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Boost Testosterone the Drug-free Way Using Foods

September 1, 2016

bare-knuckle fighter John SullivanJohn L. Sullivan was known as the Boston Strong Boy. For ten years, he held the heavyweight gloved boxing title in America. He was also recognized as one of the last heavyweight champions of bare-knuckle boxing. His star faded, and Sullivan died at 59 years old, overweight and unhealthy after a life of indulgence in food and drinks. Bare-knuckle fighting certainly sounds masculine, but this isn’t the only way to be a man. One key factor in men’s health is optimal hormone levels. Optimal testosterone levels are not just for bodybuilders and bare-knuckle fighters. Today, I will discuss some natural, dietary approaches that impact levels of this vital hormone. This can help provide a long life of health and ensure that you don’t fizzle out like the Boston Strong Boy.

Benefits of Optimal Testosterone Levels

There are several benefits to having optimal testosterone levels. Some of these include:

  • A sharper mind
  • Increased muscle mass
  • Stronger bones
  • Healthy libido and erections
  • Improved mood
  • A healthy heart

On the other side, deficient testosterone levels can lead to fatigue, depression, increased risk of erectile dysfunction, increased risk of osteoporosis, and weight gain. Before resorting to hormone replacement therapy, there are dietary approaches that can help influence and boost testosterone levels.

effects of food on testosteroneLimiting Exposure to Chemicals and Toxins

There are thousands of chemicals we are exposed to in our day-to-day lives. Some of these can have a negative impact on hormone balance. If you are a fan of documentaries, check out The Disappearing Male. This film takes a more in-depth look at chemical exposures and how they disrupt male reproductive health. Here are some tips for limiting chemical exposures while cooking and eating:

  • Replace teflon and non-stick cookware with ceramic, stainless steel, or cast iron. The chemicals used in these non-stick coatings have been shown to disrupt endocrine function and should be avoided.
  • Replace plastic water bottles with glass or stainless steel. Plastic containers can contain BPA, a chemical that mimics estrogen in the body. While BPA has definitely been called out in the media in recent years, this is only one chemical found in plastics.
  • Replace plastic food containers with glass. For the same reasons, switch your water bottle to glass. Also, you shouldn’t be storing or reheating food in plastic containers.
  • Avoid canned foods as much as possible. BPA is often used in the sealant coatings inside canned foods. This prevents corrosion of the metal cans during storage, but it can also leach into the food. If buying canned foods, try to stick to brands that do not use BPA. The Environmental Working Group shared a list of brands that don’t use it.

Think You Might be Experiencing Low Testosterone? Check Out Our Hormone Symptom Guide to Find Out.

Hormone Symptom Guide

Decrease Conversion of Testosterone to Estrogen

Testosterone has the potential to convert to estrogen. This conversion relies on an enzyme called aromatase. Several foods have been shown to block the action of aromatase, potentially boosting testosterone levels. These foods include:

  • Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale). These can increase the elimination of excess estrogen and also prevent the conversion of testosterone to estrogen.
  • White button mushrooms
  • Oysters
  • Olive oil
  • Celery
  • Parsley

Protect Your Prostate

According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in American men. Estimates for 2016 include over 180,000 new cases of prostate cancer and over 26,000 deaths from prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the second most deadly cancer for American men. Some foods can help protect your prostate. These include:

  • Tomatoes and tomato products. These contain a substance called lycopene. This compound has been shown to reduce prostate cancer risk. It is a potent inhibitor of 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT. High levels of DHT in the prostate have been associated with prostate cancer. Cooked tomatoes are higher in lycopene than raw.
  • Pumpkin seeds. These are high in zinc, a mineral that is needed in high amounts in the prostate. These also contain a compound that blocks the buildup of DHT in the hair follicle. This may help prevent male pattern baldness.
  • Cherries and berries. These are loaded with antioxidants, which can protect against cancer.
  • LOTS of Greens. Leafy green vegetables are loaded with minerals, especially magnesium. The darker the greens, the better. Spinach and kale are high in zinc, which has been shown to protect the prostate. When picking produce, don’t forget about the Dirty Dozen.

Take our Testosterone Quiz & Get Your Levels Checked

Curious about your testosterone levels, or think that your levels might be low? Take our quiz and find out.

The naturopathic doctors at Living Wellness Medical Center can order hormone panels to evaluate your levels. We can also test your levels of key nutrients such as zinc, selenium, and magnesium. These three micronutrients play a crucial role in male hormone and prostate health. Make an appointment, and feel better today! Call 480-588-6856 to schedule a free brief meet and greet with one of our naturopathic doctors.

DrBSig

Filed Under: Blogs, Hormones

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2022-03-22
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2021-12-24
I'm writing my review for Dr. Sarv Varta Khalsa. I met with her a few months ago to receive treatment for a condition I'd been dealing with for an extensive amount of time. She was incredibly kind and took the time to listen to all the details of the symptoms I was experiencing. The office had the prescriptions I needed on-hand so I didn't need to go off-site to find them. All natural remedies, and at comparatively good prices (I don't remember how much exactly, but if they were up-charging, which I doubt, I didn't notice nor would I have minded for the convenience). I'm still symptom-free now after following her recommendations, so I wanted to write a review to express my gratitude. Even though the appointment was pricey, it was worth every single penny to finally be able to live my life feeling normal again. Thank you so much!!
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2021-12-15
What's better than a Naturopathic Dr.... Dr. Olivia Watkins!!! I have been working with her for over a year and have learned so much about myself, she is truly a team partner in my journey. She is experienced in ANYTHING you may be experiencing. I consider her my primary physician... you should too!!!
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2021-11-29
Dr. Watkins is nothing short of incredible. She is kind and personable, while extremely smart and results driven. I have suffered from digestive and hormonal issues my whole life and it wasn't until I met Dr. Watkins that I finally felt heard by a Dr and saw a difference in my health. I can confidently say that my body has never felt this good and we are still working to be even better. If you are ready to feel better and feel heard from your doctor, then run, don't walk to Living Wellness.
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2021-11-10
Dr Olivia Watkins offers a beautiful aura of sincere loving support that I will forever cherish, as she exudes and radiates a beautiful light towards her patients' health care needs. Also, her staff, Joslyn and Ariana are as sweet as they come and have been as helpful as can be to me. One issue I had (and have had a few) was a lack of nutrient absorption and it was Dr Olivia who helped me change that status (thank God!) which I'm already seeing immediate results from and I've had this issue for years which my nails and hair loss were severely revealing! I've also experienced so much stress in the last year and a half, that having Dr Olivia as part of my healing process has made all the difference in my recovery to a more whole being! At this point, I seriously don't know what I'd do without her, as she is now my go-to health advocate and will be to my end days. Dr Olivia is a GodSend! Don't hesitate to call her office. High fives for the brightest healing light you could ever pray for in life! After eight long years, Dr Olivia just recently finished her GM residency and once again, I must congratulate her on such discipline and hard work as it has obviously paid off in spades! Long live Dr Olivia!
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2021-09-19
I love Dr. Marchese and so glad I found her last year. She has helped me so much with my health. I have recommended her to several people and they love her too.
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2021-07-28
Dr. Watkins is life changing! I am so grateful that I was referred to Living Wellness and her specifically. I’ve been dealing with severe stomach issues for 10 years and have gone through the ringer with the test, labs, and over-the-counter medicine suggested by other doctors. Dr. Watkins is so smart, thoughtful, and attentive to every detail so that she can really get down to the bottom of your problems. She feels like a teammate and a very strong coach and a friend all in one. I’m finally on my way to feeling better and I couldn’t have done this without her. If you’re struggling don’t even hesitate to see her or any of the staff at living wellness. I promise you won’t regret it!
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2021-03-19
I saw Dr. Warkins several times and was overly impressed her. I was going through cancer treatments and she was compassionate and resourceful. We connected and I felt at such ease with her. She followed up with me multiple times to see how I was doing and feeling. I will continue to see her for any future Gyn needs.
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2021-03-18
I began to see Dr. Watkins for some general Women's Health issues and she was incredible to work with. She helped my body become more balanced, pain was relieved naturally, and my body was prepared for a healthy pregnancy. She is kind, knowledgable, and very supportive!
Google rating score: 5 of 5, based on 27 reviews

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