In my continued investigation of the impact of food on my endocrine system, I’ve found some fascinating studies which have altered some of my dietary practices. As I mentioned previously, I have cut dairy out of my life and increased meat consumption, along with eggs and a generally higher intake of fat as a percentage of my caloric intake. The newest information I discovered was that there is a direct correlation with increased fiber and higher levels of Sex Hormone Binding Globulin. There’s also a direct correlation with increased meat consumption and total testosterone levels. The meat I had already learned, but the fiber intake was news to me.
I’ve sought to increase my fiber intake over the last few years after completion of the Henselman PT Course. Generally, for health purposes, I still think that’s a good idea as the standard American diet is pretty low in fiber. As a result of the changes I made, I’ve averaged about 40 grams of fiber every day for the last couple of years. Bringing down SHBG is one of my key Protect the Manhood Attack Plan bullet points, so I must bring this fiber intake down. Based on my research, a 20 gram intake is the bare minimum for a man my age, so I’m cutting back on overall vegetable intake, but more importantly, making some changes to which vegetables I eat. I still want the micronutrients that veggies are chock full of, so I’m obviously not going to eliminate them and go Carnivore Diet. But there are lower fiber options that I will pursue.
As an update to the GI distress I have been dealing with, it seems I incorrectly blamed the collagen supplement I started. I can’t find any evidence online to support that assumption, so I started researching each of the newest additions I’ve made to my supplementation which I listed here. While I’m not certain yet, the Coleus Forskohlii may to be the culprit. It could just be the dose I took, which was 500 MG at a 20% extract, when the recommended dose seems to be 100-300 MG of a 10% extract. So I could take less of it,but I’ve read it also can lower blood pressure, and I already have low blood pressure so I think I’ll just remove that from the arsenal.
Interestingly, studies showed higher free testosterone among smokers vs. non-smokers. Something to consider for the future.
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