QUESTION:
Should I cycle off & on a test booster and how? I’m over 60 years old – workout 5 days per week – just finished MFT28 (only did morning routine vs twice per day). Started your 8 week program yesterday.
Eric
ANSWER:
Hi Eric. It is a great idea to cycle off of natural testosterone boosters. We can see the life cycles of herbs in nature are cyclical. They come into season, blossom, exist for a few weeks, then inevitably disappear until it’s time to come into season again. I suppose you could say nature is a great teacher if we pay attention to it closely enough.
Even safe herbs, with no harmful side effects, work best in cycles. One of the most fascinating mechanisms in the human body is how quickly our metabolisms adapt to the effects of stimulatory compounds. This holds true with compounds like caffeine, alcohol, street drugs, many prescription drugs, and even herbal supplements.
When certain substances are new to our cell receptors, they trigger a powerful response. However, after a substance has repeatedly bound to those receptors for an extended period of time, the receptors begin to get “tired”. Thus, it reduces the binding capacity of the compounds of a particular substance.
For example, the herb echinacea is noted for boosting the immune system to fight against infections. Research indicates that echinacea will provide a maximal effect after roughly 5 days of use. But, it then begins to lose its immune system boosting pizzazz. To avoid this potency decline, many herbalists suggest following a cycle of echinacea use for 5 consecutive days, followed by a 2-day break. This is a popular cycling method that can be used for herbs and also natural testosterone boosters used long-term for continual hormonal support.
Usage Directions
I’ve noticed that the usage directions of many natural testosterone boosters will suggest a 4-8 week cycle followed by a 1-2 week break. I’ve implemented both methods of cycling before and never noticed any significant advantage of one method over the other. I will say that my preferred method of cycling Test Charge is 4 weeks on, followed by a 1-week break before beginning another 4-week cycle again.
Depending on the particular testosterone booster you’re using, different methods of cycling may be appropriate. I’d caution you to do your research on whatever test boosters you decide to use. Certain types may actually be counter-productive to use for any length of time.
Take D-Aspartic acid (DAA) for example. Just a few years ago, this non-essential amino acid was touted as the most powerful testosterone booster on the planet. A number of recent human studies demonstrated that (DAA) did not impact the testosterone levels of subjects at all. A few of those studies even indicated that this ingredient actually suppressed male testosterone levels during those trials.
This breaking research didn’t surprise me one bit, as I recall trying the product when it first came out. I didn’t notice any benefits whatsoever while I was taking it.
Glad to hear you’ve begun my 8-week plan! A point I want to make about it is that although it’s set up to be followed for 8 weeks, you can follow this plan for much longer time periods. At the end of 8 weeks, I suggest taking a 1-week break to let your body recover. Then, go ahead and give it another 8 weeks! Please feel free to let us know how it works out for you!
I wish you all the best of success in your health and fitness endeavors!
Prove ‘Em Wrong,
Chad Shaw
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