Men know testosterone’s important role in maintaining strength, energy, and overall health. However, did you also know certain foods can lower your testosterone levels?
Maintaining a proper diet is crucial for living well. For example, adequate intake of nutrients, including zinc, magnesium, and vitamin E, can improve mental energy and immunity, while healthy fats like omega-3s can also help regulate hormones, including testosterone production.
On the other hand, a poor diet high in processed foods and sugar can lead to rapid weight gain and other men’s health issues that can negatively impact testosterone levels. Therefore, making smart food choices and prioritizing good nutrition can positively impact your physical performance and mental wellness.
What Foods Kill Testosterone?
In this article, we will discuss 5 testosterone-killing foods that men should avoid.
Please note: Further research may be necessary to support these claims, therefore, it’s best to work with a men’s health nutritionist to help you choose the right meal or diet plan to boost testosterone naturally, increase energy, and improve immunity.
Soy Products
You may have heard someone tell you that soy products, including tofu and edamame, can raise estrogen levels in the body. The truth is soy contains high levels of isoflavones (or Phytoestrogens), which are plant compounds that mimic the effects of estrogen, but with weaker effects.
In fact, phytoestrogens as a dietary supplement, may be taken by menopausal women to help regulate hormones.
So, although soy may act more like estrogen, whether or not it will raise these levels and reduce testosterone production, depends on several factors, including how much estrogen you already have.
In short, it’s best to work with a men’s health doctor to decide how much soy is safe to consume, especially if you’re pursuing a vegetarian lifestyle.
Flaxseed
While flaxseed does have some important health benefits, such as helping stabilize blood sugar, consuming large amounts may negatively impact testosterone levels.
The reason for this is because like soy products, flaxseed contains high amounts of phytoestrogens. Therefore, you’ll want to be mindful of flaxseed in recipes and work with a professional to identify whether or not it’s affecting healthy testosterone production.
Alcohol
Excessive alcohol consumption (typically 15 drinks or more a week for men) can negatively impact testosterone levels. Alcohol is processed by the liver, which can decrease its ability to metabolize and excrete estrogen. This can lead to an increase in estrogen levels and a decrease in testosterone levels.
Let’s also remember that alcohol can affect other healthy bodily functions, affect normal sleeping patterns, and increase stress levels. Therefore, avoiding alcohol can create a positive impact on your body overall.
Learn more about alcohol consumption and its relationship to Low Testosterone (Low T) symptoms.
Processed Foods
Processed foods, including fast food, packaged snacks, and sugary drinks, are often high in trans fats and low in nutrient density.
These foods can lead to rapid weight gain and obesity, which are also associated with lower testosterone levels. Therefore, it’s best to stick to whole, unprocessed foods if you want to maintain healthy testosterone levels and overall good health.
Vegetable Oils
Several vegetable oils, such as canola and cottonseed, contain significant amounts of polyunsaturated fats. While these fats are necessary for a healthy diet, they may also decrease testosterone levels in men when consumed regularly.
Does Milk Lower Testosterone?
There is conflicting evidence on whether or not milk consumption harms testosterone levels. Some studies suggest that milk and dairy products may have estrogenic effects, potentially decreasing testosterone production. However, other research has found no significant correlation between milk intake and testosterone levels.
It is important to note that various factors, including age, diet, exercise, and medical conditions, can affect testosterone levels. Therefore, if you are concerned about your testosterone levels, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
How to Avoid Foods That Are Bad for Testosterone
A nutritious diet is vital to maintaining a healthy body and mind, but sometimes, we need some direction.
At EveresT Men’s Health, our experienced men’s health experts and nutritionists can help design a personal program that allows you to achieve your goals and conquer any obstacles standing in your way of living and feeling your best.
To learn more about our proactive men’s health services, including testosterone replacement, medical weight loss, and treatment for high blood pressure, you can contact one of our three locations to schedule an evaluation.
