I remember reading that soy can decrease testosterone. Is that true?
What other foods can decrease testosterone levels?
Posted 25 March 2008 - 06:59 AM
Posted 25 March 2008 - 10:30 PM
http://joe.endocrino...tract/170/3/591KS Weber, KD Setchell, DM Stocco, and ED Lephart
Nutritional factors, especially phytoestrogens, have been extensively studied for their potential beneficial effects against hormone-dependent and age-related diseases. The present study describes the short-term effects of dietary phytoestrogens on regulatory behaviors (food/water intake, locomotor activity and body weight), prostate weight, prostate 5alpha-reductase enzyme activity, reproductive hormone levels, and testicular steroidogenic acute regulatory peptide (StAR) levels in adult Sprague-Dawley rats. Animals were fed either a phytoestrogen-rich diet containing approximately 600 microg/g isoflavones (as determined by HPLC) or a phytoestrogen-free diet. After 5 weeks of consuming these diets, plasma phytoestrogen levels were 35 times higher in animals fed the phytoestrogen-rich vs phytoestrogen-free diets. Body and prostate weights were significantly decreased in animals fed the phytoestrogen-rich diet vs the phytoestrogen-free fed animals; however, no significant change in prostate 5alpha-reductase enzyme activity was observed between the treatment groups. Locomotor activity levels were higher in the phytoestrogen-rich vs the phytoestrogen-free animals during the course of the treatment interval. Plasma testosterone and androstenedione levels were significantly lower in the animals fed the phytoestrogen-rich diet compared with animals fed the phytoestrogen-free diet. However, there were no significant differences in plasma LH or estradiol levels between the diet groups. Testicular StAR levels were not significantly different between the phytoestrogen-rich vs the phytoestrogen-free fed animals. These results indicated that consumption of dietary phytoestrogens resulting in very high plasma isoflavone levels over a relatively short period can significantly alter body and prostate weight and plasma androgen hormone levels without affecting gonadotropin or testicular StAR levels. The findings of this study identify the biological actions of phytoestrogens on male reproductive endocrinology and provide insights into the protective effects these estrogen mimics exert in male reproductive disorders such as benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer.
http://meeting.ascop...2/14_suppl/4611Clinical and biologic activity of soy protein powder (SPP) in healthy male volunteers: effect on testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH)
S. Goodin, F. Shen, W. Shih, N. Dave', M. Kane, G. Lambert, M. Gallo and R. Dipaola
Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ; UMDNJ/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ
4611
Background: Epidemiologic studies and a recent prospective trial have revealed a reduced risk of prostate cancer associated with consumption of soy foods, possibly due to the estrogenic properties of soy. To determine if a commonly used SPP can have estrogenic activity in men, we specifically evaluated supplementation with SPP in healthy male volunteers and the effect on testosterone and LH. Methods: Healthy volunteers recruited to this study were men 18 years of age or older that were in good health with no known allergy to soy or phenylalanine. Treatment consisted of consuming two scoops (56g) of pure SPP (Puritan's Pride, Oakdale, New York) daily for 28 days. Serum testosterone and LH levels were collected prior to initiation of supplementation with soy protein powder, throughout the 28 days, and 14 days after the completion of therapy. Patients maintained a food diary throughout the 28-day period. Results: Twelve healthy volunteers were enrolled with a mean age of 32 years (range 25 to 47). Serum testosterone concentrations decreased during the 4-week use of SPP and increased within two weeks after SPP was discontinued, with a statistically significant percent change in testosterone over the four-week period (P=0.021). At no time did the mean serum testosterone fall below the normal reference range. Serum LH concentrations decreased during the 4 week use of soy protein powder then increased within two weeks after soy protein powder was discontinued but the changes did not reach statistical significance (P =0.20). There were no side effects reported by any participants. Using a yeast based assay transfected with the alpha and beta estrogen receptor (ER), we found that the soy protein selectively activated ER-beta. Conclusions: Soy protein powder decreases testosterone levels in healthy patients, which is reversible upon removal of SPP from the diet. These data support further study of these hormonal effects as a mechanism in prostate cancer prevention.
Posted 25 March 2008 - 10:34 PM
http://www.squidoo.c...et_Testosterone1) Use compound exercises as the cornerstone of your workouts. I'm talking about the basic, bread-and-butter lifts such as squats, deadlifts, bench presses, rows, chin-ups, dips, lunges and military presses. These exercises will place your muscles under the greatest amount of stress in the gym and will force your body to increase testosterone production.
2) Always train with 100% effort and intensity. If you want to see real muscle gains, you must be willing to push yourself to the limit in the gym. Again, greater muscular stress in the gym translates to higher testosterone output.
3) Train your legs equally as hard as your upper body. As you may already be aware, intense leg training can actually stimulate growth in your chest, back and arms. This is due in part to the increase in testosterone that leg training induces.
4) Increase your EFA consumption. Essential Fatty Acids from sources such as peanuts, avocadoes, fish and healthy oils like flax seed, olive and canola are a great way to naturally boost testosterone levels.
5) Reduce your intake of soy. Soy protein raises the body's levels of estrogen (the main female hormone) and this has a direct negative effect on testosterone levels.
6) Limit your consumption of alcohol. Alcohol has been shown to have quite a dramatic effect on testosterone levels, so try to limit your "binge drinking" nights and keep your alcohol consumption in moderation.
7) Increase your dietary intake of cruciferous vegetables. Broccoli, cauliflower, radishes, turnips, cabbage and brussel sprouts have all been shown to dramatically reduce estrogen levels, thereby raising testosterone.
8) Lower your daily stress levels. Being overly stressed stimulates the release of "cortisol", a highly catabolic hormone that will cause your testosterone levels to plummet.
9) Increase your sexual activity. Sexual stimulation causes the body to increase the production of oxytocin which increases endorphin production (the "feel-good" chemical), and this also raises testosterone.
10) Make sure to get adequate sleep every night. A lack of sleep contributes to cortisol production, and this will lower your testosterone levels.
Above and much more reading from: http://www.csmc.edu/3423.htmlDietary fat provides energy and essential fatty acids for the body. In addition, fat acts as a carrier for vitamins A, D, E and K. Fats are classified loosely as saturated, monounsaturated or polyunsaturated, depending upon which type of fatty acid is predominant in the fat. Polyunsaturated fats (found primarily in vegetable oils, such as oils of corn, safflower and sunflower) contain high amounts of linoleic acid, a fatty acid that stimulates prostate cancer cell growth. Olive oil consists predominantly of monounsaturated fat and does not pose a problem. Overall, high-fat diets are linked to an increased risk for prostate cancer.
Edited by lucid, 25 March 2008 - 10:39 PM.
Posted 27 March 2008 - 07:53 PM
Posted 15 July 2008 - 02:12 PM
Another issue I would look into is the levels of phthalates in your urine. US Biotek in Seattle, Washington has a simple urine test which according to the recent Environmental Health Perspectives journal is the most accurate method of assessing phthalate exposure. Why phthalate? Because there is building evidence that it is anti-androgenic, meaning it lowers testosterone. Phthalates is found in plastics, many cosmetics and skin and hair care products (highest in those with lots of scents), air fresheners and as a component of new car smell (the outgassing of the plastics found in cars.
Edited by Ben - Aus, 15 July 2008 - 02:12 PM.
Posted 16 July 2008 - 04:26 AM
Here's a list, ordered by the code number inside the recycling symbol. (Is that universal? They have this system in the US) http://www.care2.com...s-are-safe.htmlAnother issue I would look into is the levels of phthalates in your urine. US Biotek in Seattle, Washington has a simple urine test which according to the recent Environmental Health Perspectives journal is the most accurate method of assessing phthalate exposure. Why phthalate? Because there is building evidence that it is anti-androgenic, meaning it lowers testosterone. Phthalates is found in plastics, many cosmetics and skin and hair care products (highest in those with lots of scents), air fresheners and as a component of new car smell (the outgassing of the plastics found in cars.
I've heard of phthalates. I wish there was some information on what sources to avoid with regards to exposure.
Posted 16 July 2008 - 05:33 AM
Here's a list, ordered by the code number inside the recycling symbol. (Is that universal? They have this system in the US) http://www.care2.com...s-are-safe.htmlAnother issue I would look into is the levels of phthalates in your urine. US Biotek in Seattle, Washington has a simple urine test which according to the recent Environmental Health Perspectives journal is the most accurate method of assessing phthalate exposure. Why phthalate? Because there is building evidence that it is anti-androgenic, meaning it lowers testosterone. Phthalates is found in plastics, many cosmetics and skin and hair care products (highest in those with lots of scents), air fresheners and as a component of new car smell (the outgassing of the plastics found in cars.
I've heard of phthalates. I wish there was some information on what sources to avoid with regards to exposure.
Phthalates are a problem in flexible vinyl/PVC, like shower curtains, some kid's toys, and plastic wraps; code number 3. Bisphenol-A is a problem in polycarbonates; code number 7.
Posted 11 March 2012 - 10:02 PM
http://joe.endocrinology-journals.org/content/170/3/591.short
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