Worcester, England — Jim Mania, who knocks back on protein shakes and devours lean meat, is less likely to have children, a new study warns. According to scientists, following a high-protein diet can reduce testosterone levels in men, leading to erectile dysfunction and decreased sperm count.
Men trying to build muscle or lose weight are often advised to consume large amounts of lean meat, fish, and protein shakes. But now, scientists at Worcester University say that pilling proteins can reduce testosterone levels by more than a third and can be very costly.
Cutting carbohydrates, which are becoming more and more popular with celebrities like Kim Kardashian, also comes at a price, researchers report.
“Most people ate about 17% protein, and all high-protein diets that caused low testosterone were over 35%. This is very high,” said the chief doctoral student at the university. Researcher Joseph Whittaker said in a statement from South West News. service. “Therefore, there’s nothing to worry about for the average person, but for those on a high-protein diet, you need to limit your protein to 25 percent or less.”
Testosterone deficiency is also associated with chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. In contrast, healthy testosterone levels are very important for strength, muscle building, and athletic performance.
Researchers have compiled the results of 27 studies involving a total of 309 men. People on a high-protein, low-carb diet had much lower levels of testosterone than others. When protein was above 35%, testosterone levels were reduced by 37%. This is medically called hypogonadism.
If you have too much protein and a lack of carbohydrates, cortisol will increase. It is commonly known as the body’s stress hormone and is released during the “fight or flight” reaction. High levels of cortisol have been shown to suppress the immune system and leave people vulnerable to viral and bacterial infections such as the common cold, flu, and COVID-19.
Packing with protein can cause “rabbit starvation”. In this case, the body turns excess protein into ammonia, making it toxic at high levels. This condition, sometimes referred to as “protein poisoning,” was first discovered by Roman soldiers who were forced to survive in rabbits during the siege of Villanueva del Campo. Many of them developed severe diarrhea and died.
“The discovery that low-carb diets increase cortisol is very interesting. These diets have become very popular in recent years and are being promoted by many celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, LeBron James and Megan Fox.” Says Whittaker. “But we need to do more work in this area to see if this is inevitably bad.”
Survey results are published in the journal Nutrition and health..
Report by Southwest News Agency writer Tom Campbell
