Did you know that there are a number of foods that lower testosterone?

There is an old expression that says you are what you eat. When it comes to feeling tired, depressed, or having problems with your sexual performance, that adage may be very true!

Some of the foods on this list may not be common parts of your diet. Some of these foods that lower testosterone may surprise you because of their other supposed health benefits, and others are generally unhealthy anyway. But, they all should be consumed in small amounts, or avoided entirely by any man who wants to keep their testosterone levels as high as they can be.

Foods That Are Testosterone Killers

1. Soy Products – Soy and soy related products can have a negative impact on a man’s testosterone. Soy contains many isoflavones that have “estrogen-like” qualities. That is why soy is good for women going through menopause, but can have the opposite effect on men.

2. Alcohol – There are several good reasons to minimize your consumption of alcohol. While one drink has been known to loosen the mood, alcohol can also lead to erectile dysfunction. Alcohol also reduces testosterone, and increases production of estrogen, when consumed in greater than “social” limits.

3. Mints, such as spearmint and peppermint – It may come as a surprise to find out that mint is one of the foods that lower testosterone, but it does.In several clinical studies, the herbs of the “mentha”, or mint-family, such as spearmint and peppermint, have been found to have testosterone reducingeffects.

4. Sodas and Junk Food – Of course, if you want to be healthy, you need to avoid junk food, processed food, and soda pop! These are all bad for you for any number of reasons, but the high sugar in soda pop and other junk foods can lead to obesity and diabetes, which have a negative impact on testosterone. Junk foods also contain trans-fats which also have a testosterone lowering effect among other negative impacts on the body.

5. Flaxseed Products – Flaxseeds are high in omega 3s, are a good source of fiber, and have other benefits which has made them popular in health food circles over the past few years. However, men should take it easy on them. Like soy, flaxseed oils and products have estrogenic properties, so despite be a generally healthy food, flax still makes our list of foods that can lower testosterone.

6. Licorice – Licorice may not be a regular part of your diet, but if you are a guy who enjoys it, you should rethink your candy choices. Several studies have found that the main ingredient in licorice, glycyrrhizic acid, which give it its distinctive flavor, can seriously decrease testosterone production.

7. Hamburgers – I know, burgers are a staple of many a man’s diet. But if you must chow down on a burger every now and again, avoid fast food burgers, and stick with organic meat. Any chopped meat, that is not organic, and especially that is used by fast food burger joints is exposed to a ton of hormones, which can wreak havoc on your hormone balance and your testosterone levels.

Other Ways to Maintain Healthy Testosterone Levels

In addition to foods you should avoid, there are many foods you should add to your diet to help maintain optimal hormone levels.

Just as there are foods that foods that lower testosterone, there are foods that can boost your testosterone levels.

Try adding these foods to your diet: Tuna fish or other vitamin D rich foods such as milk, or egg yolks. Vitamin D is a precursor to testosterone production. Zinc rich foods, such as oysters and shellfish, can also aid in testosterone production. Beans, such as kidney beans and black beans are good sources of both vitamin D and zinc.

In addition to dietary changes, here are some other ways to naturally increase your testosterone levels.

• Lose Weight
• Get regular exercise, particularly high intensity interval training
• Reduce stress
• Get enough sleep

You can make better food choices, as well as take steps to increase and maintain healthy testosterone levels. However, if you are a man between the ages of 35 and 55, and after taking these steps, still feel tired, weak, or are facing sexual health issues, you may want to have your hormone levels checked. You could benefit from hormone therapy.