Testosterone levels in American men are at an all-time low! Symptoms of low testosterone include low energy and decrease stamina, decrease interest in sex, hair loss and difficulty losing weight. One of the primary causes of low testosterone in men is a high estrogen level; YEP – men have estrogen too.
High estrogen levels in men comes from high aromatase activity. Aromatase is the enzyme that converts testosterone into estrogen. Unfortunately, aromatase activity in men increases due to age, stress, weight gain, and inflammation. Aromatase is highly concentrated in that mid-life fat bulge around the middle.
High estrogen levels also increase inflammation. Chronic inflammation is very serious and has been linked to many of the chronic diseases of aging such as Type II Diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and cancer.
High Plant-Based Diet
A high plant-based diet can help reduce estrogen levels in the body. Plants are complex sources of nutrients, including specific phytochemicals which may help to reduce estrogen. Phytonutrients may also have positive health effects like reduction in cancer rates, bone health, and cardiovascular health.
One of the best ways to rid the body of estrogen is by eating cruciferous vegetables; which contain high levels of phytochemicals; such as broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, kale, and bok choy. It turns out that pomegranate is also high in phytochemicals. Pomegranates are becoming more widely known for their estrogen-blocking properties as well as their antioxidant virtues. Varieties of mushrooms such as shiitake, portobello, crimini, and baby button work to block estrogen in the body by preventing the production of aromatase.
Green tea and turmeric can help to rid the body of excess negative estrogen and correct the balance of estrogen to testosterone – with the extra bonus of decreasing inflammation. Adding ground flax, chia seeds and/or a non-psyllium fiber supplement will also assist your body to eliminate harmful estrogen.
Low Testosterone
As a solution for this low testosterone problem, many health care providers prescribe testosterone to increase testosterone without evaluating or treating the underlying causes for low testosterone. Unfortunately, this complicates the entire low testosterone problem. Over-dosage of testosterone increases estrogen production.
Estrogen-blocking foods that contain phytochemicals can help reduce estrogen levels in the body. If your goal is to treat low testosterone, reducing your estrogen levels can be a helpful step. For more information on Protecting Health & Preventing Illness call Compassionate Healthcare Associates at 661 295-7777.
