While the answer is true – red wine has been proven in studies to help you excrete more testosterone – it does come with a caveat, which we'll explain later in this post.
In the testes, alcohol can adversely affect the Leydig cells, which produce and secrete the hormone testosterone. Studies found that heavy alcohol consumption results in reduced testosterone levels in the blood.
Ethanol alcohol is a testicular toxin, and these large doses reduce testosterone function, sperm count, fertility, and can even cause permanent damage to the testes.
Moderate consumption of beer can increase testosterone levels, which can lead to increased muscle mass, bone density and sex drive. However, heavy drinking can lead to decreased testosterone levels, which can lead to decreased muscle mass, weight gain, fatigue and depression.
Alcohol may impair the way the brain's hormones function, potentially disrupting testosterone production and resulting in lower testosterone levels over time. The oxygen molecules produced when the body processes alcohol could also cause cell damage in the testes, where testosterone is produced.
The researchers found that red wine does indeed increase testosterone levels in individuals, mainly due to a compound known as quercetin, which partially blocks the enzyme in the body that looks for testosterone and then sends a message to the kidneys to excrete it.
If a person refrains from drinking for up to two weeks or more, then the body will naturally increase testosterone levels and reduce the negative impact on the brain. Again, boosting testosterone is possible through a healthy diet, exercise, and a lack of drinking.
Caffeine generally has a positive impact on testosterone levels. It has been shown that men that consume caffeine on a regular basis, on average, have more testosterone than those that don't. Not only this but the estradiol levels, both free and total, have been reduced.
Smoking Increases Testosterone Early On
Some research suggests smoking may increase testosterone in the short term. A study of more than 3,000 men published in the International Journal of Andrology found a positive correlation between smoking and increased testosterone levels.
For men, alcohol depresses the central nervous system which means it can make it difficult for some men to get, and keep, an erection. Drinking may also prevent or delay orgasm. Drinking heavily over an extended period can even turn a temporary condition into longer term impotence.
"Some, but not all, men with higher levels of testosterone are more likely to engage in behavior that cancels out the beneficial effects of testosterone." Those with higher levels of testosterone are more inclined to smoke, drink alcohol excessively and indulge in risky behavior that leads to injury.
These findings suggest that red wine contains a higher content and/or biologically more active phytoestrogens than does bourbon. The effects of bourbon and red wine congeners on (A) uterus weight and (B) luteinizing hormone (LH) levels of rats whose ovaries had been removed.
Alcohol can change the way a woman's body metabolizes estrogen (how estrogen works in the body). This can cause blood estrogen levels to rise. Estrogen levels are higher in women who drink alcohol than in non-drinkers [21]. Higher estrogen levels are in turn, linked to an increased risk of breast cancer [21].
Excess testosterone in men can result from testicular or adrenal tumors. Even if these tumors are benign – that is, they aren't malignant or cancerous – they can still boost testosterone levels to unhealthy levels, as can steroid use and abuse.
Despite these benefits, caffeine has been implicated in a number of adverse health outcomes possibly due to effects within the endocrine system, effects that may contribute to impaired reproductive function and low testosterone in men.
What do you mean by heavy drinking? For men, heavy drinking is typically defined as consuming 15 drinks or more per week. For women, heavy drinking is typically defined as consuming 8 drinks or more per week.
Acute alcohol exposure results in increased LHRH, LH, FSH, and estradiol and decreased testosterone and progesterone. Chronic alcohol exposure, in contrast, induces a decrease in LHRH, LH, testosterone, and progesterone and an increase in estradiol and FSH.
Eggs. Eggs are a fantastic source of protein, cholesterol, vitamin D and omega-3s, all of which aid in the production of testosterone. Eggs are a very versatile ingredients and not only do they help increase testosterone levels, the protein in them helps with muscle building too!
Because of this, some men undergo testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), which seeks to return blood testosterone concentrations to normal levels. However, continuing to drink while undergoing TRT can undermine this treatment's effectiveness. Most doctors recommend limiting alcohol intake or quitting outright.
The bottom line. It's best to avoid consuming alcohol while taking ED medications like Viagra: Not only can alcohol counteract the medication's effects, but it can also worsen side effects, like flushing and headaches.