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So it really does exist, this elixir of life that can help you to live a longer but above all good and healthy life. The surprise is - your body produces it itself. It's called DHEA and is one of the most important hormones when it comes to anti-ageing. In this article, I'll show you how you can boost your own DHEA production.

DHEA pills have long been a bestseller in the USA. Here in Germany, we are not yet sure what the long-term effects of taking them will be, although there are also doctors here who suspect unfair interests on the part of the pharmaceutical industry behind this behaviour. As DHEA could turn back the clock, the pharmaceutical giants would lose some of their customers who are plagued by age-related complaints. It's nice to know that you can do your bit to produce more DHEA yourself!

What DHEA can do

DHEA is produced by the adrenal glands ("adrenal glands" in the picture below) and the amount produced decreases with age. This is why we get tired more quickly with age, tend to become depressed, put on weight easily and can no longer rely on our immune system as much. So it's just as well that we have an influence on how quickly DHEA production decreases. Because the more DHEA we have, the more power and libido we have, as testosterone and oestrogen are produced from this hormone. DHEA production is therefore very important for a balanced hormone balance. DHEA balances the stress hormones and helps to maintain insulin sensitivity in old age (and thus prevents the development of adult-onset diabetes).

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As bone cells obtain their oestrone (an oestrogen) directly from DHEA, a good DHEA level is a good preventive measure against osteoporosis. DHEA supports the formation of transmitters in the brain and thus ensures better stress tolerance and the maintenance of mental health. In addition, this hormone acts against vascular ageing and thus ensures the health of the cardiovascular system. All in all, DHEA increases our ability to perform and recover to such an extent that the hormone is now considered a doping agent in sport.

DHEA tablets: yes or no?

As I said, opinions differ on this issue. Some call it criminal neglect that DHEA has not been administered to all older people for a long time. The hormone is banned here, but is very easy to obtain abroad and via the internet. In the USA, it is sold freely available in drugstores and has long since become a hit. Doctors Schmitt-Homm and Homm recommend the following substitution for age prophylaxis in their book "Handbuch Anti-Aging und Prävention": 

35 - 40 years: Women: 10 - 25 mg Men: 10 - 25 mg

40 - 50 years: Women: 10 - 35 mg Men: 25 - 50 mg

50 - 60 years: Women: 15 - 50 mg Men: 25 - 100 mg

Over 60 years: Women: 20 - 50 mg Men: 25 - 100 mg

It is recommended to start with a low dose of 5 to 10 mg and observe the body's reaction for a while. As DHEA is produced quite simply from the yam root, these products have a pleasingly low price.

Swallowing DHEA - better not?

The other camp finds it irresponsible to substitute DHEA without long-term studies (on the other hand, I am surprised that many other drugs and products, such as e-cigarettes, manage without long-term studies without bothering anyone). Side effects are repeatedly pointed out without mentioning that these only occur with an extreme overdose from about 1 g daily (see the recommendations above, they are far from this amount). What I find very surprising are concerns based on the argument that it is questionable to interfere with the sensitive human hormone system. Are these really the same doctors who prescribe the pill to 15-year-old girls without batting an eyelid? Hmm.

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In an initial well-documented study on 40 to 70-year-olds, the administration of DHEA was able to rejuvenate the entire organism and achieve blood values of young people. Nevertheless, people remain sceptical. I suspect the same problems exist here as with natural hormones. No pharmaceutical company can get its hands on natural substances and if doctors cure people without the cash register ringing, where will we end up?

DHEA - a happy medium

A good middle ground is to do a saliva hormone test and talk to a doctor who knows about this (and only one like that, please). I have a Video on the topic of natural hormones DHEA is mentioned there in connection with burnout.

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This is exactly the kind of doctor who is familiar with the subject. They look at your hormone status, listen to your symptoms and can then give you a good recommendation. Hormones also fluctuate, so a test is no substitute for your own feelings.

Natural ways to achieve a good DHEA level

As you can see, it's not an easy thing to do. As I don't feel like taking an unnecessary amount of medication every day, I thought I'd look around for measures that can be used to support DHEA levels. After all, there are usually a number of internal and external factors that influence the availability and production of hormones. Searched, found, here are things you can do to maintain optimal DHEA levels into old age:

1. relaxation

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In a stress clinic, patients were trained in various relaxation techniques so that they were able to raise their blood levels of DHEA using various psychological techniques. "Stress kills hormones," said Dr Plakolm in my interview. Interview. This also applies to DHEA. There is nothing that depletes DHEA as quickly as stress. Even in mine Interview with Dr Levan a similar sentence was uttered: "Stress eats youth," he said. In times like these, being able to deal with stress well is becoming a key skill when it comes to health and a good life. Yoga, meditation, walks, breathing exercises - whatever suits you and appeals to you is good. Just don't let everyday life consume you. Just 10 minutes of conscious breathing will change the composition of your hormones. If that isn't the quickest and cheapest way to health...

2. calorie reduction

No, nobody likes to hear that. The fact remains that the less we eat, the longer we stay biologically young. Ageing is simply delayed at all levels. Years ago, this phenomenon was known as "dinner cancelling"; the modern term is "intermittent fasting". No matter what it is called, of all the anti-ageing methods, this is one that is pretty sure to work.

In this context, I always like to write about my husband, who I have had by my side for 21 years now and who has always gone without dinner. After more than 20 years, it's easy to see whether this is making a difference. He's now 45, slim and apart from a few grey hairs, the ravages of time don't really seem to be taking their toll. When it comes to running, he easily outstrips people 20 years his junior and recently climbed a rope 6 metres high with ease.

"A consistent reduction in energy intake leads to a stabilisation of youthful DHEA levels", reads the "Handbook of Anti-Aging and Prevention". Long-term studies with monkeys have shown that with a permanent reduction in food energy intake, the DHEA level remained at the youthful level into old age. And with it their power, health and libido.

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I find this topic extremely interesting. I know a woman from the Slovakian media who is around 110 years old and still relatively fit. She has a quirk - she keeps a dress from her youth in her wardrobe and makes sure it fits all her life. "If the dress is ever too tight for her, she immediately cancels dinner," says her great-granddaughter. The old lady probably doesn't even realise that she owes her longevity and health to this quirk...

3. herbs

Panax ginseng and Siberian ginseng, the so-called taiga root, are recommended here. Both help to cope better with stress and have many beneficial properties that benefit the body. Panax ginseng has also been described as the healthiest food on earth.

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Both the yam root and the maca root increase DHEA production in a natural way. A pleasant side effect for women is that both roots also have a very positive effect on the Progesterone levels impact. Maca root is often recommended as an anti-ageing food.

Ashwagandha has been shown to be able to increase DHEA levels and reduce cotisol levels by up to 26%. Many people do not realise that they have chronically elevated cortisol levels due to daily stress, which depletes the adrenal glands and stands in the way of good DHEA production. Ashwagandha has a positive effect on this mechanism.

Rhodiola rosea or rose root is a plant that is also recommended in this context. I have not been able to find out whether it has a direct influence on DHEA production or an indirect favourable effect, as it effectively helps to deal with stressful situations. Even if it only helps indirectly in this way, it is recommended as stress is the ultimate hormone killer.

4. food supplements

A study proves the connection between vitamin D intake and an increased production of DHEA. This means that you should either spend enough time in the sun (which is often not possible in our latitudes), or you can get vitamin D drops, which are characterised by a wide range of positive effects.

Vitamin B5 and B6. Vitamin B5 strengthens the adrenal glands and is generally recommended against adrenal insufficiency, where DHEA is produced. Vitamin B6 helps the body to produce more serotonin and therefore to be happier and more relaxed.

Magnesium. The magnesium level and the DHEA level seem to go hand in hand. As women are often recommended to take magnesium anyway, there is nothing to be said against ensuring a good supply. Taken before going to bed, it improves the quality of sleep, which in turn has a positive effect on hormone levels, see below. An increase in magnesium and DHEA levels of 10% causes a 48% reduction in the death rate from cardiovascular diseases and a 36% reduction in the death rate in general from any ailment.

5. movement

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You think it's old hat that exercise is healthy? Yes, it is, but one whose importance cannot be emphasised often enough. There are studies that clearly show that DHEA levels also increase in older people after exercise. This applies to both aerobic and anaerobic exercise. So you can go for a walk, swim, run, cycle or do Pilates and lift weights. Strength training becomes increasingly important with age anyway, as muscle mass decreases and the metabolism slows down with it.

6. sleep

If you don't get enough restful sleep, you are not doing your hormones any good. Insufficient sleep causes cortisol levels to rise and DHEA levels to fall. Anyone who knows anything about a good night's sleep knows that they should ideally relax before going to bed. Sleep is no substitute for relaxation. It is good to relax before going to bed so that the body can allow its inner healer to work overnight. Many people also underestimate the effect of coffee. Even if it is only drunk in the morning, it can have a negative effect on the depth of sleep. Incidentally, coffee attacks the adrenal glands so that they produce adrenaline and keep us awake. If you have serious hormonal problems, you should reconsider your coffee consumption.

Recognising DHEA deficiency

As I said, there are doctors who recommend taking DHEA preventatively (and who certainly and obviously take it themselves). If you are a little sceptical here, you probably want to know how you can recognise a DHEA deficiency. If you always or much more often than you are used to feel weak and tired and your libido leaves a lot to be desired, these could be such signs. Many doctors don't take such complaints seriously and simply say that it's just the menopause. These are not doctors who can guide you well. You must always take yourself seriously. You often have to take matters into your own hands.

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If you still have just enough energy to get through the working day, you should do something about it. Over time, such conditions often lead to withdrawal and social isolation, often followed by problems in relationships and depression. Increasing body fat at the expense of muscle also indicates hormonal changes that could belong in this category. I will never forget a client who was burnt out for 10 years. In the end, her DHEA levels were found to be extremely low. Low DHEA levels are behind many burn-outs. It doesn't have to get that far.

If you decide to take DHEA tablets, pay close attention to your body's reaction. If you get acne or increased hair growth, the dose is too high. If you want to be on the safe side, consult a doctor who is familiar with natural hormones.

DHEA - the substance our vitality is made of

Our strength, our energy, is the fabric from which we spin our lives. Who wants to spend decades bumbling along? The odd old-age depression could be cured with DHEA. DHEA is the fuel from which our energy is generated. I have written this article because I think it is important that we know about the connections in our body. Knowledge is power. And can lead to a better life here and there.

You might also be interested in this:

Dien Chan and the secret of youth

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Bioidentical hormones - Interview with Dr Plakolm