VITAMIN C
Vitamin C is particularly well known for its ability to help boost the immune system and treat the symptoms of the common cold. While we don’ t talk about vitamin C much, it’ s worthwhile to take a closer look. Vitamin C can be found in fruits and vegetables that are red, orange, and yellow in color— so your citrus-type foods. Vitamin C has been known to reduce aromatase reductase, which is the enzyme that converts testosterone to estrogen when there is an excess of testosterone. This allows for a sustained increase in free testosterone.
While research is still out on its ability to reduce estrogen, it looks promising. Early studies have shown that supplementation with vitamin C has led to increased sperm quality in men as well as reducing estradiol concentrations. Most of the studies have been animal studies, so it’ s recommended to take these results with a grain of salt.
Vitamin C is relatively safe, as it’ s a water-soluble vitamin that gets flushed out of your system regularly. Typically, around 500 milligrams is needed for health benefits. The safe upper limit is 2,000 milligrams; however, it has been known to irritate the stomach with higher doses. IM
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Supplements aren’ t the only things that work to reduce estrogen. There are several foods that have been known to reduce estrogen as a result of consumption. Some examples are: Cruciferous vegetables Green tea Red wine White table mushrooms Coffee Cocoa Stout beer( score!) While it’ s great to know that these foods boost your estrogen-inhibiting ability, it’ s important to note that foods such as yogurt, soy, and tofu have been known to increase estrogen after regular consumption. ironmanmagazine. com | APRIL 2017 75