Akash Kapadia, MD Home

Category: Diet

When Your Diet Goes Head-to-Head

Posted on by Akash Kapadia, MD in ,

Man smiling while eating healthy lunch, putting fork to mouth

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is more common than many realize, affecting millions of men, as well as their partners, worldwide. Modern medicine has developed wildly impressive and effective solutions, ranging from medication to penile implants.

What modern medicine can’t change is how you treat your body. In other words, what you eat, how you move, and how you manage stress can all influence your sexual function.

Foods That Can Help

You are what you eat has more truth to it than many realize. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats not only nourishes your body but also your sexual health. Leafy greens, beets, and berries are particularly helpful because they contain nitrates and antioxidants, compounds that support the ability of your blood vessels to expand and increase blood flow. Healthy blood flow to the penile arteries results in strong, consistent erections.

Whole grains and legumes, packed with fiber, help regulate blood sugar and cholesterol, which also protects vascular health. And healthy fat isn’t your enemy – unsaturated fats from olive oil, nuts, and fatty fish support cardiovascular function and, indirectly, sexual performance.

Lean proteins from poultry, fish, or plant sources help maintain muscle mass and overall metabolism, contributing to hormone balance. Some studies suggest that men who follow Mediterranean-style diets, which are high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and fish, experience lower rates of erectile dysfunction than men who follow typical Western diets high in processed and fried foods.1

Foods That Can Hinder

Not all “healthy” foods are created equal – even foods with labels such as natural, diet, or zero-calorie can contain hidden sweeteners and other undesirable ingredients that aren’t so helpful. Processed foods with refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, and excess sodium can also sabotage sexual performance.

Refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, pastries, and sugary snacks, spike blood sugar and can worsen insulin resistance over time. This creates vascular stress and may reduce blood flow to the penis. Saturated and trans fats, commonly found in fried foods, fast food, and many baked goods, contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, which narrows arteries and impedes circulation – everywhere. High sodium intake can raise blood pressure, again negatively affecting vascular health.

Even moderate levels of unhealthy eating, when repeated daily and over time, can gradually compromise metabolic health and erectile function. On the flip side, the occasional indulgence alongside otherwise healthy dietary habits promotes physical health, reduces stress, boosts mood, and creates enjoyable social experiences that actually enhance sexual wellbeing.

Creating better habits like replacing processed snacks with whole foods, cooking with olive oil instead of margarine, and moderating caffeine intake can drastically improve blood flow, energy levels, and hormone balance. What hinders vascular and endocrine health can hinder erections.

There’s More: Exercise and Metabolic Health

We’ve mentioned it a few times, and we’ll say it again: erectile function depends heavily on cardiovascular and metabolic health. Regular physical activity improves circulation, lowers blood pressure, helps stabilize healthy body weight, and reduces stress, all of which can impact the ability to obtain and maintain an erection.

Aerobic exercise (including activities like walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling that get your heart rate up) strengthens the heart and blood vessels, increasing the availability of nitric oxide – a compound necessary for smooth muscle relaxation and adequate blood volume to the penis. Resistance training (as in push-ups, curls, deadlifts, and planks) helps regulate testosterone production, preserves muscle mass, and improves metabolic function. Pelvic floor exercises (such as Kegels, bridge pose, and squats) directly strengthen the muscles involved with erections and ejaculation, augmenting rigidity and control.

Obesity is also linked to erectile dysfunction – excess body fat, particularly around the abdomen, creates inflammation, insulin resistance, and lower testosterone levels. Fortunately, even modest weight loss can yield noticeable improvements in sexual function.

Moderating all of these aspects of lifestyle creates a positive feedback loop: improved circulation and hormonal balance support sexual performance; increased confidence and energy encourage continued healthy behaviors.

That’s Not All: Smoking, Alcohol, Stress, and Sleep

Yes, all of these factors can affect sexual performance. Poor sleep, particularly obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, and nighttime shift work, is strongly associated with low testosterone and impaired vascular function. Research indicates that short sleep duration itself may negatively influence erectile function – men who consistently get insufficient sleep are at higher risk for developing ED, even after accounting for age and other medical conditions.2

Not getting regular quality Z’s has also been linked to a wide range of other disorders, including diabetes, hypertension, and major depressive disorder, all of which can further contribute to sexual dysfunction. Studies suggest that sleep-related disruptions in neuroendocrine systems, molecular signaling pathways, and vascular regulation can all lead to ED.2 Establishing consistent sleep habits not only supports better erectile function, but it can also enhance responsiveness to medical treatment.

Smoking damages blood vessels and reduces nitric oxide availability, making erections more difficult. Chronic alcohol use, on the other hand, can impair testosterone production and cause nerve damage. Chronic psychological stress elevates cortisol, which can decrease testosterone and interfere with the nervous system pathways involved in erections. Anxiety, depression, and performance pressure further compound the problem.

Oftentimes, smoking, alcohol consumption, and mental health go hand-in-hand, making this one of the most challenging lifestyle aspects to tackle. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance dependency or emotional well-being, please reach out to a healthcare provider for additional support and guidance.

Get Your Head in the Game

Erectile dysfunction is rarely just a bedroom issue – it’s often a signal indicating your body needs cardiovascular, metabolic, hormonal, and even mental health support.

Diet and lifestyle have a dynamic impact within the body, sometimes rivaling medication in effectiveness. When healthy habits are combined with medical intervention, these strategies provide the most comprehensive approach to ED and your overall physical mojo.

If you’re struggling with ED and want personalized guidance, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kapadia. With a few adjustments and solid medical advice, you can regain sexual confidence and peak performance.

Resources:

  1. Di Francesco, S., & Tenaglia, R. L. (2017). Mediterranean diet and erectile dysfunction: a current perspective. Central European journal of urology, 70(2), 185–187. https://doi.org/10.5173/ceju.2017.1356.
  2. Zhang, F., Xiong, Y., Qin, F., & Yuan, J. (2022). Short Sleep Duration and Erectile Dysfunction: A Review of the Literature. Nature and science of sleep, 14, 1945–1961. https://doi.org/10.2147/NSS.S375571.

Fuel Your Fire: Naturally Boosting Testosterone

Posted on by Akash Kapadia, MD in ,

40% of men over 45 experience clinically low testosterone.¹

Sounds straightforward enough, but think about what this hormone actually powers: energy, muscle, motivation, mood, and libido. That statistic means 40% of men could also be feeling drained and fatigued, struggling to stay strong, noticing a lag in sex drive, or experiencing fewer spontaneous erections.

Many men turn to prescriptions, a viable option, but there’s also a growing interest in natural ways to keep testosterone in a healthy range. From lifestyle factors such as diet, sleep, exercise, and stress management to herbs, micronutrients, and specific foods, several practical strategies can help maintain (or even modestly boost) testosterone production.

Food

What you eat ripples through nearly every body system, including the glands and pathways that regulate testosterone. A healthy diet is one of the most effective methods to maintain hormone balance. Nutrient-dense meals give your body the raw materials it needs, while restrictive or unbalanced diets can throw your whole system off-kilter.

Two minerals in particular, zinc and magnesium, play outsized roles in testosterone synthesis. Zinc is involved in both the production and secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH), the chemical messenger that signals your testes to make testosterone. It also helps convert testosterone into its more potent cousin, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). When zinc levels are low, testosterone levels tend to follow. Studies show that supplementation with zinc in zinc-deficient men can raise both total and free testosterone.²

When paired with exercise, magnesium supplementation has also been shown to increase testosterone, likely by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation (which can damage testosterone-producing Leydig cells) and by increasing the availability of more bioavailable hormone. In studies combining exercise and magnesium supplementation, testosterone (both free and total) was elevated.²

Taking a multivitamin tailored to your gender and age typically provides most of the essential minerals and vitamins you need, but additional supplementation may become necessary in some cases. Vitamin D, iron, calcium, and B vitamins are common gaps, and addressing them can make a measurable difference in how your body functions.

Most people think of vitamin D as “the bone vitamin,” and that’s true. It supports healthy skeletal bone, but it’s actually more like a hormone that influences the whole body. Receptors for vitamin D are found throughout the body, including in penile tissue, which means it can directly affect sexual health. When vitamin D binds to specific receptors, it helps regulate thousands of genes that guide how cells grow, repair, and function.³

In practical terms, being low in vitamin D doesn’t just weaken bones – it can also interfere with testosterone production and healthy erectile function. Low vitamin D often goes hand-in-hand with low testosterone, and long-term supplementation in deficient men has been shown to raise both total and free testosterone.⁴

Whole foods provide essential vitamins that support testosterone naturally, and if you need a boost, the plate is a good place to start. Here are some foods that pack hormone-friendly nutrients:

  • Oysters, beef, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas – rich in zinc
  • Spinach, almonds, dark chocolate, and avocados – sources of magnesium
  • Egg yolks, salmon, fortified dairy – supply vitamin D
  • Olive oil, nuts, fatty fish – provide healthy fats for hormone production
  • Pomegranate, berries, and cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli) – support antioxidant balance and hormone metabolism

One last mention on diet: We often hear about the dangers of high cholesterol and being mindful of keeping it low – if your numbers are elevated, that’s generally sound advice. But if your cholesterol is already in a healthy range, going ultra-low-fat might actually backfire.

Cholesterol is the raw material from which testosterone and other steroid hormones are made. Diets too low in fat can limit cholesterol production (hence testosterone), while higher-fat approaches (including ketogenic diets) have been linked to increased testosterone, especially in men who strength train.⁴ Chronic calorie restriction or pushing your body too hard without proper nutrition can suppress LH signaling and lower hormone output.

Herbs

Certain herbs, plant extracts, and phytochemicals (naturally occurring compounds in plants) may help preserve testosterone by limiting its conversion to estrogen and gently nudging hormone pathways in the right direction.⁴

Many of these come from traditional medicine, including plants in the Araliaceae family (like ginseng) and Zingiberaceae species (such as ginger and turmeric), along with fruits like mangosteen, grape seeds, white button mushrooms, and even red wine. (Easy does it on the red wine; alcohol intake can wipe out nutrients your body needs to stay healthy.)

For example, mangosteen supplementation in one study increased free testosterone levels and improved strength outcomes compared to a placebo.⁴ Certain flavonoids – apigenin in parsley and chamomile, chrysin in honey, catechins in cocoa and prune juice, and resveratrol in red wine – also show promise in supporting testosterone by acting as natural aromatase inhibitors (substances that help prevent the conversion of testosterone into estrogen).

Other herbs often talked about for testosterone support include puncture vine (Tribulus terrestris), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia), and ginseng.⁵ It’s hypothesized that they work by stimulating the glands that produce testosterone, improving responsiveness to luteinizing hormone (LH), reducing stress and inflammation, or protecting testicular cells from oxidative damage. Some men notice appreciable changes in energy, libido, or strength, while others see minimal results. Quality, dose, and individual differences like age, baseline hormone levels, and overall health all contribute to the effect of supplements and lifestyle changes.

While encouraging, most of this research is still preliminary. Many studies are done in vitro (test-tube or cell culture) or in animals rather than humans. Human studies tend to be small, and the real-world effects depend on dose, preparation quality, bioavailability, and baseline nutritional or hormonal status. These herbs show promise, particularly for men with low testosterone or stress, but they’re not guaranteed fixes. Larger, high-quality studies are needed to clarify which herbs work best and in what amounts. Most importantly, don’t start any supplementation regimen without your doctor’s oversight.

Sleep

Sleep is essential for many of the body’s mechanisms to function properly, and hormones are no exception. When we are sleep deprived, we also become hormone, nutrient, and energy deprived.

In one study, 10 healthy young men were observed sleeping 10 hours per night for three nights. Then, their sleep was restricted to only five hours per night for eight consecutive nights. Researchers observed that daytime testosterone levels dropped by 10-15% compared to when individuals were better rested, particularly in the afternoon and evening. Participants also reported feeling less energetic and motivated when experiencing reduced sleep. Interestingly, the testosterone decline occurred without a significant change in cortisol (a stress hormone), suggesting that sleep loss itself (not just stress) directly lowers testosterone.⁶ (Although cortisol does affect hormone levels, as we’ll see soon.)

Missing sleep, even a little, lowers testosterone production – if sleep is cut short, disrupted, fragmented, or of poor quality, testosterone tends to fall. Sleep disorders, like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), can make this worse.⁷ In OSA, the airway collapses repeatedly during the night, interrupting deep sleep and reducing oxygen levels. This repeated disturbance can significantly blunt testosterone release and is often compounded by excess body weight.

Even if you’re technically “in bed” long enough, broken or shallow sleep keeps testosterone from reaching normal peaks overnight. Research also suggests that testosterone is most sensitive to the amount of deep, restorative sleep (stages 3 and 4 of non-REM).⁷ Prioritizing both sleep quantity and quality is one of the most effective ways to support testosterone and overall vitality naturally.

Exercise

How do different measures of fitness and body composition relate to total testosterone (TT) levels? Researchers explored this by looking at 87 men, measuring their body fat percentage, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, agility, and flexibility.⁸

Here’s what they found: men with higher amounts of fat, particularly abdominal fat, tended to have lower testosterone, and those with better cardiorespiratory fitness (how efficiently the heart and lungs work) had higher testosterone.⁸

Escalating aerobic exercise with activities that improve your heart and lung capacity and lowering body fat (with emphasis on belly fat) appear to be some of the most effective natural strategies for raising testosterone, especially in men with erectile dysfunction (ED).⁸ Resistance training (lifting weights) also helps, but combined aerobic and strength training with trimming the midsection delivers a bigger testosterone boost than lifting alone.

Stress

Chronic stress takes a toll on nearly every system in the body, and over time, it can quietly chip away at testosterone levels. Animal studies show that prolonged stress causes the testosterone-producing Leydig cells in the testes to falter, shrinking in size and output. The main culprit is cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, which interferes with the biochemical steps needed to make testosterone.⁹

Chronic stress also alters how Leydig cells respond to luteinizing hormone (LH), one of the primary signals the body uses to instruct the testes to produce testosterone. When that communication is disrupted, the cellular machinery can’t properly convert raw materials into testosterone. As this process drags on, baseline testosterone secretion decreases, resulting in consistently lower levels than they should be.

Additionally, chronic stress tends to accumulate through effects such as increased inflammation, oxidative stress (where cells are damaged by reactive molecules), and potential decreases in eating, sleep, or energy availability, all of which can further impair testosterone production.

There is a caveat worth mentioning about the difference between acute stress and chronic stress. Acute stress puts our system into action and can actually be healthy. In a study where researchers measured testosterone in participants’ saliva at baseline and during exam stress, they found that short-term psychological stress, like facing a test, might raise testosterone in men (at least temporarily). But how this happens depends on who you are, your personality, how much you dwell on things, and how well you handle your emotions.¹⁰

That said, if you’re under constant stress, your testosterone is likely to drop, not just temporarily but in a more lasting way. Managing stress through good sleep, realistic workloads, relaxation practices, therapy, or lifestyle changes can help maintain healthier, more stable testosterone levels over time.

Finding Balance

Optimizing testosterone takes seeing the big picture and creating a healthy balance in life. Diet, sleep, exercise, and stress management all work together to support hormone production, and even small, consistent changes can make a significant difference in how you feel day-to-day.

It’s important to note that natural products are not a substitute for medical advice, and they aren’t risk-free. Some can interact with prescription medications or existing health conditions in ways that may not seem obvious – don’t self-prescribe or mix therapies without guidance.

The best step you can take is to have an open conversation with your urologist. A specialist can evaluate your hormone levels, review your current medications, and help you choose safe and effective strategies—whether pharmaceutical, natural, or a combination.

For professional guidance on naturally boosting testosterone and combining lifestyle approaches with medical care, schedule an appointment with Dr. Kapadia. Together, we’ll develop a practical plan tailored to your goals.

References:

  1. Sizar, Omeed, et al. “Male Hypogonadism.” PubMed, StatPearls Publishing, 25 Feb. 2024, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532933/.
  2. Zamir, A., Ben-Zeev, T., & Hoffman, J. R. (2021). Manipulation of Dietary Intake on Changes in Circulating Testosterone Concentrations. Nutrients, 13(10), 3375. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13103375.
  3. Canguven, O., & Al Malki, A. H. (2021). Vitamin D and Male Erectile Function: An Updated Review. The world journal of men’s health, 39(1), 31–37. https://doi.org/10.5534/wjmh.190151.
  4. Zamir, A., Ben-Zeev, T., & Hoffman, J. R. (2021). Manipulation of Dietary Intake on Changes in Circulating Testosterone Concentrations. Nutrients, 13(10), 3375. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13103375.
  5. Smith, S. J., Lopresti, A. L., Teo, S. Y. M., & Fairchild, T. J. (2021). Examining the Effects of Herbs on Testosterone Concentrations in Men: A Systematic Review. Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.), 12(3), 744–765. https://doi.org/10.1093/advances/nmaa134.
  6. Leproult, R., & Van Cauter, E. (2011). Effect of 1 week of sleep restriction on testosterone levels in young healthy men. JAMA, 305(21), 2173–2174. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2011.710.
  7. Wittert G. (2014). The relationship between sleep disorders and testosterone in men. Asian journal of andrology, 16(2), 262–265. https://doi.org/10.4103/1008-682X.122586.
  8. Yeo, J. K., Cho, S. I., Park, S. G., Jo, S., Ha, J. K., Lee, J. W., Cho, S. Y., & Park, M. G. (2018). Which Exercise Is Better for Increasing Serum Testosterone Levels in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction?. The world journal of men’s health, 36(2), 147–152. https://doi.org/10.5534/wjmh.17030.
  9. Xiong, X., Wu, Q., Zhang, L., Gao, S., Li, R., Han, L., Fan, M., Wang, M., Liu, L., Wang, X., Zhang, C., Xin, Y., Li, Z., Huang, C., & Yang, J. (2022). Chronic stress inhibits testosterone synthesis in Leydig cells through mitochondrial damage via Atp5a1. Journal of cellular and molecular medicine, 26(2), 354–363. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcmm.17085.
  10. Afrisham, R., Sadegh-Nejadi, S., SoliemaniFar, O., Kooti, W., Ashtary-Larky, D., Alamiri, F., Aberomand, M., Najjar-Asl, S., & Khaneh-Keshi, A. (2016). Salivary Testosterone Levels Under Psychological Stress and Its Relationship with Rumination and Five Personality Traits in Medical Students. Psychiatry investigation, 13(6), 637–643. https://doi.org/10.4306/pi.2016.13.6.637.

Does Cranberry Juice Work for Kidney Stones?

Posted on by Akash Kapadia, MD in ,

person pouring cranberry juice into glass

It may seem too simplistic and even ridiculous, but we’ve all been told that cranberries and their juice effectively prevent kidney stones. However, before you go out and drink liters of cranberry juice at a time, we must discuss some other ways to mitigate kidney stones and what you should do if you develop them.

Kidney stones are hardened crystals that develop within the kidneys for several potential reasons. Kidney stones do not cause pain for many as they are small enough to pass through the urinary system without us ever knowing. For some, however, kidney stones can develop to be quite large. While the stones remain in the kidneys themselves, they are usually asymptomatic. However, if they begin to migrate into the ureters – the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder – they can cause significant pain and other complications. For some, kidney stones represent a harrowing circumstance, which may require passing the stone over a day or two or intervention from a urologist using shockwave therapy or lithotripsy. However, it’s important to remember that if you develop a fever or other signs of infection, this is an emergency that must be treated at the hospital. Kidney infections progress very rapidly and can be devastating if not treated early.

Continue reading “Does Cranberry Juice Work for Kidney Stones?” →

Nitric Oxide and Its Role in Erectile Dysfunction

Posted on by Akash Kapadia, MD in , ,

Man eating healthy trying to increase nitric oxide in body

Several potential issues can cause or worsen erectile dysfunction. Many of these are discussed on our website. However, some are less discussed yet worthy of mention and attention; one such potential cause is a deficiency in nitric oxide. Nitric oxide, or NO, is a gas molecule that most cells in the body produce. It is an integral part of how our body functions and plays a role in activating the enzymes in blood vessels that, among other things, help make a normal erection. As we age, however, the body produces less nitric oxide (which is the case for many essential bodily functions).

While the prevalence of erectile dysfunction continues to be researched, studies have shown that about 20% of the United States male population and 50% of those aged 40 to 70 years may suffer from moderate ED. Greater than 60% of men over 70 may suffer as well. This data is from the early 2000s, and the obesity epidemic, for example, has significantly worsened so those prevalence figures may be even higher.

Continue reading “Nitric Oxide and Its Role in Erectile Dysfunction” →

Should You Drink Less if You Have BPH?

Posted on by Akash Kapadia, MD in ,

Man drinking from plastic water bottle while working out

While benign is in the name, it sure doesn’t feel like it to patients suffering from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). At first, many patients think they may have prostate cancer. They are relieved to learn that most cases of symptomatic lower urinary tract symptoms are not caused by a malignancy but rather this ubiquitous normal part of the aging process. However, BPH only tends to get worse as the cells in the prostate continue to grow. The result is often nocturia, in which the patient wakes for a visit to the bathroom multiple times each night, often causing disrupted sleep and constant daytime fatigue. As such, many patients think that reducing their water intake will solve the issue.

Ultimately, drinking fewer fluids to try to avoid the symptoms of BPH doesn’t work and may be counterproductive. For one, it is critically important that you stay hydrated for continued health. This is not just the health of your urinary system, but every bodily function depends on proper hydration. Even mild dehydration has significant physical and psychological consequences. Further, dehydration can make your lower urinary tract symptoms worse. Lack of fluid intake can cause bladder irritation as the urine is more concentrated. The result? You guessed it! An urge to urinate more frequently. It can also cause significant kidney issues that, once again, can create problematic urinary symptoms.

Continue reading “Should You Drink Less if You Have BPH?” →

Can “Forever Chemicals” Be Causing Male Infertility?

Posted on by Akash Kapadia, MD in ,

Several takeout containers including cups and bag lying across a counter

In the spirit of bringing you the latest research that affects male fertility, a Danish study¹ was recently published about the effects of forever chemicals and, in particular, PFAS or per and polyfluoroalkyl substances on sperm count and mobility. The study sought to understand how a mother’s exposure to these toxic chemicals during pregnancy could affect the child’s fertility later in life. Why does this matter? Testicular development in males occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy, and this is also a time when external endocrine disruptors can make a big difference. In this case, PFAS made up of thousands of different chemicals, accumulates in the human body and crosses the placental barrier into the child.

What This Study Showed

Approximately 860 men were evaluated. Their mothers provided blood samples during the first trimester of their pregnancy between 1996 and 2002. The study found that mothers with higher PFAS levels had children who were more likely to have a lower sperm count and mobility issues than adults.

Why This Study Matters

When we look at the increasing rates of male infertility, we know that there is no single cause. Instead, cases of infertility must be discussed and evaluated both from an individual and a societal level. It seems that exposure to these, amongst other environmental chemicals, may be partly to blame for some infertility cases. Most Americans have been exposed to and therefore retain PFAS in their blood – remember, once exposed, the body cannot remove these chemicals (hence the “forever” moniker).

Beyond infertility, these chemicals can also cause significant diseases later in life. Research suggests that these chemicals may cause metabolic disorders, including type-2 diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, and more, all of which can also affect urinary health.

What’s the Prognosis?

Unfortunately, because of the ubiquitous nature of these chemicals, most pregnant mothers have been exposed to these toxic chemicals. Virtually every adult has been as well. Why? These chemicals are often used in food product packaging to improve their water and grease-resistant properties. The result is that many of your fast food and takeout containers have PFAS. Some of the most egregious packaging includes fast-food wrappers and boxes, popcorn bags, and pizza boxes.

How Can You Avoid These Chemicals?

Unfortunately, we do not yet have a regulatory structure identifying and regulating these chemicals. However, much like BPA and phthalates, consumers and food producers are taking note. Companies like Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, Whole Foods, and Burger King have alluded to or promised to remove these chemicals from their packaging. Of course, the time and cost to do so are such that we can expect to be exposed to these chemicals for many more years unless something is done from a public awareness or regulatory standpoint. For the time being, the fact that PFAS is not visible nor has acute effects (that we are aware of) often makes it a lower priority for many people. Regardless, working with a men’s health specialist like Dr. Kapadia is an essential first step to understanding the potential causes of infertility and developing a treatment plan to address it.

In the meantime, do your research to find out if any of the products you or your family members consume contain harmful chemicals. You may even wish to consider choosing products that specifically exclude these chemicals from their packaging. Even though it’s likely that we have all been exposed to PFAS already, reducing our future exposure can only be beneficial. Be your own health advocate by ensuring that what you eat and drink is not tainted by harmful chemicals.

References:

  1. Petersen KU, Hærvig KK, Flachs EM, Bonde JP, Lindh C, Hougaard KS, Toft G, Ramlau-Hansen CH, Tøttenborg SS. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and male reproductive function in young adulthood; a cross-sectional study. Environ Res. 2022 Sep;212(Pt A):113157. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113157. Epub 2022 Mar 19. PMID: 35318009.

New Study Shows the Effects of a High Protein Diet on Fertility and Erectile Function

Posted on by Akash Kapadia, MD in ,

Man eats a steak as part of a high protein diet that could impact his fertility and erectile function

Male fertility and erectile function are two essential parts of a man’s physical and psychological health. As we age, these functions begin to wane. While we can’t help but think about these issues, many modifiable lifestyle considerations can negatively affect a man’s fertility and even cause ED.

Recent UK research evaluated more than two dozen other studies that included a diet very high in lean proteins. The findings were striking in that these high-protein diets increased cortisol production and lowered testosterone, contributing to erectile dysfunction and even less fertility in men. The average man should consume about 17% of their calories as protein each day as a point of reference—the men who had the worst effects consumed over 35% of their calories as protein. As a result, the study authors suggest that men consume no more than 25 g of lean protein each day even.

Unfortunately, this study suggests that departing from a balanced nutritionally balanced diet can have significant detrimental effects, even on our sexual function.

Continue reading “New Study Shows the Effects of a High Protein Diet on Fertility and Erectile Function” →