DHEA Supplements
Updated Mar. 06th, 2024 | Read Time: 2 Minutes | What You Will Learn:
- Key Health Benefits of DHEA
- Top Ways To Get More DHEA In Your Diet
- Increasing DHEA Through Diet
- Supplements For DHEA
- Cautions & Considerations of DHEA Supplements
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone that is produced in the adrenal gland and acts as a precursor to over 50 different hormones in the human body. As you age, your body produces less DHEA and researchers believe that low levels of DHEA can be a factor in the development of "old age" symptoms. Some of the most important hormones that DHEA can be converted to are the sex hormones, estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Let's explore DHEA supplements and how you can keep these levels elevated.
Key Health Benefits of DHEA
DHEA supplements may be beneficial for low libido, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity, loss of muscle mass, memory problems, blood clots, depression, and fatigue. By increasing muscle mass & energy, DHEA can also improve athletic performance. These effects are likely caused by increases in testosterone levels.
Top Ways To Get More DHEA In Your Diet
Increasing DHEA Through Diet
There are several options to enhance the body's production of DHEA without taking DHEA supplements. By supporting the function of the adrenal gland the body can optimize its DHEA levels, relative to a person's age. Essential fatty acid and protein intake is important. Essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 fats, are used to make steroid molecules, the precursors to hormones like DHEA. Protein intake is also extremely important to reap the benefits of increased DHEA since protein is what the body uses to build muscle and repair tissue under the direction of hormones like DHEA.
Supplements For DHEA
Vitamins and minerals that support adrenal function include the B complex, especially B5, vitamin and zinc. Adaptogenic Herbs that support the adrenal gland, include all types of ginseng, astragalus, licorice, shiitake and maitake. Some herbs contain molecules that look like steroids and can similarly stimulate the body to hormones like DHEA. These herbs include Tribulus (puncture vine) and Damiana.
Cautions & Considerations of DHEA Supplements
DHEA is a restricted substance in Canada because it affects the levels of many hormones in the body. Large-scale human trials have not been conducted to assess the safety of this hormone in supplemental use. In other countries, it is found as encapsulated powder. Interestingly, another form of DHEA, known as 7-keto DHEA has some of the benefits of DHEA (weight loss, PMS, and cholesterol regulation), but does not convert into estrogen or testosterone and therefore has fewer contraindications than DHEA.
