As men get older, their testosterone levels begin to drop naturally, which can lead to symptoms such as loss of muscle mass, depression, and low libido.
Decreasing testosterone might be a normal part of life, but it doesn’t mean your levels have to stay that way. At Woodstock Family Practice & Urgent Care, Dr. James Lee and our team can restore your hormone balances using bioidentical hormone therapy as a natural solution.
But let’s look at the issue from another angle. Is there anything you can do in your everyday life to prevent your testosterone from decreasing?
It turns out that dietary patterns can play a role as well. Here are five foods that might be lowering your testosterone.
You might be in the habit of drinking peppermint tea to relax at night, but research suggests that peppermint and spearmint may play a role in reducing testosterone levels.
More research needs to focus on men — most studies have centered on women and animals — but if you’re trying to optimize your testosterone levels, you should avoid mint.
Trans fats are also associated with a decline in testosterone levels. Trans fats are unhealthy fats that are formed when vegetable oils are altered to stay solid at room temperature. They’re found in many processed foods and baked goods as well. If you’re focused on your testosterone levels, limit your consumption.
An alcoholic drink every now and then isn’t a problem, but regular or heavy drinking over a prolonged period can lower your testosterone. Drinking can also lead to weight gain, which can further impact your hormone levels.
Flaxseed does provide health benefits, including lowering cholesterol levels and reducing blood pressure, but too much of it can also lower your testosterone. Flaxseed includes a high concentration of lignans, which bind to testosterone and force it out of your body, so avoid consuming too much flaxseed.
Too much sugar can cause your testosterone levels to dip as well. This includes sugar from all sources, such as baked goods and sweet treats, but sugary drinks such as sodas and energy drinks are especially bad for your testosterone levels.
In essence, eat a healthy, balanced diet that focuses on fresh foods and protein while avoiding eating and drinking in excess and keeping your weight in check. This strategy will go a long way toward keeping your testosterone levels naturally higher.
If you’d like professional guidance on managing your testosterone levels, our team at Woodstock Family Practice & Urgent Care is always here to help. Call our Woodstock, Georgia, office at 770-927-7857 to schedule an appointment, or book online here on our website.
