Intermittent fasting increase testosterone levels

Intermittent fasting has become very popular approach because of its association in health improvement and weight loss. However, the topic “how intermittent fasting increase testosterone level” has also become popular in the recent years. Testosterone also effects the body composition as well as metabolism. In this article, I will try to help understand the phenomenon of intermittent fasting increase testosterone level with the scientific reasons to back this claim. So, lets dive into the details of this topic.

Before we dive into the details of the topic “Intermittent fasting increase testosterone levels” let us first understand what intermittent fasting and testosterone actually is.

Intermittent fasting overview:

Intermittent fasting is a popular method which include the 16/8 method, where individuals fast for 16 hours and eat within an 8-hour window, the 5:2 method, which involves eating normally for five days and restricting calorie intake for two non-consecutive days, 20/4 method which involves 20 hours fasting and 4 hours eating period and alternate day fasting which involves fasting and eating on alternate days.

I already discussed intermittent fasting in details click here to read.

Testosterone overview:

Testosterone is a male hormone. In males, it is produced in testes while in ovaries and adrenal glands in female. It is the main hormone which helps in the development of secondary characters i-e bone and muscle density, which distinguish male from a female and also develops male reproductive organs like testes and prostate. This is why boosting testosterone levels is necessary for male.

How intermittent fasting increase testosterone levels:

There are several ways through which intermittent fasting can boost testosterone levels.

Increased insulin activity: 

By increasing the insulin activity, intermittent fasting can affect the hormonal levels in the body. The reason for it is that, insulin is the hormone which is responsible for the sugar metabolism and reducing the sugar levels in the body. When this hormone becomes insensitive, it can lead to obesity and diabetes which in turn reduces the testosterone levels. Therefore, by increasing the insulin sensitivity, testosterone production can be promoted.

Enhanced growth hormone release: 

Intermittent fasting can increase the release of growth hormone, which can indirectly affect the testosterone levels. It is because, growth hormone has been shown to increase fat loss and muscular growth which are associated with higher testosterone levels.

Weight Loss and Body Fat Reduction: 

Testosterone levels are directly linked to the fat levels in the body. When there is excessive body fat particularly in the abdomen region, it usually indicates the low testosterone levels. Intermittent fasting can help to improve this condition because it causes the reduction of body fat and cause weight loss. Thus, it can lead to increased testosterone production.

Reduced oxidative stress:

Oxidative stress damages the Leydig cells present in the testicles and is caused by an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body’s antioxidant defenses. As these cells are responsible for testosterone production so the testosterone level is negatively impacted because of it. Intermittent fasting has been shown to reduce oxidative stress and promote overall cellular health which helps in the testosterone production.

Improved Testicular Function:

Intermittent fasting enhances testicular function by lowering inflammation and oxidative stress in the testes. This reduction in inflammation and oxidative stress can help maintain optimal testosterone production and overall reproductive health.

Regulation of Hormonal Balance: 

Intermittent fasting can help to increase various hormones in the body including the hunger hormone (ghrelin), hormone for satiety(leptin) and cortisol (stress hormone). The regulation of these hormones can have indirect effects on testosterone levels.

Preservation of Muscle Mass:

One concern during periods of caloric restriction or fasting is the potential loss of muscle mass. However, various studies have shown that intermittent fasting combined with resistance training, can cause fat loss without losing muscle mass. Preserving muscle mass is crucial for maintaining healthy testosterone levels.

Influence SHBG(Sex Hormone Binding Globulin):

SHBG is a protein that binds to sex hormones like testosterone, reducing their bioavailability. Intermittent fasting can reduce the levels of SHBG protein in the body which can help to increase the amount of free testosterone.

Benefits of testosterone in the body:

Testosterone is a very important male hormone which is often thought of only as a reproduction hormone. However, its importance extends beyond reproduction. The benefits of testosterone in the body are

• Enhance muscle strength and mass.
• Increase Bone density.
• Improve cognitive functions.
• Enhance libido.
• Improve mood and well-being.
• Increase energy levels.
• Improve heart health.
• RBCs production.

Conclusion:

To conclude, there is no direct relation of intermittent fasting increase testosterone levels but there are some relations that we discussed in this article which can lead to increase in testosterone levels indirectly. More research is required to understand how intermittent fasting increase testosterone levels and there is no final word on it yet. Some studies also suggest that intermittent fasting decreases testosterone levels in the body.

Affan Lateef

Hi, I’m Affan lateef , a pharmacist by profession. I have a degree in pharmacy and over 5 years of experience helping people achieve their health goals. I write about various topics like health, artificial intelligence in health, mental health, diet and weight loss. Follow me here on these platforms given below.