Did you know that what you eat could affect male fertility in either a positive or a negative manner? According to research, a high-fat diet may decrease a man’s testosterone production while a low-fat diet may increase it and thus boost male fertility.
When talking about fertility issues, people generally question a woman’s reproductive ability. But the truth of the matter is that at least a quarter to 30% of cases in developed countries where the woman has difficulty getting pregnant, the issue lies with the man. And often, the problem lies with his testosterone production.
Much literature describes the benefits of incorporating good fats in your diet while hammering on the negative impact of bad fats. But according to research on testosterone, the type of fat ingested does not have much to do with it. Both good and bad fat could significantly suppress your testosterone levels.
What is more, when looking at a typical western diet, researchers found that such a diet could decrease your serum testosterone by up to 25% within one hour of consuming a meal and that this decrease could last for approximately four hours.
The study itself looked at eight different diets, each with its own set of parameters and blood labs and hormone analysis done before, and every hour for five hours after, eating. The main focus was testosterone production.
While all fats, no matter whether considered good or bad, harmed testosterone production, there was one little positive. Egg whites increase your testosterone levels. This may be due to the albumen in egg whites, when combined with bad fats, tend to combat their negative effect and thus help improve the production of this hormone.
Please note that testosterone production is linked to male fertility because it is needed for sperm production.
Researchers do, however, note that although there may be a definite link between fats and testosterone production, other dietary issues may also have an influence. But, by lowering your overall fat intake and adding egg whites to your diet, you may see an increase in testosterone and male fertility.
Both men and women produce testosterone, although a woman’s production is significantly less. In women, testosterone converts into estradiol, a sex hormone. In men, testosterone helps with the development of male sexual characteristics that include body hair, muscle growth, and sperm production.
A decrease in testosterone production may result in a decrease in sperm production, a decrease in sex drive, and even erectile dysfunction. The risk factors for men developing low testosterone levels or hypogonadism include obesity, aging, injury to the testicles, chemotherapy treatments, and substance use. By changing certain lifestyle factors like following a healthy diet, losing weight, and getting help for your substance use issues, you may naturally improve your testosterone levels.
Many men opt for testosterone replacement therapy.
While testosterone replacement energy may increase your testosterone levels and your sex drive, they may further lower your sperm counts, according to studies. This is because the treatment lowers your follicle-stimulating hormone levels. Follicle-stimulating hormone is necessary for sperm production stimulation. So, testosterone replacement therapy may not help increase male fertility.
Low testosterone levels are often the result of imbalanced cortisol levels. This may point to adrenal issues and adrenal fatigue. The latter is the result of long-term stress resulting in hormonal disruption.
Your body’s stress-fighting mechanism is the NeuroEndoMetabolic (NEM) stress response that initially sees an increase in stress hormones like cortisol. Unfortunately, prolonged high cortisol production may tax your adrenals and result in a lowered cortisol production as well as a dysregulation in the production of other hormones such as testosterone in the long run.
In men, imbalanced cortisol production directly affects testosterone production. The key pathway regulators with regards to testosterone production in males are the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis together with the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal (HPG) axis.
Low testosterone levels in men may cause a lowered libido, lowered semen production, anxiety, depression, fatigue, bone mass loss, muscle mass loss, premature balding, and weight loss or weight gain.
Low energy levels in adrenal fatigue can also harm your testosterone levels. Remember that as far as the body is concerned, reproduction is a low priority item when survival is at stake. The energy reserve, regulated in large by the adrenal glands, becomes critically important to be in good health to allow the body to signal readiness for reproduction by way of testosterone. By naturally addressing the issues that result in adrenal fatigue, you may find your energy levels increase. Consequently, the increase in energy means an increased libido, while the adrenal support provided also infers more testosterone, a higher sperm count, and an increase in sperm motility. Together, these may help to naturally increase male fertility without the need for medications.
Addressing male fertility issues starts with providing adrenal support that could include some of the measures that follow.
The easiest place to start is by eating testosterone boosting foods like spinach, kale, and swiss chard. These foods are high in magnesium. This mineral may help increase testosterone levels. Whole grains, nuts, and legumes like beans are also good magnesium sources.
Processed foods and stimulants like caffeine negatively affect adrenal health, hormone balance, and often cause weight gain. By reducing their consumption or leaving them out of your diet entirely, you could help support your adrenal function while helping to balance your hormones at the same time.
Studies show that short periods of intense exercise like weight training, for example, may help boost your testosterone levels. Take care not to overdo it because too much exercise could trigger an adrenal crash if your body is already weak. Always consults a healthcare provider before pushing your body too hard.
You could also consider a gentle exercise like cycling for enjoyment. The idea is to work up a light sweat, that gets the blood flowing and the heart working.
Weight loss may significantly increase testosterone levels and boost male fertility. This means following a healthy diet plan while limiting your sugar intake.
Interestingly, obesity is one of the main causes of adrenal fatigue and is strongly linked to hormonal imbalance. When trying to lose weight, consider a healthy weight-loss plan such as the adrenal fatigue diet. This allows you to provide adrenal support while getting rid of the extra pounds.
Certain supplements may aid testosterone production in the body. These include vitamin D and zinc.
Vitamin D may increase your testosterone levels and improve your sperm count and motility. The best source is the sun.
Many men with low testosterone levels also have lower zinc levels. Zinc is an important mineral that stimulates thyroid function and improves testosterone production. Do be careful with this supplement, though, because it could trigger an adrenal crash if you are in the advanced stages of adrenal fatigue.
If considering a supplement, please first talk to your healthcare provider. They can help determine whether you need a supplement, which supplements suits you best, and the best dosage at your particular stage of adrenal fatigue.
If male fertility is an issue, here are a few things you can do to help alleviate the situation.
Whatever you decide to do, please first talk to your healthcare practitioner. They will assist you in your journey and make the best recommendations according to your circumstances.
If you would like to know more about male fertility issues or need assistance in addressing your problem the team at Dr. Lam Coaching can help. We offer a free** no-obligation phone consultations at +1-626-571-1234 where we will privately discuss your symptoms and various options. You can also send us a question through the Ask The Doctor system by clicking here.
Problems with male fertility may have many causes. Adrenal fatigue and an accompanied hormonal imbalance may also be factors in a couple's fertility challenges. Therefore, by providing adrenal support and implementing certain natural changes to one's diet and lifestyle, you may improve male fertility and libido.
