Have you noticed your libido isn’t what it used to be? Is it hard to find the strength to get up in the morning? Are you finding it more and more challenging to focus on your job or even spend time with your friends or family?

If so, there’s a good chance you are dealing with low testosterone or Low T.

While this may be disappointing to hear, you aren’t alone. It’s a problem that plagues millions of men of all ages.

Even though there are many reasons your testosterone may be “off,” one reason could be what you are eating. Believe it or not, there are testosterone-killing foods that may be making it hard for you to function normally.

The best way to fight this problem is to know what foods kill testosterone. Keep reading to learn what these are.

Some Types of Nuts

When it comes to foods that kill testosterone, some nuts are on the list. Two of the biggest culprits are almonds and walnuts, which may impact testosterone levels.

Eating these nuts will increase hormone-binding globulin or SHBG. This is responsible for carrying testosterone and other hormones through your body. If levels get too high, there is less free testosterone available.

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Dairy

You should think twice before you start to eat cheese or drink milk. Some studies have shown that dairy products will reduce your testosterone levels.

The main source of commercially sold milk is pregnant female cows. This milk is full of progesterone and estrogen. These hormones can adversely impact testosterone because they suppress GnRH, which men require for the release of LH (Luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone). If these aren’t released, your testes are unable to synthesize testosterone.

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Soy Products

At the top of the list of foods that lower testosterone is soy foods. This includes edamame, tofu, and soy protein isolates, which all contain phytoestrogens. These compounds are extremely similar to estrogen and function in the body in a similar way. Because of this, they can reduce testosterone levels significantly.

Frozen and Processed Foods

Most processed and frozen foods are full of sodium. They are also full of a lot of trans fat. This can be an issue for men since trans fats are known to kill testosterone. While it is best to limit these types of foods regardless of who you are, it’s important to note that if you do eat them, they can have a negative impact on your hormones and testosterone levels.

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Vegetable Oils

If you follow the standard Western diet, vegetable oil is considered a pantry staple. Usually, if cooking oil is labeled as “vegetable oil,” they are a combination of several types of oil, including sunflower, canola, soybean, corn, safflower, peanut, and olive.

All these oils include monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. These have also been studied and proven to reduce testosterone levels. If you are looking at how to lower testosterone, eating these is fine. However, if you have Low T or want to increase your levels, these oils should be avoided.

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Alcohol

Having a drink from time to time isn’t going to impact your hormones; however, if you drink daily or even several times a week, your testosterone levels may fall significantly.

Plenty of studies has proven alcohol impacts the proper function of your hypothalamus, testes, and pituitary gland. Like what happens when you consume dairy, alcohol makes it impossible for your hypothalamus to release GnRH. Also, the pituitary gland will not release LH and FSH, and the testes won’t produce testosterone. If you are continually drinking, your hormones are going to become underserved.

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Mint

Even though spearmint and peppermint can make a delicious, calming tea, the menthol contained in mint can reduce testosterone levels. Because of this, if you have Low T symptoms, it may be a good idea to avoid mint completely.

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Licorice Root

Licorice root is an herb that is commonly used for tobacco products, beverages, and candy. That’s because it has an appealing, sweet flavor. You may also find it in supplement or tea form.

Right now, it’s not completely known how much of an impact that licorice root will have on testosterone levels. While this is true, if you are dealing with Low T, it’s best to eliminate this consumption to prevent your situation from getting worse.

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Baked Goods

A single piece of pie, doughnut, or muffin isn’t going to cause your testosterone levels to fall drastically. However, if the foods are a regular part of your diet, they may eventually impact your testosterone.

Along with impacting your testosterone levels, eating a diet that is full of these products will likely increase your overall visceral fat and cause higher insulin levels. These issues can also work against your testosterone.

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Improving Testosterone Levels by Changing Your Diet

The above list includes some of the main foods that can reduce your testosterone levels. Knowing what these are is the best way to minimize their impact.

If you are eating one or all the foods above, now is a good time to change your diet. For many men, this is all they need to do to restore proper testosterone levels in their bodies. While this is true, there may be another underlying issue, as well. If you believe this may be the case, it may be a good idea to schedule an appointment with your doctor. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and help you create a plan of action.