madman
Super Moderator
In this episode, hosts Dr. Kevin Chu and Dr. Justin Dubin delve into the world of testosterone-boosting supplements with expert Dr. Geo Espinosa. As patients frequently inquire about these well-known supplements, the conversation aims to clarify their efficacy and whether they can serve as an alternative to traditional testosterone therapy.
Dr. Geo Espinosa, a naturopathic and functional medicine doctor at NYU's Department of Urology, offers invaluable insights into prostate health, penile health, and male testosterone. As the CMO and formulator for XY Wellness and Mr. Happy, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the discussion. Dr. Espinosa is also the co-founder and producer of the popular male health website drgeo.com and the well-received podcast, "The Dr. Geo Podcast."
Dr. Dubin and Dr. Chu draw on their experience in the biohacking and supplement space to discuss the literature surrounding testosterone enhancement. They emphasize that while many individuals aspire to take a natural approach to boost their testosterone levels, it’s important to understand that supplements alone may not achieve therapeutic levels for those diagnosed with hypogonadism. Instead, they focus on the concepts of optimizing and improving testosterone levels through supplementation.
This episode promises to be both informative and engaging, shedding light on the role of supplements in testosterone optimization.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
04:08 Interest in Testosterone Boosting Supplements
07:50 Trust and Reputable Brands in Healthcare
14:10 Lifestyle Factors in Optimizing Testosterone Levels
22:32 Specific Supplements for Testosterone Optimization
24:46 The Significance of Mitochondrial Health and Exercise
37:06 Considerations for Dosage and Frequency of Supplements
44:05 Exploring Different Dosages of Supplements
49:49 Toxicity and Water Solubility of Vitamins
52:16 Individualized Treatment and Goal Setting
55:25 Testosterone Boosting Supplements for Prostate Cancer Patients
01:00:46 Myths and Misconceptions About Testosterone Boosting Supplements
01:02:53 Choosing the Right Whey Protein
01:11:36 Grass-Fed Whey Protein and Manufacturing Practices
01:13:38 Exercise and Testosterone Optimization
01:17:27 Supplements as Part of a Comprehensive Approach
Introduction to the Podcast
I’m an integrative practitioner, and if patients aren’t following my prescription on exercise and eating well, then all bets are off. Sometimes, they’re so down and out they can’t even go for a walk. I tell them, "Hey, get on TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy), and maybe you can wean off or stay on it if you're happy, depending on what the goals are." Fertility is an issue, of course.
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Episode IntroductionMy name is Dr. Kevin Chu, and as always, I’m joined by my co-host, Dr. Justin Dubin. This week, our episode is titled "TE Up: Understanding Testosterone-Boosting Supplements", featuring Dr. Gio Espinosa. Justin, this was a great episode where we talked about these infamous supplements. Many of our patients ask, “Will this help? Can we take this instead of testosterone therapy?” It was fascinating because there was a lot I didn’t know going into it.
Discussion on Testosterone SupplementsKevin: Yes, I agree. Both of us have dabbled a bit in the biohacking space, and supplements. But of course, we don’t know them as well as Dr. Gio. The big takeaway is that many people want to go the natural route, and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, for people who have very low testosterone (true hypogonadal), it’s very unlikely that supplements alone will get them to a therapeutic level. Would you agree with that?
Justin: Absolutely. I think the key is optimizing and improving. Supplements can augment, but they may not get you directly to the treatment goal.
Introduction of Dr. Gio Espinosa
Kevin: Dr. Gio Espinosa, a naturopathic and functional medicine specialist at the Department of Urology at NYU, has joined us today. He’s probably the only naturopathic physician I know in a urology department. He specializes in prostate health, penile health, male health, and testosterone. Dr. Gio is also the CMO and formulator at the male-focused nutraceutical company, XY Wellness.
Why Do Men Want Natural Testosterone Boosters?
Kevin: Let’s start with the big picture. Why do you think so many people are interested in natural supplements for boosting testosterone?
Dr. Gio: Honestly, it’s because they don’t trust doctors or the medications we prescribe. People think, “If a doctor recommends it, it’s probably not good for you.” They are concerned about side effects, so they seek natural alternatives.
Efficacy of Testosterone-Boosting Supplements
Kevin: A common question our listeners ask is, “How effective are testosterone-boosting supplements?”
Dr. Gio: Supplements work, but it’s unlikely they’ll replace true testosterone replacement therapy for those with very low levels. The key is optimizing and improving. Some men respond very well even with 350 total testosterone, depending on how free testosterone is functioning in their body. It’s about making sure the body is optimized, not just focusing on numbers.
Supplements and Quality Concerns
Justin: One of our big concerns is that supplements aren’t FDA-regulated. How do we know what makes a good supplement versus a scam?
Dr. Gio: Supplements are regulated to an extent, but they aren’t tested before they hit the market. It’s important to go with reputable brands that follow good manufacturing practices. Be wary of supplements from unknown companies that may not have the quality control you need.
Key Testosterone-Boosting Supplements
Kevin: Can you share which supplements are most effective for testosterone boosting?
Dr. Gio: The ones I rely on are ashwagandha, tongkat ali, and adaptogens like rhodiola. Ashwagandha has been shown to improve sperm quality and testosterone. Tonkat ali is another good one with strong research backing. However, some popular ones like Tribulus aren’t as effective, despite their popularity.
Lifestyle and Testosterone
Kevin: Supplements aside, what other factors should men consider in boosting their testosterone naturally?
Dr. Gio: Exercise is the number one factor. If you exercise and sleep well, that’s going to help a lot. Weightlifting, especially large muscle groups like legs and back, can help optimize testosterone receptors and production.
Final Advice
Kevin: As we wrap up, what final advice do you have for someone considering testosterone-boosting supplements?
Dr. Gio: They can work, but they won’t replace TRT if you have very low testosterone. Make sure you’re using supplements from reputable sources, and remember that exercise, sleep, and a healthy lifestyle are crucial in optimizing testosterone.
Justin: Thanks again to Dr. Gio for joining us. For our listeners, make sure to check out his podcast and website at DrGio.com, and as always, subscribe to ManUp on YouTube, Spotify, and iTunes. See you next time!
