What is the underlying cause of impotence, depression, fatigue, excess body fat and osteoporosis in an estimated four million American men? Low Testosterone.

Natural supplements can be an alternative to creams, gels and patches. Dietary changes are slower but have less side effects.

For men, testosterone and DHEA ( a precursor hormone for testosterone) diminish after the age of 40. Actually the peak age is 17 and then production slowly falls off for the rest of your life. It does not become noticeable until around 40 plus.

Your doctor can perform a simple test to measure your testosterone. Normal levels range from 300 to 1,000 ng/dl.

Talk to him - you may be able to get some changes going using what nature has provided.

Traditionally Asia's most prized herb for hundreds of years is Ginseng root. Most of North America's crop of ginseng is mainly shipped to China. Ginseng is supposed to increase blood flow.

Sarsaparill contains a testosterone-like substance. Most main stream physicians will tell you that it has no effect.

Saw Palmetto at 120-360 mg daily is supposed to reduce the conversion of testosterone to estrogen. (see Low Testosterone)

Diet and Testosterone

Adjust your diet to make sure you get the good stuff. Zinc, Manganese and Niacin (B3) are absolutely essential. Add pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.

Milk Thistle is a good source of zinc and is very helpful to your liver.

Niacin is found in beef liver and brewer's yeast. If you go the beef liver route be sure it is grass fed beef. Use caution in supplements as Niacin (B3) in amounts over 500 mg may cause liver damage.

Of course, if you already have diabetes, glaucoma, gout, ulcers or any liver disease you must consult your physician before adding additional B3 supplements to your diet.

The FDA and traditionally physicians do not believe that DHEA supplements taken orally do any good. That being said, the suggested way to take DHEA is 2 weeks, discontinue for 2 weeks and then repeat. Taking this supplement daily continually is detrimental.

If you have read about Yohimbe and are tempted - use caution. This herb has been associated with panic attacks, hallucinations, elevated blood pressure, headaches and dizziness. It is also bad for the kidneys.

Flavonoids (whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables) are protective in coronary heart disease, stroke and cancer. Research is being done to determine if one flavonoid, chrysin, found in high concentrations in honey could inhibit the aromatase action that turns testosterone into estrogen. If it does work, that would increase the level of testosterone. If it doesn't work, at least you are doing good things for your heart.