7-keto dhea is the intermediary metabolite of dhea and is responsible for a number of dhea benefits such as increased fat loss, and strengthening your immune system. Another plus is that it does not convert to testosterone or estrogen!
The name 7-Keto Dhea is actually a brand name for a chemical called (3-acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandros-terone). This hormone is produced in the skin, adrenal glands, and the brain. When the levels of this hormone decline, health declines as well.
Bodyfat increases, and cortisol increases relative to the decrease in 7 keto dhea. This cortisol dominance damages your immune system, and is another reason to consider supplementing with 7-keto dhea.
Why not just use DHEA?
Dhea levels decline in the body from about 20 years of age on upward. They take a big drop (around 50%) by age 50. This natural decline in anabolic hormones like dhea, and testosterone, corresponds with us getting weaker, fatter, and having less energy. Just what you would expect from aging.
You can supplement with dhea, and if careful done (preferably under a doctor’s supervision) the dhea benefits will be worthwhile. However, there can be problems because of dhea’s conversion to both testosterone (not a bad thing) and estrogen, (definitely a bad thing!)
Let’s take men for example. If a man is given a PSA test that comes back with a high reading, his doctor may not want to risk using dhea because of the conversion to estrogen, which can cause problems with the prostate.
He can however give that man the 7-keto version, which does not convert to estrogen, but DOES increase fat loss and boost the immune system. In other words you get the benefits of dhea, without the increase risks.
Benefits of 7-Keto Dhea
So what exactly are the benefits of this version of dhea? They all revolve around antiaging and involve better body composition (fat loss) and improved immune response.
- Reductions in diastolic blood pressure
- Increases in HDL and improved cardiovascular profile
- Enhances production of ATP (adenosine tri-phosphate)
- Enhances production of IGF-1 (insulin like growth factor)
- Helps promote reductions in cortisol
- Helps regulate thyroid function
- Promotes stronger immune system
- Increases fat loss
With all these benefits, it’s no surprise that 7-keto was recently featured on the Dr. Oz show, as a valuable supplement for fat loss/weight loss, without the risks of dangerous diet pills.
Dr. Oz while believing in integrative medicine, has a reputation to protect, and so he is careful to “do his homework,” in regards to the things he promotes on his show, so you can be sure that 7-keto-dhea was thoroughly researched before the segment he did on it.
Which One and How Many
Ok so we know that this supplement is something that may dovetail quite nicely with your antiaging efforts, but what form should you take it in and how much do you need.
The supplement is generally made in capsules although some companies may provide it in tablet form. Always to with high quality sources for your supplements such as:
- Life Extension
- Jarrow Formulas
- Pure Encapulations
- Thorne
These companies have a track record of quality in their product lines and it’s worth spending a bit extra to ensure you are getting the real thing.
Dosages range from 25-50 milligrams per day, but this is an individual thing. You should always use the lowest dosage that you get a positive response from.
Naturally that is going to vary from person to person, but remember that this is a hormone, so you want to be conservative with your dosing.
If you are on any medications PLEASE talk to your doctor before taking this form of dhea (or any other supplement) as there can be interactions with medication that can cause serious problems. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
If your doctor is against ALL nutritional supplements, then perhaps you may want to see a physician who also has a knowledge of nutrition and nutritional supplementation. More and more doctors are incorporating nutrition into their medical practice, and you will want to have a doctor that is up to speed on all of these things.
Al in all, 7-keto dhea has emerged as a valuable supplement that provides the benefits of dhea while avoiding the problems of conversion to testosterone and estrogen. So, check into it out…it can be a valuable addition to your antiaging efforts!
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