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When was the last time you gave some thought to your testosterone levels?
If you’re under the age of 30, probably never. If you’re over 30, maybe once in a while, usually while looking in the mirror and wondering why you can’t make gains in the gym anymore.
If you’re over 40, you likely think about testosterone frequently, especially on those occasions when getting it up isn’t as easy as it was back in your younger days.
Low level of testosterone can sneak up on a guy, and some of the symptoms include erectile dysfunction, and reduced bone mass and sex drive.
There are numerous reasons your T-levels might be out of whack, and one major cause could be poor eating habits.
AskMen elicited the help of several nutritionists and health experts to discuss the causes of lower testosterone. Dr. Axe provided a quick list of some of the foods men consume that might be causing your T to go lowercase.
It’s everything we consume daily.
Well, almost everything.
Here are the biggest culprits, according to the experts.
Fried Foods
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Fried foods. Is there anything they can’t screw up?!?
“Fried foods, especially those from fast food joints, are bad news because they contain trans fats, according to the The Nutrition Twins, Lyssie Lakatos and Tammy Lakatos Shames.“ Studies have found that trans fat consumption from foods like these have been associated with lower testosterone levels and lower sperm count and they may even be connected to decreased testicular function.”
The women suggest limiting fast food intake to once or twice a week, but honestly, even that seems like too much.
Non-Dairy Creamers
Need a little creamer to cut down the harshness of your morning coffee? It could be causing you to go limp.
“While some brands have started using healthier oils, most contain sugar and partially hydrogenated oil, which have been shown to lower testosterone and testicular volume,” say The Nutrition Twins. “Read labels and swap out any non-dairy coffee creamers that contain hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oil for those that don’t or use almond milk instead.”
And if you’ve got the balls, just drink it black.
Soy Products
If you read the last section and thought, “that’s fine. I use soy milk in my coffee”, well we’ve got more bad news.
“The overall research is limited,” explains nutritionist Dr. Charles Passler, “but in an animal study, soy did show a reduction in testosterone.”
Passler recommends switching soy protein-based products to pea protein-based ones.
Dairy Products
“Dairy products may contain synthetic hormones which could influence testosterone levels,” say The Nutrition Twins. “Studies have shown that men who consume more dairy products, like milk, have higher levels of estradiol, a female hormone that can lower the body’s production of testosterone.”
Their suggestion – switch to nut-based milk.
Cheap Meat
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According to Dr. Josh Axe, founder of Ancient Nutrition, the “hormones used to treat non-organic, factory-farmed meats are suspected to possibly interfere with normal human hormone production.”
Instead, Dr. Axe (which might be the greatest doctor name ever) suggests buying grass-fed beef, pastured poultry, and wild fish, which provide omega-3 fatty acids. It will cost you a little more at checkout, but being healthy comes with a cost.
Other Testosterone-Depleting Foods
The article covers a few other T-zapping foods, including baked goods, booze, mint, and licorice root.
Eliminate these foods and see if your stamina and libido return. If nothing works or you’re just unsure about your testosterone levels, schedule a checkup with your doctor.
[via AskMen]
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Chris Illuminati is a 5-time published author and recovering a**hole who writes about success, fitness, parenting and occasionally pro wrestling. Reach out to him on Instagram & Twitter or email chris@brobible.com.