Low testosterone can lead to poor health and rapid aging in both men and women

Low testosterone can lead to poor health and rapid aging in both men and women

Testosterone levels in American men are falling at an alarming rate. According to Healio Endocrine Today, we have witnessed a dramatic decline in the hormone over the last two decades. Even more worrying, these decreases are independent of age. In the past, it was normal to see testosterone drop as a man grew older, but now researchers are seeing a plunge in younger men too.

Low testosterone isn't simply an inconvenience, it can be life threatening. A study presented at the Endocrine Society in Toronto found that men with inadequate testosterone had a 33 percent greater risk of death over the course of the next 18 years compared to those with higher testosterone. A deficiency in the hormone also contributes to prostate and testicular cancer, erectile dysfunction, poor muscle mass, fatigue, insomnia and memory/concentration problems.

Women can also suffer from low testosterone, especially in a society that relies heavily on plastic packaging, chemicals and pesticides. These toxins translate into xenoestrogens within the body and cause widespread endocrine system disruptions. When our hormones are knocked off balance, we can become estrogen dominant - leading to an increased risk of breast cancer, obesity, diabetes, infertility and miscarriage.

Fortunately, we can help alleviate the problem with specific lifestyle habits - and select supplements like pine pollen - that encourage hormonal equilibrium, healthy bodies and overall well-being.

Easy ways to clean up your life (and body)

No doubt about it, we're bombarded from every angle with toxins - especially those that mimic estrogen. And while we cannot completely escape exposure, we can dramatically reduce contact. Here are a few recommendations to get you started:

Avoid food sprayed with pesticides, herbicides or fungicides. Instead, opt for a completely organic diet. If you eat meat or dairy, choose organic whenever possible. At the very least, make sure these products are free of added growth hormones.

Reduce your exposure to plastic, especially in regards to cooking and food storage. Paper bags are ideal for purchasing bulk foods. And stop drinking any bottled water that isn't in glass, even if the plastic bottle is BPA-free. Use natural cleaning, laundry, tooth care and beauty products that are void of sodium lauryl sulfate, chemicals and ingredients like parabens and stearalkonium chloride.

Conventional paint, carpet, bedding and wood stain off-gas problematic toxins. Use low-VOC and environmentally friendly products instead.

Over and above adopting a clean diet and household, pine pollen holds great promise in alleviating estrogen dominance by balancing the hormones with naturally occurring testosterone.

An anti-aging wonder

One of the few sources of testosterone in the plant world, pine pollen has been used by both men and women in traditional cultures as a potent libido enhancer and anti-aging elixir. It's also considered a powerful adaptogen and tonic for the lung, kidney, liver, heart and spleen.

The pollen is rich in vitamins A, B, C, D and E, along with the minerals potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, copper, selenium and zinc. It also contains a spectrum of amino acids. Moreover, pine pollen is a good source of DHEA and bio-available androstenedione (a steroid believed to increase the level of serum testosterone).

Pine pollen is available in tincture and powdered form. To reap the full benefit, absorb the diluted extract under the tongue, which will largely bypass the digestive process. Additionally, take pine pollen with nettle for maximum, synergetic value.