A new study published in Scientific Reports (Nature Publishing Group) has found a potential link between eating foods rich in live microbes—like those found in yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and other fermented foods—and higher testosterone levels in men1.
Why Testosterone Matters
Testosterone is a crucial hormone for men’s health. Low testosterone can lead to a range of problems, including:- Reduced libido (sex drive)
- Erectile dysfunction
- Loss of muscle mass
- Fatigue
- Mood changes
What Did the Study Do?
Researchers looked at the diets and blood test results of a large group of men. They focused on how much “live microbe” food—foods containing beneficial bacteria—each person ate. Examples include:- Yogurt with live cultures
- Kefir
- Kimchi
- Sauerkraut
- Other fermented foods
Key Findings
- Men who ate more foods with live microbes tended to have higher testosterone levels.
- This association remained even after accounting for other factors that can affect testosterone, such as age, body weight, and lifestyle habits1.
- The study suggests that regularly eating fermented foods containing live bacteria might help support healthy testosterone levels.
How Might Live Microbes Help?
While the study didn’t prove exactly how live microbes could influence testosterone, scientists have a few ideas:- Gut Health Connection: The bacteria in fermented foods may improve gut health, which in turn could affect hormone production.
- Reduced Inflammation: Healthy gut bacteria might lower inflammation, which is known to negatively impact testosterone.
- Better Nutrient Absorption: A healthy gut helps the body absorb nutrients that are important for hormone production, like zinc and vitamin D.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you’re concerned about your testosterone levels or just want to support your overall health, adding more fermented foods with live cultures to your diet could be a simple and natural step. Examples include:- Yogurt (look for “live and active cultures” on the label)
- Kefir
- Kimchi
- Sauerkraut (unpasteurized)
- Miso
- Tempeh