• 🩺 For those new to hormone optimization, at-home blood tests are recommended to understand personal hormone profiles and tailor supplementation strategies.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is how to properly and safely cycle ashwagandha, tonkat ali, shilajit, and ectosteroids together to maximize results and minimize side effects in increasing testosterone levels.

What are the three primary mechanisms of action for ashwagandha in relation to testosterone?

The three primary mechanisms of action for ashwagandha are: 1) decreasing cortisol levels, 2) increasing thyroid hormone which stimulates luteinizing hormone and testosterone production, and 3) increasing serotonin signaling in a way that suppresses prolactin release and increases luteinizing hormone and testosterone production.

Why is it important to cycle ashwagandha properly?

Proper cycling and dosage of ashwagandha are important to avoid side effects such as the 'gray effect,' where nothing is exciting or depressing, leading to a dull state of mind, which can occur if taken for too long or in too high a dosage.

What are the primary mechanisms of action for tonkat ali in relation to testosterone?

The primary mechanisms of action for tonkat ali are: 1) possible upregulation of enzymes needed for testosterone production, 2) antagonizing the alpha subset of estrogen receptors to prevent suppression of testosterone production, and 3) dopaminergic effects which reduce prolactin release and increase testosterone.

Why is tonkat ali suggested to be cycled and not taken continuously?

Tonkat ali needs to be cycled due to its potent effects on antagonizing the alpha subset of estrogen receptors, which if taken for too long or in too high a dosage, can lead to suppressive effects on bone health, joint health, and heart health.

What is the main mechanism of action for shilajit in relation to testosterone?

The main mechanism of action for shilajit is increasing testicular antioxidant capacity, increasing mineral content in the testes, and providing protective effects on the testes due to its fatty acid content.

Why does the speaker believe shilajit does not need to be cycled?

The speaker believes shilajit does not need to be cycled because of its specific mechanisms of action that are presumably happening due to nutrient replenishment in the body, similar to a food product.

What is the primary effect of ectosteroids on the body?

Ectosteroids primarily act by binding to the beta subset of estrogen receptors to initiate muscle protein synthesis, rather than having a major effect on hormone levels.

Why are tonkat ali and ectosteroids not recommended to be used together?

Tonkat ali potently blocks both estrogen receptors, which can negate and antagonize the effects of ectosteroids in the body, making them not stack well together.

What is the speaker's personal dosing protocol for these supplements?

The speaker takes shilajit and ectosteroids every day in the morning with breakfast. Tonkat ali and ashwagandha are taken only on workout days, typically with a pre-workout concoction, and sometimes the dosage is split before and after the workout.

What advice does the speaker give regarding experimenting with these compounds?

The speaker advises to experiment with these compounds to figure out what works best for the individual, emphasizing the importance of staying in tune with one's body and how it reacts to specific compounds, exercise protocols, and diet.

What does the speaker recommend for those new to natural hormone optimization?

For those new to natural hormone optimization, the speaker recommends getting an at-home blood test to understand their personal hormone profile, as everyone is at a different place when it comes to their hormone levels.