High-protein diets may decrease testosterone levels in men, leading to ED, fertility struggles

WORCESTER, England — Gym goers who drink protein shakes and gobble up lean meats are lowering their chances of having children, a new study warns. According to scientists, following a high-protein diet can lower men’s testosterone levels, which can lead to erectile dysfunction and low sperm count.

Men looking to build muscle or lose weight are often encouraged to consume large amounts of lean meats, fish, and protein shakes. But now scientists at the University of Worcester say taking the protein could cost them a lot, lowering their testosterone levels by more than a third.

Cutting carbs, which has become increasingly popular with celebrities like Kim Kardashian, also comes at a price, researchers report.

“Most people eat about 17 percent protein, and the high-protein diets that caused low testosterone were all over 35 percent, which is very high,” says lead researcher Joseph Whittaker, a student at doctorate from the university, in a statement to South West News. Service. “So, for the average person, there is nothing to worry about, however, for people in high protein dietsthey should limit protein to no more than 25 percent.”

Not having enough testosterone has also been linked to chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s. On the contrary, healthy testosterone levels are very important for strength, muscle development, and athletic performance.

The researchers compiled the results of 27 studies involving a total of 309 men. Those who followed a high-protein, low-carb diet had much lower levels of testosterone compared to others. Having more than 35 percent protein lowered testosterone levels by 37 percent, which is medically known as hypogonadism, the researchers found.

It also increased excess protein and lack of carbohydrates. cortisol, commonly known as the body’s stress hormone, which is released during the “fight or flight” response. High levels of cortisol have been found to suppress the immune system, leaving people vulnerable to viral and bacterial infections such as colds, flus, and COVID-19.

Packaging protein can also cause “rabbit starvation,” where the body converts too much protein into ammonia, which is toxic at high levels. This condition, sometimes called “protein poisoning”, was first discovered by Roman soldiers who were forced to survive on rabbits during the siege of Villanueva del Campo. Many of them developed severe diarrhea and died.

“The finding that low carb diets Increasing cortisol is very interesting, as these diets have become incredibly popular in recent years, with many celebrities like Kim Kardashian, LeBron James and Meagan Fox promoting them,” says Whittaker. “However, more work needs to be done in this area to see if this is necessarily a bad thing.”

The findings are published in the journal Nutrition and health.

Report by South West News Service writer Tom Campbell