Foods that cause low testosterone levels can have many different effects on a person’s body. This is why it’s important to know what foods to avoid. If you’re experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, visit your doctor to get tested for hormone levels. You can also make healthy diet changes to promote optimal levels of the hormone.

Sugar, trans fats, and vegetable oils are some of the foods that are linked to lower testosterone levels. They can also lead to inflammation in the body. Inflammation can decrease the production of other hormones, such as testosterone.

Alcohol is another substance that can cause low testosterone. It can also affect your heart and liver. It’s recommended to limit alcohol consumption to moderate amounts. Drinking too much can harm your body in other ways, such as impairing your reproductive function.

Dairy products are a major source of dietary estrogen. They also contain large amounts of progesterone, which is an antagonist to testosterone. You should also minimize your intake of milk and other dairy products. Grass-fed, organic dairy is likely to have a lower level of estrogen. If you’re concerned about the effect of dairy on your hormone levels, try using soy-based milk substitutes.

Gluten is an endocrine disruptor. It can be found in baked goods, breads, and other foods. It isn’t recommended for people with hypogonadism. However, in some cases, it can help stabilize testosterone. To avoid the adverse effects of gluten on your hormones, consider removing it from your diet.

Processed breads and other baked goods contain high levels of trans-unsaturated fatty acids. They can also negatively impact blood sugar and insulin resistance. It’s a good idea to eat whole grain bread and avoid processed foods.

Sugar-sweetened beverages were associated with low testosterone in 59 percent of individuals. Those who had the highest level of sugar had lower testosterone than those who consumed less. The effects of sugar remained for up to two hours after ingestion.

Foods that increase insulin resistance can also contribute to low testosterone levels. This is because the glucose in these foods is converted to lactic acid, a fatty acid that can inhibit the synthesis of luteinizing hormone, which is needed to bind to androgen receptors and convert testosterone into androgen.

While it’s easy to eliminate sugar from your diet, it’s more difficult to eliminate the other foods that can have an adverse impact on your hormones. You’ll want to be especially careful when consuming nut and seed types. These foods are rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins. They can be beneficial to your overall health, but they also contain phytoestrogens, which can interfere with natural estrogens.

Flaxseed is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. But if you’re a hypogonadal man, too much omega-3 can be a negative factor. It’s a good idea to stick with the recommended ratio of omega-6 to omega-3. Alternatively, you can consider replacing the fat in your diet with nuts and seeds.

If you’re concerned about the effect of flaxseed on your hormones, it may be a good idea to avoid it altogether. It’s packed with lignans, which are plant-based compounds that can lower total and free testosterone. It also may interfere with testosterone synthesis.