Is a High-Protein Diet Destroying Your Testosterone Levels?

Masculine stereotypes tend to suggest that the most masculine diet is a protein-rich diet. Manly men love meat and are willing to bring down raw eggs. beauty and the Beast Refuel your protein shakes before going to the gym to pump up iron. However, in contrast to these high-protein masculinity images, some recent studies suggest that a high-protein diet may actually lower testosterone levels in men.

Published in the journal Nutrition and Health and led by researcher Joe Whittaker at the University of Worcester, UK, the study tested testosterone levels in 309 men over an eight-week period. Subjects were fed a diet in which protein accounted for 35% of their caloric intake, including meat, fish, and protein shakes. By the end of the study, subjects’ testosterone levels had dropped by 37%, representing levels low enough to constitute medical hypogonadism. Subjects also began to show symptoms of low testosterone, such as fatigue, erectile dysfunction, depression, and weakness, Whittaker told insiders.

Although a relatively small study, the significant reduction in observed testosterone researchers does have some impact on the popular high-protein, low-carb diets that have been taken over in recent years. According to Whittaker, the average person’s diet contains only about 17% protein, so casual consumers of meat and eggs don’t have to worry. However, researchers say in a statement that people on a high-protein diet need to be careful.

The most severe reduction in testosterone was observed in men with protein intakes above 35%, but Whittaker warns that even lower protein consumption can adversely affect testosterone. 25% or more. “

In addition to more imminent risks such as erectile dysfunction and malaise, low testosterone is also associated with long-term health effects such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, the researchers noted that a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet led to increased levels of cortisol, a known stress hormone. Elevated levels of cortisol suppress the immune system and increase the risk of illness and infections.

Therefore, a high-protein diet may seem like the healthiest way to stay strong and lean, but too much protein can have a huge impact on your health. As always, balance is important, so if you want to reduce your testosterone levels, you might occasionally add carbs and fire the raw egg Rocky.