Your heart is your lifeline. It is the most important organ in your body. It keeps the blood flowing and works like a well-oiled machine.
A clear vascular system promotes blood flow to all areas of the body, and heart health is paramount to preventing the occurrence of Low T as you age.
Blood flow and a strong heart are closely connected and both can be affected by low testosterone levels. Besides the obvious preventive measures that contribute to a good heart such as exercise and a proper diet – here are a few suggestions that not only help to improve your heart, but can also reduce the risk of Low T.
Natural Supplementation
Both Selenium and Lycopene have been shown in studies to increase prostate health and reduce arterial aging. Naturally, selenium is found in garlic and Lycopene is found in tomatoes.
Studies have shown that the risk of prostate cancer is decreased by 45% with men who eat foods rich in Lycopene. Some other natural supplementation that may contribute to better heart health are the amino acids L-arginine and L-citrulline. Together, these supplements help to increase blood flow and assist with nitric oxide production in the inner layer of the arteries. Good blood flow helps with maintaining healthy testosterone levels.
Foods that are high in both of these amino acids are almonds, cocoa and real chocolate, garbanzo beans, peanuts, salmon, soy, watermelon and walnuts.
Disease Risks
Recent research has also shown that Low T may increase the risk of heart disease. When testosterone is at very low levels, plaque builds up in the arteries which may put the sufferer at increased risk of a heart disease or a stroke.
However, to date, there has not been a strong data study correlating Low T and heart disease, but there is a belief among most doctors that the relationship does exist. This line of reasoning is evidenced by the fact that men have much higher testosterone levels than women and develop various heart issues such as high blood pressure, higher LDL (the bad cholesterol) and strokes several years earlier than women.
Another factor that concerns doctors is the abuse of androgenic steroids in athletes to boost testosterone. Not only do adverse effects to these drugs exist, but they can also increase the risk of heart disease.
The heart is your pulse to life, and this organ is connected to every organ in your body. Common sense denotes that if you have Low T there may also be issues with blood flow.
Work on building a healthy heart and improving your testosterone levels by exercising, eating right and undergoing the appropriate treatment. And always consult with your doctor before starting any new program.
References:
“YOU: The Owner’s Manual” – by Michael F. Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet C. Oz, M.D.
http://men.webmd.com/news/20030527/low-testosterone-linked-to-heart-disease