In a recent discussion on health trends, medical experts have raised concerns about how certain everyday foods, drinks, and supplements might subtly impact men's testosterone levels, though they emphasize that broader lifestyle factors play a far more significant role. Dr. Kyle Gillett, a physician specializing in family and obesity medicine in Kansas, highlighted these issues during an appearance on Dr. Andrew Huberman's 'Huberman Lab Essentials' podcast, noting that while diet matters, extremes in consumption can lead to hormonal disruptions.
Testosterone, a key hormone influencing energy, muscle mass, and libido in men, is influenced by a complex interplay of diet, exercise, sleep, stress, and metabolic health. According to Gillett, caloric restriction in young, healthy individuals without metabolic syndrome can lower testosterone levels. He also pointed out that high alcohol intake consistently suppresses the hormone, an effect compounded by its negative impacts on sleep and body composition.
Dr. Khameinei Ali, a practicing physician in New York and the immediate past president of the Westchester County Medical Society, echoed this sentiment in an interview with Fox News Digital. 'Sleep deprivation, obesity, insulin resistance, acute illness and chronic stress suppress testosterone far more than any single food ever could,' Ali said, underscoring that individual dietary items are rarely the primary culprits.
Despite the overarching importance of lifestyle, experts identified several specific items that warrant attention, particularly in cases of low energy or reduced sex drive. For men experiencing such symptoms, Gillett recommends consulting a doctor for hormone testing, even without a formal diagnosis. 'If you're young and healthy, and you don't have metabolic syndrome, then caloric restriction will likely decrease your testosterone,' he explained, advising moderation in dieting practices.
One area of concern is high-dose turmeric and curcumin supplements, often touted for their anti-inflammatory benefits. Gillett noted that in men with already low levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) or reduced androgen sensitivity, concentrated forms could theoretically exacerbate issues, though human evidence remains limited. This concern arises primarily from animal and cell studies, as Anneliese Cadena, a nurse practitioner in North Carolina and clinical advisor for the men's wellness company Feel30, clarified to Fox News Digital.
'Some animal and cell studies have shown a decrease in testosterone at high doses, but those types of studies don't necessarily translate to the same effects in people,' Cadena said. 'In practice, I worry far more about megadose supplements than about someone adding turmeric to their cooking.'
Dr. Justin Houman, a urologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, shared a similar viewpoint. He reiterated Cadena's caution about supplements, stating, 'In practice, I worry far more about megadose supplements than about someone adding turmeric to their cooking.' Culinary use of turmeric, he added, poses negligible risk compared to unregulated high-potency products.
Dairy products emerged as another potential factor, specifically through milk proteins that may elevate prolactin levels—a hormone that can inhibit testosterone production. Gillett explained, 'Prolactin is going to also inhibit the release of testosterone from the pituitary.' However, experts stress that this effect is typically confined to individuals with underlying medical conditions causing elevated prolactin, not from routine consumption in healthy men.
Ali reinforced that everyday dairy intake does not broadly lower testosterone in the absence of such issues. He advised focusing on overall diet quality rather than fixating on single foods, a perspective aligned with broader medical consensus on hormonal health.
Polyphenol-rich plant foods, such as green tea and berries, were also mentioned as possible influencers. These compounds, beneficial for metabolic and cardiovascular health, can inhibit the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT, according to Gillett. 'Let's say you have a diet high in plant polyphenols,' he said. 'Many of those inhibit the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT.'
Cadena provided balance, noting that normal dietary amounts of polyphenols support reproductive health. 'Plant compounds such as polyphenols consistently support metabolic, cardiovascular and even reproductive health when they're part of a balanced diet,' she told Fox News Digital, highlighting the value of moderation over avoidance.
Alcohol stands out as one of the most clear-cut dietary risks, with experts unanimously linking heavy consumption to testosterone decline. Gillett stated simply, 'High alcohol will decrease testosterone.' Cadena elaborated on the multifaceted harm, saying, 'We used to think that one or two drinks a day were safe, but we now know there's really no safe dose of alcohol.' She connected this to associated problems like poor sleep and weight gain, which further erode hormone levels.
Ultra-processed foods represent a broader threat, according to Ali. He urged men to prioritize whole foods over packaged items laden with additives. 'The bigger concerns are excess alcohol, ultra-processed foods, chronic under-eating and supplements marketed as 'testosterone boosters' without credible evidence or transparent ingredient lists,' Ali said. This aligns with recent studies suggesting even low-calorie processed foods can contribute to weight gain and testosterone loss in men.
Houman summarized the expert consensus by shifting focus away from isolated foods. 'Most men do not have a food problem,' he agreed. 'They have a sleep, stress, weight or activity problem.' This viewpoint underscores that while certain items may play a role in edge cases, sustainable testosterone health hinges on consistent habits like adequate rest, physical activity, and stress management.
The discussion comes amid growing interest in men's health, with podcast episodes like Huberman's drawing large audiences seeking practical advice. Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel touched on related concerns during a 'Fox News Live' segment, linking ultra-processed foods to broader metabolic issues. As awareness rises, experts like Gillett encourage proactive steps, such as routine check-ups, to address symptoms early.
Looking ahead, ongoing research into diet-hormone interactions may clarify these nuances further. For now, physicians recommend a holistic approach: balanced nutrition, limited alcohol, and vigilance against unverified supplements. Men in Appleton and beyond can apply these insights by consulting local providers, ensuring that small dietary tweaks support larger lifestyle goals for optimal well-being.