As a bodybuilder, when you start looking into adding supplements to your regime, you will most definitely come across the term 'testosterone booster.' Many people mistakenly think that this is steroids - but it isn't. It is true that the FDA has banned a couple of products that were touted as testosterone boosters, but this was because they contained anabolic steroids.
Testosterone is produced naturally in the body. In fact, it is considered to be one of the most active anabolic hormones in the human body. Testosterone levels can be low, high, or normal - normal is what you should be shooting for. A common mistake is that if the testosterone level is high, it results in bigger muscles, in a shorter period of time. Nothing could be further from the truth.
In fact, if the body detects a high level of testosterone, it will automatically start producing less of its own. The next thing that the body does, when it detects too much testosterone is that it goes to work converting that extra testosterone to DHT, which leads to prostate problems and can also cause you to go bald. It may also convert the excess testosterone to estrogen. Once the body has used up all of the excess testosterone, it refuses to produce more testosterone until the extra estrogen is used up at this point.
It's a vicious, ugly circle that is best avoided. Experts agree that you should avoid bodybuilding supplements that have ingredients that include the words 'andro' or have words that end with 'dione' or 'diol.' However, at the same time, you do want your testosterone level to be normal.
The fact is that if you are a bodybuilder, and over the age of thirty, you probably do need testosterone boosters, because the chances are good that your testosterone levels are low. However, the only sure way to determine exactly whether your testosterone level is low, high, or normal, is by visiting your doctor and having a simple blood test done.
If your doctor establishes that your testosterone level is too low, he may issue you a prescription, but the best thing to do is use natural testosterone boosters, in the form of herbs, which can be purchased from your local health food store. The two best herbs for natural testosterone boosters are tribulus terrestris and longifolia. However, you should note that even natural testosterone boosters can raise your testosterone level to much, and this will defeat your purpose.
Of course, there are many other supplements that can be used to help you build muscle. Bodybuilding is about more than lifting weights and working out. There is a great deal to learn about bodybuilding supplements if you really want to build muscle properly. Make sure that you take the time to properly educate yourself concerning those supplements. Make sure that you learn about eating properly as well.