Need an increase in testosterone? Try these tricks

As men age, it's natural for testosterone levels to begin to decline. This decrease in testosterone not only has an effect on the sex drive, but it could lead to depressed mood as well as difficulties with concentration and memory. Testosterone is an important hormone in the body because it's responsible for inducing and maintaining male sex characteristics like sex drive and muscle health. Here are a few natural ways to give your testosterone levels a boost and enjoy all of the effects that come with it:

Increase zinc in your diet
Zinc is especially important for testosterone production, and eating the right foods is the best way to get it. Good sources of zinc include foods like shellfish, prawns, oysters, roasted pumpkin seeds and dark chocolate.

Take a daily supplement
Naturade Vitali-T-Aid Energy is a testosterone booster and may help to boost sex drive, performance and energy. This natural testosterone supplement was shown in two double-blind, placebo controlled, human clinical studies, along with exercise, to be both a safe and effective way to increase levels of testosterone in the body over an eight week period.

Weight loss
Being overweight may be having a negative effect on testosterone levels. According to Peak Fitness, overweight men are more likely to have low testosterone levels to begin with. In order to shed the pounds, start setting little goals for yourself. Swap out processed and refined foods for things like whole fruit, vegetables, whole grains and nuts. Watch the amount of calories that you're drinking throughout the day as well. Fancy coffee drinks like sugar-filled lattes and frappucinos can contain as many calories as an entire lunch.

Incorporating strength training into your routine may also be necessary in order to increase testosterone levels. Start off slow and build up to heavier weights as you go.

Get more vitamin D
Vitamin D increases levels of testosterone, which may boost libido. Getting enough vitamin D is often a problem for many during the winter months when they don't see the sun very often. If you can't get outdoors to soak up this valuable vitamin, you could opt to take a supplement or fill up on foods like fish, oysters, caviar, fortified dairy products, eggs and mushrooms.

Fill up on the right foods
There are certain foods that may help to increase the production of testosterone in the body. Some of these foods include pineapples, apples, alfalfa sprouts, red peppers, tomatoes and eggs.

De-stress
The hormone cortisol is released when you're stressed out, which actually blocks the effects of testosterone. So if you're looking for a boost of the male hormone, find the best way to de-stress, whether that's taking a hot shower, relaxing on the couch watching TV or reading a book.