Eating a high protein diet is a great way to keep your muscles strong so that you don’t lose them with age.
It’s also an eating plan that can help you control your appetite, lose weight and even improve your blood pressure and triglycerides.
But before you jump on the protein bandwagon, there’s something you should know.
For men, eating a diet with too much protein and too few carbs can have a dark side — one that leads to low levels testosterone levels and sperm count, as well as a higher risk of erectile dysfunction.
That’s because according to a study from researchers at the University of Worcester high protein diets can play havoc with the body’s hormones, including cortisol and testosterone…
Reducing testosterone by more than one-third
The researchers analyzed data compiled from 27 separate studies involving a total of 309 men, some who followed a high protein, low carb diet and some who ate a more traditional diet higher in carbohydrates.
And what they found will have men everywhere rethinking how much protein they have on their dinner plates.
The results showed that men, whose diets consisted of more than 35 percent protein, experienced a whopping 37 percent drop in testosterone levels.
Yup, over a third of their normal testosterone was wiped out by their dietary choices alone!
According to the doctors at the renowned Cleveland Clinic, this drop in the essential male hormone can lead to major symptoms including:
- Low sex drive
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Memory and concentration problems
- Weak muscles
- Moodiness
- Osteoporosis
- Erectile dysfunction
- Infertility
Low testosterone can also cause loss of body hair, weight gain and breast development.
I don’t imagine that’s what most men who start a high protein eating plan think they’re signing up for!
Supporting healthy testosterone levels
So if you’re concerned about your testosterone levels, consider how much protein you’re eating on daily basis.
“Most people eat about 17 percent protein, and the high protein diets which caused low testosterone were all above 35 percent, which is very high,” says lead researcher Joseph Whittaker, a doctoral student at the University of Worcester. “So for the average person, there is nothing to worry about, however for people on high protein diets, they should limit protein to no more than 25 percent.”
Additional ways to promote healthy T levels include:
#1 – Enjoy the power of the beet
Author of “Your New Prime: 30 Days to Better Sex, Eternal Strength, and a Kick-Ass Life After 40“, Craig Cooper points out that beets and beet powder have been found to increase testosterone, as well as the blood flow that provides for strong erections.
Beets contain boron which is essential for the production of testosterone and increases the levels of free testosterone.
Another “beet secret” for male health is the dietary nitrates that produce nitric oxide (NO). NO encourages healthy blood flow and dilates blood vessels, including those in the penis.
Beet powders, like Peak Organic Fermented Beets™, are a convenient dietary source. This particular formulation contains twice the normal nitrates as regular beet powder.
#2 – Watch out for medications
It’s also important to be aware of medications that may steal your testosterone. These include statins, antidepressants and even chemotherapy agents. Of course, do not stop any medication without speaking to your doctor about a suitable alternative.
#3 – Reduce the threat of estrogen dominance
Finally, be aware of any issues you may have with estrogen dominance as too much estrogen may suppress your testosterone levels. Sadly, this problem is becoming far too common thanks to the high levels of xenoestrogens in our everyday lives from things like industrial pollutants, processed foods, pesticides, plastics, coated cookware and even flavor additives.
You can support a normal hormone balance with a unique compound called Di-Indole Methane, which you can find in Peak DIM™.
DIM works safely and naturally to help neutralize the xenoestrogens that can cause estrogen dominance, swinging the balance from bad estrogen to good by eliminating estrogen overload.
Remember, while a high protein diet can come with numerous benefits, for men it can also lead to problems in and out of the bedroom.
Sources:
Low Testosterone (Male Hypogonadism) — Cleveland Clinic
Low-carbohydrate diets and men’s cortisol and testosterone: Systematic review and meta-analysis — Sage Journals
High-protein diets may decrease testosterone levels in men, leading to ED, fertility struggles — Study Finds
Foods that boost testosterone — Sisselman Medical Group