Support Healthy Testosterone Levels with these ingredients

Here is the seedy truth for men. Let's get to the root of the problem. A seed and plant based approach:

Supports healthy testosterone levels

• Creates a healthy gut microbiome
• Improves brain chemistry 
• Combats anxiety, depression and mood swings
• Improves sleep cycles
• Strengthens the immune system
• Enhances liver function
• Improves workouts and recovery time
• Combats inflammation and oxidation

Women are all too aware of the adverse effects of imbalanced estrogen in the body. Balancing hormones is important for the woman and the man. Around the same time that women go through menopause, men can experience the effects of decreasing testosterone levels. Some medical professionals use the term “andropause” and “irritable male syndrome” when testosterone levels hit a low point. Testosterone will decline with age and is also linked to lifestyle choices. There are many nutritious options that can help with supporting healthy testosterone levels.

Take seeds for example. Seeds are testosterone powerhouses because they are loaded with mono-unsaturated fats (especially pumpkin and chia seeds), Omega 3 fatty acids, fiber, antioxidants, minerals and vitamins. Seeds in general are high in the mineral zinc which boosts testosterone production. Fiber helps the gut eliminate bad human made unnatural estrogen compounds called xenoestrogens. These false hormones can cause a man's testosterone levels to plummet. These adverse xenoestrogens can be found in factory raised meat and dairy products, anything tainted with pesticides or insecticides, compounds found in plastics (especially plastic water bottles), cleaning products and many canned products. The fiber in seeds not only balances your intestinal function but it acts as a “prebiotic” to support your gut microbiome. Fiber binds toxins-like xenoestrogens and removes them from your body. High fiber nutritious seeds include pumpkin, sunflower, chia, flax and hemp. All of these seeds support your microbiome and your brain power. 

The gut “microbiome” is a fascinating environment in our body. Each of us has trillions of microorganisms residing throughout our body-the majority in our large intestine. We also have a skin microbiome and women have a vaginal microbiome. Supporting the microbiome of the gut is of utmost importance for men and women because this supports a healthy brain and healthy skin. Seeds are high in fiber which act like a fertilizer for existing microbiota to produce a more healthy microbiome that ultimately boosts the  immune system, endocrine system and brain chemistry. Seeds also support our liver and cellular detoxification. A clean body will crave healthy things and reject bad addictive substances. 

Another important seed that deserves particular attention is the cacao seed. This “super seed” has been used as a holistic medicinal nutrient to increase libido, stabilize mood, support the heart and cholesterol levels and provide superior energy. Cacao seeds are nutrient dense and support the detoxification pathways of the liver. When your liver is working optimally, your thyroid works optimally.  When our liver cleanses cellular toxins, the great side benefit is weight release. All seeds are a great source of protein which helps the body create lean muscle mass. 

In addition to seeds there are other plant based nutrients that support homeostasis of the body. Maca is one of them. This Peruvian plant/root is considered an Adaptogen-which helps you adapt to stress.  Stress comes in many forms-physical, emotional, sexual etc. Adaptogens have been instrumental in helping superior athletes and astronauts successfully combat the adverse effects of different climates and altitudes.  Adaptogens heighten our ability to balance our body and brain in the most adverse conditions. Considering the fact that we are bombarded with stressors every day, Maca is a great addition to a daily routine.  Maca root has been used for centuries to improve libido/fertility, reduce stress and support energy. 

Ginger root is another root based nutrient that has been used for centuries for its culinary and medicinal properties. Ginger has been found to help libido, increase sperm count and support healthy testosterone levels. Ginger is a powerful antioxidant that combats cellular oxidation (destruction of our cellular DNA) that occurs when toxins enter into the body.  Antioxidants help fight off inflammation and support the heart, lungs, liver and skin. Antioxidants support our cellular DNA. A plant based/seed based diet is a phenomenal way to create homeostasis in the body. You only have one body and mind-so support it for a lifetime. 

By Dr. Becky for Joule Goddess