We all have a good high-level understanding of what eating habits to keep and what lifestyle to follow to maintain a healthy body and keep testosterone high.
But are you also aware of the foods that kill testosterone or might lower T-levels in your body?
Some of these foods do have other desired nutrients which the body needs for healthy functioning. But they can also be counterproductive from a testosterone perspective.
Testosterone is one of the major sex hormones in the body. Although men produce more testosterone, it is an important hormone for women as well.
Here is the list of the testosterone killing foods :
Soy Foods and Testosterone
A study published in German Medical Journal , points that soy are structurally and functionally analogous to the estrogens. But concludes that more research is needed to make a final verdict.
However, another related study showed that breast tenderness and estrogen concentrations returned to normal after a man stopped using soy.
Phytoestrogens, which are abundantly found in soy may affect the body’s testosterone level by increasing the estrogen in the male body.
However, a deep study is still required to take the final call.
Also called Edamame, these are most commonly used as ingredients in a variety of regular food we eat.
High levels of soy in a woman’s body can decrease sex hormones and disrupt her ovarian function, said a study in the Journal of Nutrition. It eas noted that about half a serving of soy per day was enough to slash sperm count by 40 percent in healthy males, the Harvard School of Public Health found.
Dairy and Testosterone
Dietary Estrogen which is the dominant female sex hormone is abundantly found in dairy and other related products.
Studies have shown that men who consume more milk and dairy products have higher levels of estradiol which is another female hormone. This can lower the body’s production of testosterone the primary male sex hormone with the effect of raising voice pitches, increasing male breasts and erectile dysfunction.
Over 80 percent of commercial milk originates from pregnant cows: a time when their estrogen levels are markedly high. With years of genetic tampering, cows and buffaloes now give milk throughout their pregnancy, which only does more harm then good.
Alcohol and Testosterone
Alcohol negatively impacts every aspect of the body including hormones.
The three glands that produce testosterone are :
- hypothalamus gland releases a hormone called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which acts on your anterior pituitary gland.
- The anterior pituitary gland then releases luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
- In response to LH and FSH, your testes then synthesize testosterone.
Alcohol can disrupt testosterone production by interfering with all three glands.
Mint and Testosterone
Mint is very popular as a soothing tea and refreshing evening drink with plethora of recipies that mention it as a vital ingredient.
However, a review posted to BMC Complementary & Alternative Medicine noted that there is some high-quality evidence showing that mint lowers testosterone levels in women with PCOS.
However, there is not enough high-quality evidence surrounding the effect of the herb in general or specifically to males and their testosterone levels.
Processed Food
This one is most widely understood towards killing testosterone level. All the processed food contains Trans fats which has been directly linked to an increased risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and inflammation.
Additionally, some studies have found that regularly consuming trans fats from sources like processed foods could decrease testosterone levels.
For example, one study in 209 men showed that those who consumed the highest amounts of trans fats had 15% lower levels of testosterone than those with the lowest intake.
Licorice root And Testosterone
Extracts of licorice root are widely used in many countries as flavoring agents, breath fresheners, or candy. The active component of licorice is glycyrrhizic acid, which is hydrolyzed in vivo to glycyrrhetinic acid.
Glycyrrhizic acid interrupts the conversion of a testosterone precursor into the male hormone.
A key differentiation is to understand that this applies to licorice root rather than licorice candy, which often doesn’t contain any licorice root.
Flaxseeds and Testosterone
Flaxseeds are the in thing nowadays where every dietary expert from amateur to professional is sprinkling flaxseeds on almost all their meals.
Even though they are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, there has been a link with flaxseeds contributing to killing testosterone.
But more large-scale studies are needed to further evaluate the effects of flaxseed on testosterone levels.
Shrimp and Testosterone
As per the pesticide data program , a human body is exposed to a dozen different varieties of pesticides through food and packaging. Most of these are endocrine disruptors, meaning they impact our male.female hormones.
One of the most estrogenic is 4-hexyl resorcinol, which is applied to shrimp to prevent them from discoloration. Other seafood with high pesticide loads: tilapia, eel, and farmed salmon.
Sugar and Testosterone
Sugar is everywhere and bound to enter your system even if you are not adding spoon full in your tea or coffee.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital have found that glucose ingestion was associated with a significant decrease in the male hormone testosterone.
The study, published in the journal Clinical Endocrinology, shows that 75g of sugar intake causes a 25 per cent drop in testosterone levels for up to two hours after consumption.
Making an effort to mindful stay away from sugar could be just what doctors will prescribe for your testosterone.
Canned food and Testosterone
Canned food is notoriously high in sodium and can lead to erratic blood pressure. Additionally, it also affects the normal blood flow to various body parts, including genitals.
Stick with fresh food which is home cooked and mindfully garnished.
Plastic Water bottle
The main culprit here is Bisphenol A, commonly referred to as BPA which is a chemical component found in most plastic food containers and cans.
A study in the journal Fertility & Sterility found a direct relation between urinary BPA concentration in men and lower total sperm count, concentration and vitality.
Women with the highest BPA levels in the body saw a reduction in the number of eggs that matured, according to a study out of Harvard School of Public Health.
Beets and Testosterone
Honestly, beets are one of the best food out there which are just loaded with nutrients.
However, like any root food, it also contains estrogen enhancing compounds which can cause further testosterone depletion if there is already a depletion.
So choose your quantity wisely.
Caffeine and Testosterone
It has been reported several times that having coffee can lead to anxiety in individuals causing them to feel jittery. This not being a common occurrence, but it has led to erratic libido patterns in males.
So know your body and choose coffee wisely.
Medication and Testosterone
Certain medications like Antidepressants and Adderall can interrupt how your body produces and manages hormones like serotonin, epinephrine, and dopamine, which all influence your sex drive.
As such medications are vital to treating individuals, make sure you are consuming just the right dosage and not going overboard.
Also, speak to your physician and explore alternatives like mulitmodal therapies and life style changes that can decrease the reliance on these testosterone killing influencers.
—
Previously Published on Dad Tribe
—
