Does Fat Increase Testosterone Levels?

  Fat and Testosterone Levels.   

     If you are like many men, your T-levels are declining by approximately 1% per year. This isn’t as much of a problem from the age of 25-35, but there is a rather noticeable effect as we get closer to 40. Lower energy levels, increases in body fat, brain fog and lowered sex drive to name a few of the unfortunate effects of aging. For those of us looking to optimize our natural T levels, there are many things that can be done. One can look to nutritional supplements, like those found at your local GNC for T boosters, which may or may not work. The fact is, depending on your actual levels (yes, ACTUAL) you may need look no farther than your refrigerator.

     If you think that your Testosterone levels are low, go get tested. Go to a doctor. Get your blood drawn and find out your actual hormonal levels. It’s the only way to know for sure. You may be within normal ranges with your T levels but there may be other underlying issues. There is only one way to know for sure. If your testosterone ranges are lower and your physician suggests that you may benefit from replacement therapy, there are many customized plans that may offer immediate results. However if your levels do not warrant TRT, then a few simple changes to your diet may pay dividends. Speak to your physician about what your goals are and have them guide you through a few simple changes and see whether or not, they feel you would benefit from a few dietary modifications. As always, seek and take your doctor’s advice.

     Look into foods that help promote T production. It was not too long ago that consuming fat was considered a bad thing. It was potentially a killer. Much research has been done and it is now generally thought that moderate amounts of fat is actually beneficial for the body. This is especially true when it comes to testosterone production. When optimizing natural production of testosterone, it is important to consume dietary fats.  There is a limit though. Too much fat has negative consequences on raising cholesterol, causing obesity and increasing risks for heart attack.

There is an important role in the ration of fats you consume. Some types of fats are better than others as it has actually been shown that some fats will actually LOWER your T-levels.

     

      The 3 different fats you’ll want to focus on are Monounsaturated fatty acids, Polyunsaturated fatty acids and Saturated fatty acids. Studies have shown that diets high monounsaturated and saturated fats can dramatically increase the T levels in men. Levels were tested prior to exercising in health adult males. The study also showed that there was a direct correlation between dietary fat intake with mixed fat types and T levels. Higher fat meant higher T levels. Conversely, vegetarians who did not consume diets high in mixed fats had lower T levels. A simple increase in fat by just 10% can cause an increase in testosterone levels as well as a decrease in SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) which binds to testosterone and takes it out of circulation, so to speak. It’s recommended by many experts that a diet of approximately 35-40% saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids will produce optimal T levels.

      What about Polyunsaturated fats, though? What do they do? Well as it turns out, diets high in Polyunsaturated fatty acids will actually cause LOWER production of testosterone. Those are typically plant based oils like soy, corn, grapeseed and sunflower as well as most creamy salad dressings. Instead try to eat more fools like beef, pork, poultry (with skin) cheese and olive oil.  Stay tuned as we will put out another blog on T production and health fats and how the body physically produces hormones.

Go to www.NovaGenix.org to learn about hormone therapy treatment options. Email us at info@NovaGenix.org or sign up on our website to receive free tips on how to bost your T levels and improve how you live your life. Call us at 561-277-8260