For more than a century now, noticeable alterations have been occurring in the male population on a physical and health level. Starting with infancy onto elder years, boys and men are slowly undergoing complex transformations of feminine aspects that are influencing their well being and physical attributes. Our male counterparts are noticing subtle changes in what was deemed the male persona: less assertiveness, lower energy and stamina, obesity, heart health, virility issues and changes in their physique. The primary reason for these changes has to do with elevated estrogen levels affecting their normal hormone balance and function. The source is environmental chemicals, medications, lifestyle, deficiencies and diet. Read on to see why beer is a major estrogen source and how to raise testosterone levels and lower estrogen levels naturally.
The before mentioned conditions do not need to be a forgone conclusion. Hormone levels can be checked through a blood test, determining the area of imbalance. To restore inward harmony, attention would then be given to lifestyle and an optimum diet while incorporating male supporting compounds. The following will assist in broadening ones knowledge in understanding why these occurrences are taking place with suggestions to re-establish health and vigor.
Source of Estrogen Affecting Male Testosterone Levels
A man’s estradiol (form of estrogen) level, should be kept within a healthy range between 20-30pg/ml. Environmental estrogen is prevalent in our food, water and household items. Pesticides and fungicides also contain chemicals that mimic estrogen in our bodies. Other sources include Bisphenol (hard plastics), Nonylphenol (in cleaning products), and Benzopheonones (cosmetics, sunblock, soap and perfume).
Health Risks and Characteristic Features of Elevated Estrogen
Physical Attributes
Boys are being born with smaller genitalia. Men experience muscle wasting, erectile dysfunction, decreased bone integrity, obesity, pear shaped, enlarged breasts, low libido, lacking confidence and lower energy.
Health concerns
Adequate testosterone is required by men to maintain a strong heart. Related conditions include heart attack, blood clots, stroke, coronary atherosclerosis and peripheral arterial disease. As evidenced by research, lower testosterone levels promote diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, cancer, prostate disorders and Alzheimer’s disease as well as depression and other psychological disorders.
How does the Liver Impact Estrogen levels
The liver regulates estrogen levels. Therefore optimum liver function is necessary to maintain a proper hormone level. On a more discouraging note, since alcohol reduces liver function, just one glass a day will raise estrogen levels. In addition, medications interfere with healthy liver function. Consult with a physician on your drug profile.
Is Beer the same as Alcohol
As a general observation, heavy beer drinkers have distinct body shapes. Beer is loaded with estrogen. Depending on the variety, just 3.5 ounces of hops may contain up to three hundred thousand IU’s of estrogen. The most obvious trait is the distended abdomen and muscle wasting in the extremities, all brought on by elevated estrogen levels. Alcohol and beer also decreases free testosterone by releasing testosterone binding proteins which inhibit production.
The Body Impacts Testosterone
1. Aromatase
Within the body fat is an enzyme called aromatase, whose job is to convert testosterone into estrogen. This enzyme will become increasingly active in the system, coinciding with the percentage of body fat. Losing weight will surely reduce free testosterone from being eaten up by aromatase
2. Free Testosterone is blocked by Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)
This syndrome becomes apparent when free testosterone levels are low, coupled with a high normal testosterone range.
3. Pituitary Gland
The pituitary gland secrets the Lutenizing hormone (LH), that regulates the production of testosterone. An adequate amount of LH is necessary to stimulate gonadal production of testosterone.
4. DHEA – The hormone DHEA is imperative for production of testosterone.
Raise Testosterone and Reduce Estrogen Levels Naturally
Plants and natural substances are teeming with active compounds that enhance overall health and bodily functions in males.
L-Carnitine is an amino acid that has shown to work similarly to testosterone, benefiting aging men in the area of sexual dysfunction and depression.
Zinc is involved in all aspects of testosterone metabolism, reproduction phases and suppresses aromatase. As men age zinc becomes more important. It reduces the effects of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH).
DHEA is a direct precursor to testosterone. This primary steroid hormone declines by half at age fifty. Its nickname is the “fountain of youth”.
Chrysin is a bioflavonoid and natural inhibitor to aromatase, minimizing the testosterone conversion to estrogen.
Quercetin is another bioflavonoid where studies support the same benefit as Chrysin as an inhibitor to aromatase.
L-Arginine is an amino acid that plays a paramount role in men’s health from being a potent vasodilator to stress reduction.
Thyroid support is vital to maintain energy, stamina, desired weight and proper blood circulation. The thyroid requires a small amount of iodine daily in order to make thyroid hormone which is easy to obtain through kelp and other sea based supplements.
Tribulus terrestris is an herb containing active compounds that stimulate arousal and improves sexual function.
Muira Puama is native to Brazil and is referred to as natures answer to Viagra.
Fish oil reduced SHBG levels in mature men.
Antioxidants (vitamins A, E, zinc and selenium) were found to protect and support testosterone production in men.
Indole 3-carbinol (I3C) found in cruciferous vegetables offers protection against prostate cancer and estrogen.
Saw Palmetto is used extensively for reducing symptoms of (BPH).
Nettle root contains lignans that prevent the binding of (SHGB).
Many of the current popular male supporting compound formulas contain several of the above items. These popular supplements are frequently used to enhance blood flow, retain hormone balance and increase energy.
1. Man and Wittert 2010. Obesity suppresses the action of luteinizing hormone (LH) reducing circulating testosterone levels.
2. Morales et al 2010. SHBG influences the bioavailability of testosterone.
3. Malkin et al 2010. Cardiovascular health. Low levels of testosterone appear to be correlated with several cardiovascular risk factors.
4. Almeida et al 2008. Central Nervous System. Low levels of testosterone have been associated with depression and other psychological disorders.
Copyright © 2016 – All Rights Reserved – Michelle Honda Ph.D.
Announcement
Look for my new forthcoming books “Reverse Heart Disease Naturally” (Jan.31, 2017) and “Reverse Inflammation Naturally” (summer 2017) and “Reverse Thyroid Diseases Naturally” (fall 2017)
Where to Purchase the Book
Reverse Gut Diseases Naturally
Recommend to a Friend
Follow Us!