Testosterone is a male sex hormone, found in both males and females. Apart from its role in małe masculinization and aggression, testosterone płays a pivotal role in brain functions of both male and females, especially in cognition.
Natural Testosterone.
Although testosterone can be artificially produced, it is a steroid hormone produced naturally in the leydig cells of male testicles, and the female ovaries. Little amounts of testosterone are also produced in the adrenal glands of both małes and females. But the ratio of testosterone in małe to that in females is about five to one.
Testosterone Chemistry
Testosterone belongs to the group of biochemicals known as steroids. It is naturally produced from a parent chemical, cholesterol, just like other steriods. Testosterone is a non polar, oily, water-hating substance. It is only soluble in lipids (fats), which makes it pass through the phospholipid bilayer of the body cell membranes. Therefore, the process of its removal from the body involves the metabolic attachment of charge to it, to make it dissolve in the polar solvent - water - in the extracellular fluid of the blood stream for its easy removal, through the kidneys, from the blood by ultrafiltration.
Structurally, testosterone is a four-ringed chemical structure with three hexagonal and one pentagonal rings arranged like two steps on a staircase - the pentagonal ring coming last at the upper step. This shape gives testosterone its oily nature.
The Cognitive Role of Testosterone
Testosterone is one of the numerous chemicals that influence brain performance. Although, there are conflicting opinions on the cognitive role of testosterone, and its definite mechanism of action on the brain to influence cognition has not established, so many studies show that testosterone improves cognition in old and/or hypogonadal men and women, Alzheimer's Disease patients, or other patients with cognitive impairment. Though there are many biochemicals that influence cognition, so many studies show that testosterone is important in influencing cognition in both males and females. Through neuroplastic action on the hippocampus, testosterone enhances spartial memory. It is a mood elevator that facilitates learning and memory. Testosterone is associated with planning and risk-taking in business, gaming, sports, research, academics and so on.
Testosterone is a mood elevator that its artificial form has been grossly abused by some sports men and women for performance enhancement -- doping. Mood elevators enhance physical and mental agility, which explains why it enhances learning and memory -- intelligence quotient. But they should not be abused. Many have died through steroid abuse!
Natural Ways of Boosting Testosterone Levels
Though, it is wrong and unhealthy to boost testosterone levels through artificial means, unless in the treatment of hypogonadism, Alzheimer's and other memory problems, mainly associated with old age, boosting testosterone levels naturally is a veritable means of improving brain health, cognition and general body wellness. Testosterone levels can be boosted throug:
Diet
Testosterone levels depend greatly on ones diet. Some important testosterone-boosting diet include protein-rich foods like chicken, beens, fish, beef. Others are diets rich in omega-3 fat (DHA) such as avocados, salmon and so on. Taking cholesterol-containing diets such as fatty beef in moderation also up-regulates testosterone levels.
Physical means
Testosterone correlates positively with muscle mass. The development of muscle mass is facilitated by testosterone. And testosterone is released naturally copiously during exercise. This copious release of testosterone enhances cognition to a large extent too.
Several modes of exercise can be used to hike blood testosterone flow. Some of these modes of exercise include push up, frog jump, skipping, lifting and so on.
Lifestyle
Choosing the best mode of living is another important means of hiking the blood testosterone levels. Testosterone-boosting mode of living include avoidance of solid, liquid or gaseous pollutants that contaminate the blood and damage the testicles in men or ovaries in females. Others are adequate exposure to sunlight, engaging in activities that boost self-esteem. Even if one is an introvert, one can learn to stick out their neck intermittently. This boosts testosterone flow and supply to the brain for improved cognition. Posture, as has been x-rayed in my earlier blog, is very important in boosting testosterone release, and suppression of cortisol levels in one's blood. One should also run away from alcohol bing to maintain adequate testosterone flow. Adequate sleep and rest are antidotes to stress, and boosts testosterone release.
Whatever that hikes testosterone flow, boosts cognition.
Festus C. Anaba, B Med.
