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.
A compound in red wine could increase levels of testosterone circulating in your body by inhibiting the way you excrete the hormone, according to new research in Nutrition Journal. Normally, one of the ways testosterone is eliminated from your body is through urine.
In general, chronic excessive alcohol intake is known to decrease testosterone levels; however, moderate alcohol intake results in various effects on testosterone levels.
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.
Alcohol consumption in general – whether it be wine, beer, or spirits – is known to decrease a person's overall testosterone levels. In fact, a recent Dutch study of men showed that daily moderate drinking for even a period as short as 3 weeks resulted in a 7% decrease in testosterone levels.
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.
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.
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.
Excess weight, hair-loss treatments, and a sedentary lifestyle are among the factors that can lower testosterone levels. If you're concerned about low testosterone levels, take a look at your everyday habits and way of life. They could be contributing to a drop.
The short answer is there isn't a proven link between orgasms and testosterone levels, so we don't know how it affects you in the short term. However, you can take comfort in knowing that masturbating will not negatively affect your testosterone levels—or other aspects of your life—long-term.
Diet Soda
One study found that men who drank diet soda had lower testosterone levels than those who didn't. The men who drank diet soda also had higher levels of a hormone called SHBG, which binds to testosterone and makes it unavailable for use in the body.
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.
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.
Potassium, the main nutrient in banana, helps to boost the production of testosterone, the male sex hormone and improves the libido.
The Direct Effect of Alcohol on Your Testosterone
In a review of the available research, scientists concluded that a 160-pound man would need to drink 5 or 6 glasses of beer that contains between 4.5 and 6 percent alcohol per 12-ounce glass in order to cause a direct decrease in serum testosterone levels.
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.
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.
To keep your heart pumping and your physical love life in tip-top shape, look for wines with high levels of anthocyanins like Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Tannat, Aglianico and Touriga Nacional.
In general, drinking one to two drinks occasionally should not have a major impact on testosterone levels. Moderate levels of alcohol consumption may have positive health benefits. However, drinking more will likely result in adverse effects including lower testosterone levels.
Testosterone is a hormone that helps increase muscle mass in response to resistance exercise training. Research shows that moderate doses of alcohol – equivalent to around two beers – can actually increase testosterone levels.