About

Testosterone receptors are present in the smooth muscle cells of the gastrointestinal tract and regulate the contraction and relaxation of these muscles, which is crucial for proper digestion. The damage to the lining of your gut allows toxins or disease-causing microbes into your bloodstream, which causes illness. Leaky gut, otherwise known as intestinal permeability, is a condition where the lining of the intestines becomes compromised. But, it breaks down when inflammation-induced activation of immune cells in the gut leads to gastritis, which can produce symptoms of indigestion, vomiting, and nausea.
To the best of our knowledge, this review is the first to focus on the nutrient influence on circulating testosterone concentrations. While the use of androgens in competitive athletics is illegal, it has not stopped the search for "natural" ways to increase testosterone concentrations. Manipulation of testosterone concentrations without the use of anabolic steroids has been a highly investigated topic because of the known effect testosterone has on enhancing athletic performance 2,6. In the blood, most testosterone is transported bound to several proteins, mainly serum albumin and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). They are also crucial for reproductive functions, body composition, and muscle and bone health 1,2. Thus, the focus of this review is to examine the effect that manipulating energy and nutrient intake has on circulating concentrations of testosterone and what the potential mechanism is governing these changes.
Chronic stress can also negatively impact testosterone levels and libido. Excess body fat, particularly around the abdomen, can contribute to lower testosterone. Here are some natural ways to maintain and improve testosterone levels as you age.
About 90% of your testosterone is produced during deep sleep. There’s a specific group of gut bacteria—called the estrobolome—that helps break down and eliminate excess estrogen from the body. If your gut isn't absorbing them properly, you're essentially running on empty—even if you're eating a clean diet. Inside your digestive system lives something called the gut microbiome—a massive ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, and other organisms that play a role in everything from metabolism to mood. If you’re a man feeling stuck in fatigue, weight gain, or brain fog, don’t assume low testosterone is the sole culprit. We focus on anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense foods that support both gut flora and hormone balance. Peptide therapies, particularly gut-healing peptides like BPC-157, can accelerate the repair of the gut lining and reduce inflammation, creating a healthier hormonal environment.
Red clover flower extract, often used to improve hair and skin texture 33,34, has also been reported to inhibit 5-α-reductase activity . Grube and colleagues reported that white button mushroom consumption can inhibit aromatase activity and breast cancer cell proliferation in women. There have been five red wine varieties that have been reported to have aromatase inhibition activity, with the most active being cabernet sauvignon 25,26,27.
Bone, adipose tissue, and the brain are tissues in humans where the primary effect of testosterone is via aromatization to E2 4,12. DHT binds to the same AR even more strongly than testosterone, so that its androgenic potency is about five times more potent than testosterone . LH then stimulates the Leydig cells within the testes to synthesize testosterone. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), released from the hypothalamus, stimulates the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) from the anterior pituitary gland into the circulation.
One study indicated that magnesium supplementation in young healthy men in combination with a four-week endurance training program increased both FT and TT concentrations at rest and following exhaustive exercise . One study examined the effect of zinc supplementation on both TT and FT concentrations in healthy young adults before and after an exhaustive exercise protocol . However, subsequent research continues to still raise the issue that soy protein consumption can result in reductions in resting testosterone concentrations and response to exercise. Some investigations have indicated that rodents fed soy protein exhibited lower serum testosterone concentrations 103,104, while others reported no negative effects on circulating testosterone 105,106. Effect of fat and protein intake on changes in circulating testosterone concentrations. Although evidence points to a positive effect of dietary fat on circulating testosterone concentrations, it should not be dismissed that fat is not the optimal fuel source for athletes participating in strength/power sports 83,90,91,92.
"Some studies show testosterone inhibits FFA production and some say it increases lipolysis—the process that breaks down fat into FFAs," he says. Low testosterone can impair mitochondrial function, decreasing fat oxidation and reducing how much energy your body expends at rest. 15 Some research suggests that low testosterone correlates with higher FFA levels, while TRT may help lower them—potentially improving insulin sensitivity and reducing body fat. Testosterone boosts dopamine levels, which can increase your willingness to exercise, eat well, and stick to healthy habits. One study found that men with higher testosterone levels were more driven to achieve goals in athletic training. Testosterone drives libido, production of sperm, distribution of body fat, muscle strength, and creation of red blood cells in males.
Both study groups consumed a diet high in fat (75% vs. 65% for the KD and NKD, respectively). One study examined the effect of ketogenic (KD) and non-ketogenic (NKD) diets on strength, body composition, and hormonal profile in resistance-trained men . For the hormonal system to function optimally, fat becomes an important macronutrient as it’s the backbone for steroid hormone production . Subsequent research, examining an even lower energy availability (i.e., 10 kcal·kg FFM·day−1) also reported significant decreases in LH production and LH pulse frequency .

Gender: Female