While many of us have committed ourselves to a lifestyle packed with exercise, low fat healthy eating and overall positive living, is too much of a good thing affecting your sex drive?
Of course, a healthy, balanced diet is super important for general health. And when paired with regular exercise, we like to think we’re pretty fit and healthy.
Many of us are aware of the implications a high fat diet can have on our testosterone levels, since restricted blood flow can cause disruption down below. But while marketers and manufacturers continue to scare us with high fat intake and testosterone problems, what about the other way around?
Could a low calorie diet cause erectile dysfunction? Can a low fat diet and low testosterone go hand in hand? We take a closer look.
Society’s view of being ‘healthy’
Wherever we go, we’re somewhat bombarded by what society deems being healthy. We’re told to limit alcohol consumption, get our five a day of fruit and vegetables and exercise regularly. Smoking is a big no-no and the idea of chowing down on takeaways is considered an occasional treat.
Whether we’re watching content on YouTube or following an influencer on Instagram, we’re sold the idea that we need to be healthy and strive for perfection – whatever that may be. Many of us go a little overboard at the idea of cutting out carbs, limiting fats and we pay more attention to our step count than we do anything else.
If it’s not lean or green, it’s outta here.
For some, food is simply fuel, and often in the form of juices and shakes. For the average foodie, it’s a total nightmare. But it doesn’t need to be so extreme!
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While keeping ourselves healthy and fully functioning is totally cool, FYI – restrictive eating and excessive (borderline obsessive!) exercise can do more harm than good. Plus, according to studies, that includes your sex life.
The impact of low testosterone
Low testosterone levels have been linked with a variety of other health issues, including:
- Hair loss
- Hot flashes
- Trouble sleeping
- Low energy
- Lack of sex drive
- Reduced bone mass
- Erectile dysfunction (ED)
- Small testicles
- Cognition changes
- Reduced semen
- Mood changes
- Increase in body fat
Plus, research has shown links between low testosterone and other serious health conditions, including type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
Low fat diet and testosterone
Let’s face it, we know an unhealthy diet isn’t good for us. A poor diet and certain foods can impact our bodies dramatically – including our testosterone levels.
When our bodies experience a hormonal imbalance, it can knock our testosterone levels out of whack. Knowing which foods to avoid can help you maintain your T.
But more importantly, how can we focus on getting down and dirty when your concentration is on calorie counting?
However, it’s important to know that when we talk about food and T, it’s not just about a low fat diet and testosterone. Instead, it’s worth paying close attention to what your food contains and the potential bodily processes it may affect.
Studies suggest that soy contains phytoestrogens, which may boost your estrogen levels and therefore lower your testosterone. This is just one of the multiple foods worth avoiding, or at least moderating, to maintain healthy T levels.
Dietary fat and testosterone
It comes as no surprise that when we’re so focused on our calorie count and fat intake, that sex is the last thing on our minds.
As well as lacking the brain space to dedicate to think about sexual activity, many low fat diets for men are too restrictive. This can result in your body being under-fuelled.
When your body isn’t receiving the fuel it requires in the form of a healthy, varied diet, any exercise absorbs that energy – leaving nothing behind to fuel sex.
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So, does that mean you should eat well, exercise less and have sex more? Not quite. A diet low in saturated fat should give you all the healthy nutrients your body requires. These should then fuel daily functions, exercise and sex.
Many of us are aware that a healthy lifestyle is key to a good sex life. However, few pay attention to extreme weight loss, low weight and diets that are too restrictive – which can result in a lack of sex drive.
Low fat diets for men: Fat and testosterone
Since testosterone is the main driver of your sex drive, a low fat diet for men may seem great – but can actually restrict the production of testosterone. Since hormones are made of fat, some dietary fat is needed to produce T in the first place.
Our bodies can do some magical things, but when we treat it badly or don’t supply it with the nutrients it needs, it doesn’t function how it should. A diet too low in carbs can also impact thyroid function, which works to regulate our hormones.
When men have a low fat diet and testosterone problems, it is commonly paired with over-exercising and fatigue.
Let’s be honest, having to dig deep to find the energy for sex isn’t easy (or fun) when energy levels are low. Plus, if you’re blissfully unaware that you have low testosterone, feeling sluggish is a common symptom that may be flagging underlying low T.
Many low fat diets for men are far too restrictive, resulting in fatigue, low mood and you guessed it – a lack of sex drive.
Fat intake and testosterone: What kind of fats?
The idea that all fats are bad is a total myth. Good food should act as a fuel. Eating the right foods should keep you energized, your hormones well balanced and your sex drive active.
Good, healthy fats, such as those found in oily fish, walnuts and avocados contribute towards testosterone production. Put simply, the right type of fat and testosterone production go hand in hand.
When you limit your fat intake, testosterone production can take the brunt of your diet – resulting in low sex drive. To function properly, we need a healthy amount of fat to produce testosterone, energize exercise and maintain weight.
When we get too strict with a low fat diet, testosterone can take the hit.
Can a low calorie diet cause erectile dysfunction?
Since we’ve already established that a low fat diet and low testosterone can be linked, it’s time to take a look at low calorie diets and ED.
In a roundabout way, fat intake (and often low calorie) foods can impact testosterone production. Since low testosterone can be the result of a diet that is too restrictive, the potential for a low calorie diet to cause erectile dysfunction is heightened.
Since dietary fat is required to produce testosterone, restricting your body from these crucial fats would cause low T levels – therefore snowballing into ED.
Testosterone and fat: What foods should you be eating?
It’s pretty incredible how much our diet can influence our bodies. From weight, metabolism and hormone levels (including testosterone) making healthy decisions can change your life.
So, what foods should you be eating to boost your erection?
- Oranges and blueberries – Fruits packed with certain flavonoids can reduce your risk of erectile dysfunction, while also forming part of your 5 a day.
- Egg yolks, salmon and fortified milk – Vitamin D is important for your erections, with insufficient levels of vitamin D linked to increased risk of ED.
- Olive oil, legumes and whole grains – Since heart disease is the most common cause of erectile dysfunction, these powerful foods are great for keeping your blood vessels clear of junk.
- Spinach, peaches and peppers – Vitamin C is key to healthy sperm and can be quickly found in these popular foods.
If you’re struggling to stay hard, check out these natural male enhancement foods to boost your sex drive.
In terms of the effect of less fat on your T levels, there is plenty of room for further research on the matter.
Low fat diets for men – Are they worth it?
Losing weight will significantly improve your libido and lessen your risk of erectile dysfunction. However, restricting your food to extreme levels can have the opposite effect on your sex drive.
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Enjoying food and exercising regularly is great for a healthy lifestyle. Those moments of indulgence are good for us, in moderation. Not only can they give us a sense of release, but they also help us to relax.
Since stress is can impact our bodies and T levels, following a low fat diet for men that’s too strict will cause unnecessary anxiety and stress.
How to boost your libido naturally
As we’ve covered, there are pros and cons to following a low fat diet for men. However, the relationship between fat and testosterone can be a healthy one – when approached carefully.
If you’ve noticed a drop in your sex drive, it may be time to try Viasil. Our 100% natural and fast acting formula has zero side effects, reigniting your sex drive so you can experience stronger erections that last.
It’s time to increase your energy levels and give your best performance yet.
