Lots of men, as they age, are becoming more concerned about their overall health, particularly their testosterone levels.
Testosterone plays an important role in the normal development of men, fertility, sexual function, and well-being. Maintaining a healthy hormonal level can be necessary for men’s physical and mental health. Below normal T levels may have wide-ranging effects.
There are several factors that affect testosterone levels in men, including genetic makeup, health conditions, weight, age, and disease.
What is Low T?
Low T or androgen deficiency is a medical condition caused by problems with your body’s ability to produce testosterone.
This condition may cause many undesirable symptoms among men like fatigue, poor concentration, feeling weak and depressed, low sex drive to name a few.
What To Do
If you are experiencing Low T symptoms, you may talk to your doctor about it. As part of the diagnostic process, your doctor will request you to undergo some tests which usually begin with a blood test to determine if you have androgen deficiency.
For overweight patients, changing their diets to lose weight may help since carrying excess kilos is one of the common causes of Low T.
The Role of Testosterone Replacement Therapy
In some cases, doctors may suggest testosterone replacement therapy to patients medically diagnosed to raise their T levels to a normal range and help with their Low T symptoms.
However, a comprehensive assessment is needed to determine the possible cause of the symptoms.
Once there is a proper diagnosis, your doctor will work with you to find a treatment plan that will work for you.
Testosterone replacement paired with lifestyle changes and eating specific diets might be an effective approach that your doctor may suggest to restore your T levels within a healthy range.
Since testosterone levels are impacted by several factors, you have to talk with your doctor first about what changes in your lifestyle and diets are applicable to your condition.
Specific Foods or Diets to Try
A healthy and balanced diet can do wonders for your general health in different ways. That’s why it’s no surprise that dietary and lifestyle changes can also help your Low T treatment.
However, there is limited research proving the impact of specific foods on T levels, and the findings are far from conclusive.
If you have below-normal-level testosterone, and you may want to consider changing your diets as part of your treatment plan, talk to your local doctor for recommendations.
Here are some of the foods that are rich in nutrients that may help promote healthy hormonal levels.
- Fish Rich in vitamin D, Zinc, and Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Salmon and Sardines).
- Dark, Leafy Vegetables.
- Cocoa Products
- Avocados
- Eggs
- Fruits High in Flavonoid Antioxidants (Berries and Cherries).
- Shellfish (Oysters and Clams).
Takeaway
Lifestyle change and dietary adjustments are natural and most effective ways to maintain and boost your overall health, not just for treating your low testosterone levels.
Maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, and taking care of your emotional and mental health are other significant steps you can take to naturally boost your testosterone.
