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Testosterone is an important male hormone. A male begins to produce testosterone as early as seven weeks after conception. Testosterone levels rise during puberty, peak during the late teen years, and then level off. After age 30 or so, it’s normal for a man’s testosterone levels to decrease slightly every year.
Most men have more than enough testosterone. But, it’s possible for the body to produce too little testosterone. This leads to a condition called hypogonadism. This can be treated with hormonal therapy, which requires a doctor’s prescription and careful monitoring. Men with normal testosterone levels should not consider testosterone therapy.
Testosterone levels affect everything in men from the reproductive system and sexuality to muscle mass and bone density. It also plays a role in certain behaviors.
The body’s endocrine system consists of glands that manufacture hormones. The hypothalamus, located in the brain, tells the pituitary gland how much testosterone the body needs. The pituitary gland then sends the message to the testicles. Most testosterone is produced in the testicles, but small amounts come from the adrenal glands, which are located just above the kidneys. In women, the adrenal glands and ovaries produce small amounts of testosterone.
Before a boy is even born, testosterone is working to form male genitals. During puberty, testosterone is responsible for the development of male attributes like a deeper voice, beard, and body hair. It also promotes muscle mass and sex drive. Testosterone production surges during adolescence and peaks in the late teens or early 20s. After age 30, it’s natural for testosterone levels to drop by about one percent each year.
About seven weeks after conception, testosterone begins helping form male genitals. At puberty, as testosterone production surges, the testicles and penis grow. The testicles produce a steady stream of testosterone and make a fresh supply of sperm every day.
Men who have low levels of testosterone may experience erectile dysfunction (ED). Long-term testosterone therapy can cause a decrease in sperm production. Testosterone therapy also may cause enlarged prostate, and smaller, softer testicles. Men who have prostate or breast cancer should not consider testosterone replacement therapy.
The body has a system for controlling testosterone, sending messages through hormones and chemicals that are released into the bloodstream. In the brain, the hypothalamus tells the pituitary gland how much testosterone is needed, and the pituitary relays that information to the testicles.
Testosterone plays a role in certain behaviors, including aggression and dominance. It also helps to spark competitiveness and boost self-esteem. Just as sexual activity can affect testosterone levels, taking part in competitive activities can cause a man’s testosterone levels to rise or fall. Low testosterone may result in a loss of confidence and lack of motivation. It can also lower a man’s ability to concentrate or cause feelings of sadness. Low testosterone can cause sleep disturbances and lack of energy.
It’s important to note, however, that testosterone is only one factor that influences personality traits. Other biological and environmental factors are also involved.
Testosterone is one of many factors involved in the development of muscle bulk and strength. Testosterone increases neurotransmitters, which encourage tissue growth. It also interacts with nuclear receptors in DNA, which causes protein synthesis. Testosterone increases levels of growth hormone. That makes exercise more likely to build muscle.
Testosterone increases bone density and tells the bone marrow to manufacture red blood cells. Men with very low levels of testosterone are more likely to suffer from bone fractures and breaks.
Testosterone also plays a role in fat metabolism, helping men to burn fat more efficiently. Dropping levels of testosterone can cause an increase in body fat.
We’ve all heard of CBD and it’s amazing benefits but what actually is CBD? Welcome to the Elite Gainz blog where we aim to answer all of your questions from the basics to the technical.
CBD is short for cannabidiol, this is one type of hundreds of different types of cannabinoids, which can be found in the plants that are part of the cannabis family. Cannabinoids refer to a type of chemical substance that exists in these plants and ALSO within the human body. Each cannabinoid has its own special and unique effects, which in many cases leads to health benefits.
Although our CBD products contain multiple cannabinoids, cannabidiol is the most prominent one.
Organic and sustainable hemp is used within the manufacturing of our CBD products. Hemp is a member of the cannabis plant family that contains little to no THC content and is commonly used for its vast health benefits and natural fibre qualities. This is not to be confused with the marijuana plant which contains higher levels of THC and can, therefore, induce a psychoactive effect on the user.
We use a detailed extraction technique that enables us to strip out any unwanted cannabinoids and isolate the relevant ones, leaving our products with only those containing the best health benefits. Our products are a mix of full-spectrum, broad-spectrum and isolate. Simply put, this dictates the amount of CBD and other cannabinoids within the product. We ensure that our products comply with the strict legal guidelines and are also 0% THC.
The benefits of CBD are constantly being discussed and the list is constantly growing with people discovering new advantages of using it. People have come forward to state CBD is helping them with various ailments including mental illness (particularly stress and anxiety), chronic pain, insomnia, and muscle recovery! Although CBD is not officially registered as a medicine for these, the number of positive responses speak for themselves!
Cannabidiol (CBD) products have become a very popular remedy in recent years for helping with various health problems. The NHS use cannabis and CBD based medicines for patients suffering with conditions including epilepsy and MS, and for people going through chemotherapy. However, CBD can be used by anybody without a prescription. Many people use it to help improve their general wellbeing and assist in reducing anxiety and depression, to promote better sleep, to help soothe pain and inflammation, and much more. CBD works by interacting with cannabinoid receptors (CB1 & CB2) in the human body. These receptors are essential for regulating many bodily functions relating to the brain and the immune system. CBD is also believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidizing effects. It is important to take an appropriate amount of CBD per day for you.
It will be down to personal preference when it comes to deciding which works best for you. Our team is on hand to help you make the right decision for you!
We hope this article has been a helpful introduction to CBD and don’t forget to keep up to date with all future blogs by signing up to our newsletter and following us on social media.
Cannabidiol is growing in popularity across the world, which is a natural remedy used for many common ailments. Commonly known as CBD, it is one of the 104 chemical compounds known as cannabinoids found in the hemp or marijuana plants, Cannabis sativa.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis, and causes the sensation of getting “high” that’s often associated with marijuana. However, unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive. This makes Cannabidiol (CBD) an appealing option to those who are in need for pain relief and other symptoms, without the mind altering effects of marijuana or certain pharmaceutical drugs.
All our CBD Oils are made from extracting Cannabidiol directly from organic industrial Hemp. This is then diluted with either coconut (MCT) or hemp seed oil.
If you aren’t aware, Cannabidiol (CBD) is gaining momentum in the health and wellness world, with scientific studies confirming it may help treat a huge variety of ailments such as anxiety and chronic pain.
Though CBD is generally well tolerated and considered safe, it may cause adverse reactions in some people.
CBD is also known to interact with several medications. Before you start using CBD oil, discuss it with your doctor to ensure your safety and avoid potentially harmful interactions
CBD oil has been studied for its potential role in treating many common health issues, including anxiety, depression, acne and heart disease.
Research on the potential health benefits of CBD is ongoing, so new therapeutic uses for this natural remedy are sure to be discovered.
In recent years, nootropic supplements and ‘smart drugs’ have exploded into the mainstream consciousness.
There exists a myriad of nootropic substances which can benefit learning and mental clarity.
Nootropics refer to a broad range of supplements and compounds which can be taken to enhance brain function and health. The term encompasses everything from man-made synthetic compounds, nutrients, vitamins, minerals and neurotransmitter precursors.
Nootropics can modulate a range of biological processes which aid with neurotransmission, intracellular signalling and various molecular processes. Subsequently, this can improve cognition, memory and learning. nootropics can also improve the production of proteins which offer neuroprotection and foster brain health.
The key ingredient Citicoline (sometimes known as CDP-choline) is a naturally occurring molecule that is vital for key neuronal functions, particularly those related to cognition, learning and memory. This is because citicoline is quickly converted into choline once in the body.
Choline is a key precursor molecule which is used to synthesise the neurotransmitter Acetylecholine (Ach).
Acetylcholine is a key player in attention and alertness, it also underlies many complex behaviours 1, 2. The cholinergic system of neurons is widely implicated in various aspects of cognition, learning and memory 3-5.
Citicoline has become a hot topic in the field of neuroscience Indeed, some countries have already trialled the supplement to aid with cognitive and mental function during stroke recovery 6-8.
The good news is that, unlike some other nootropic substrates, citicoline has been the subject of fairly rigorous scientific investigation. This means we have a good understanding of its effects, efficacy, safety and best use.
Studies in humans have highlighted that citicoline can have a beneficial effect on concertration, working memory and attention.
Short-term benefits: Performance-driven thinking like focus, short-term memory, stress resistance and others that help to give a more immediate edge to productivity, intensity, competition, deadline, exams, etc.
Long-term benefits: Promotes healthy brain structure and function during the aging process, including support for memory, age-related cognitive decline, mood, and mental clarity well into senior years.
We recommend eating five to eight times per day, which is about every two to four hours. The science nerds will read studies done on fat, sedentary women and tell you that your meal frequency and the Thermic Effect of Food (TEF) doesn't matter, but as meatheads, we strongly disagree.
When dieting for a show, we sweat after every meal. That sounds like thermogenesis to me! So be sure to have at least protein and fat every meal.
Your body is like a furnace and food is like coal. If you stop feeding your body food, it will stop burning energy!
The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn. The more calories you burn, the more you can eat and not gain fat! Weight training also makes your body utilize more calories in the post workout period and even a couple of days after the workout for recovery and lean muscle growth.
By training every other day, you stay in the anabolic, post workout state and this can help you stay lean and muscular year round... assuming you follow rule #1!
Cardio increases blood flow. Blood flow increases nutrient delivery to your muscles. Nutrient delivery helps your body repair, recover and grow lean mass.
Cardio also helps your body burn fuel more efficiently. Whether it is high intensity or low intensity cardio, do it to stay healthy, lean and very muscular.
Stress causes a lot of straight up nasty things to happen to your physique. It increases certain hormones, which can halt fat loss and increase fat gain, it can make you sick, and it can also give you the urge to kick small dogs.
While you cannot end stress from family, work, and the fact that you have to wait months for another season of "Grey's Anatomy", you can control stressing over your physique and your goals. Just set short- and long-term goals, stay consistent, and it will happen! Results do not come overnight.
Just keep at it, enjoy training and eating healthy, and the goals will come! The destination is great, but might as well enjoy the ride there!
1. Do compound strength exercises.
2. Up your rep speed. Completing your reps faster (without sacrificing form) puts more stress on the body. Aim for one rep every two seconds.
3. Stick to low-impact, light cardio.
