Could That Cereal Make You Less of a Man?
The Breakfast Aisle Could Potentially Be Your Sperm's Enemy
It happens to the best of us. Fatigue that suddenly hits or is a constant under even the least physical tasks. Metabolism drops, allowing weight to be easily accumulated in dangerous areas like the midsection. Then, there’s the bedroom. It takes longer to achieve any sort of erection, and in some cases, any sort of arousal. Most just brush it off as one of the effects of male aging.
Welcome to Low T.
Testosterone is what makes us male. It’s also testosterone that effectively sharpens the body’s systems, giving it the ability to process things like protein, carbs, and fat. It’s how bodybuilders and athletes can look like sculpted statues.
Now, sometimes it’s a case of being dealt a bad hand. Hormonal imbalances have been known to play a role, revealing themselves as gynecomastia (aka Man Boobs or Moobs) or genetically-driven issues like receding hairlines.
How can you fix it?
While Low T can’t be completely erased, there are certain foods to avoid may realign things for a more favorable life.
Cereals.
More specifically, sugary ones.
These contain loads of refined sugars and carbs, most of which hails from processed grains. The same can be said with white bread & even certain types of pastries. The best solution is to look for natural grain cereals and even those rich in fiber. Cheerios wins by a landslide, as it has a long history of being both pure grain and being a staple food for individuals with heart conditions.
Mint.
Mint. Whether it’s that round striped candy that can get very sticky or as mint chocolate, this sugary goodness has been proven to induce instability between testosterone and estrogen. Even as peppermint or spearmint, mint disrupts pituitary gland functions, which is one of the forces behind hormone balances.
Alcohol.
This one is gonna break a few hearts.
What alcohol does is mess with the liver, which is the body’s go-to guy of absorbing liquids into the bloodstream. This is how the feeling of being buzzed or drunk happens; impaired absorption leads to brain neurons misfiring, distorting the senses, including the sense of judgement.
That frosty feel-good may actually reverse testosterone production. Many studies have shown that heavy drinking may warp testosterone cells, either weakening them or atomically changing them to a low form of estrogen.
Processed Meats.
Most of us men either grew up on it or lived the “all I could afford” life. But, processed meats do way more than save us some extra cash. Loaded with sodium and non-natural chemicals, the meats we love to stick in a sandwich or a bun lowers testosterone production by sending things like trans fats and nitrates into the body. These negatively impact absorption and metabolism, thus can remain in the body for long periods.
Bad: Pork, bologna, sausages, bacon, hot dogs
Alternatives: Turkey, ham, beef
Conclusion
Maintaining healthy testosterone levels is integral to overall well-being, and diet plays a significant role in this balance. By being aware of the foods that may lower testosterone, you can make more informed dietary choices and potentially mitigate any negative effects on your health. It’s essential to adopt a balanced diet that supports hormonal health and consult with a healthcare provider if you have concerns about your testosterone levels.
As you navigate your health journey, remember that moderation and variety in your diet are crucial. Incorporating a range of nutrient-rich foods while limiting those that may impact hormone levels can contribute to better health outcomes and overall vitality.