Which Foods Kill Testosterone

What you eat can alter your hormone production, and testosterone is no exception. This major androgen is extremely important as it takes part in many bodily processes that are not limited to having a high libido and building muscle mass. Bone health, stamina, cognitive abilities, sleep quality, energy, and even motivation are linked to T-levels in men. 

If your testosterone levels leave much to be desired, which has been confirmed by the test, you should reconsider your diet and avoid certain foods that are thought to be the main culprits of low testosterone.

Fast food

Anything that contains trans fats in excessive amounts isn’t recommended for those who care about healthy testosterone levels. It doesn’t mean that you should forget about french fries, hotdogs, burgers, or potato chips. Make your own at home so that you are 100% sure they have no trans fats or at least limit your visits to your favorite fast food restaurant to once a week. 

Licorice root

It turns out that licorice owes its distinctive flavor to glycyrrhizic acid, which can cause a decline in T-levels. For instance, a healthy male who eats 7 grams of licorice root daily for about a week can expect his testosterone production to drop by as much as 26%. You can still eat licorice candies once in a while, but they shouldn’t be a part of your regular diet.

Soy Products

Bad news for vegans! Soy products contain plant-based estrogens that act just like female hormones in the human body. Needless to say, it can be detrimental for your T-levels. Though human research is scarce and not all studies have revealed the link between soy food and altered hormone levels, it’s better be safe than sorry and minimize the consumption of such products. 

Some fruits

Be careful with fruits you buy at the supermarket. In the USA, a lot of locally grown peaches, strawberries, and cherries (as well as some other fruits with edible skins) contain pesticides that might act as estrogen. Sticking to organic fruits won’t solve the problem since “organic” doesn’t mean” pesticide-free”. Just say no to such fruits, grow them yourself, or buy them from  farmers who don’t use such chemicals. 

Beets

Even though the health benefits of beets are quite impressive, these vegetables should be avoided by anyone who suffers from low testosterone issues. Yes, they even improve muscle function, but who cares about it when they can do harm to your libido?  

Microwave popcorn 

If you’re a fan of watching movies at home while eating popcorn you’ve prepared yourself in the microwave, you might regret it sooner or later. Among other harmful substances, it contains perfluorooctanoic acid that is damaging for testosterone levels and can even lead to prostate issues in the future. Frustrating? Not really. You can always switch to pre-made popcorn from the grocery store as it’s free from this scary substance.

Some seafood

Sadly, we’re exposed to a variety of pesticides that seriously threaten to disrupt our endocrine system. Even some seafood is notorious for having a high pesticide load. You should stay away from shrimps, eel, tilapia, and farmed salmon.

Dairy products

Surprise! Cow’s milk and dairy products might also negatively affect T-levels. Yes, marketers shouldn’t have invited male celebrities in the “Got Milk” ad campaign. The unsexy truth is that the way commercial dairy products are made makes them full to the brim with female hormones such as progesterone and estrogen. Also, farmers often add soy products to cows’ feed, which isn’t good for the hormone balance of milk users. 

Organic, grass-fed milk will be fine to drink occasionally though. 

Sweets and Sugary Drinks

Alas, too much sugar can screw up your T-levels, too. It leads to an increase in belly fat, which is a known inhibitor of the most important androgen. You might want to go easy on sugary drinks, pastries, doughnuts, and even products with artificial sweeteners (especially aspartame). In fact, diet soda is the worst as it can have a direct impact on our serotonin levels, contributing  to reduced sex drive. 

Don’t regret it as your body will thank you for a lighter sugar intake. 

Flaxseeds

Any wellness warrior will tell you that the nutritional value of flaxseeds is huge. However, don’t be so quick to add them to your porridge. Studies show that flaxseeds are rich in lignan, a chemical that forces testosterone to be cleared from your body. 

Alcoholic drinks

One more reason to give up or limit your alcohol intake. It might be tempting to drink a pint of beer after work to reduce your stress load, but you shouldn’t do that if adequate T-levels are on your priority list. Unfortunately, the endorphins released while you consume alcohol will lower your testosterone production. You can still enjoy an occasional glass of wine, but don’t make it a regular thing. 

Mint

There is conclusive scientific evidence that mint can cause a drop in testosterone levels. You can opt for other calming teas and breath fresheners. 

Low quality meat 

Low quality meat is generally sprayed with synthetic hormones among other things to make it last longer. Naturally, it might bring about unwanted hormonal imbalances. According to one study, men who regularly eat such meat have a 15% drop in testosterone levels and a 37% decrease in sperm count.

This list isn’t exhaustive, but it includes most of the foods that can be killing your testosterone. Avoid them, don’t be trapped in a sedentary lifestyle, have enough sleep every day, and your hormonal health will be improved. Stay safe!