Non-Toxic Dad News: May 30, 2024

Men, if you can’t ‘rise and shine’ in the morning, it might be more than just a rough night’s sleep. Your sexual health could be signaling a deeper issue! I recently chatted with my friend Monica, who shared her thoughts on what she views as a strong, healthy, and non-toxic male. Her response? “Your morning 🪵.”

Morning wood isn’t just a sign of good blood flow and libido—it’s also an indicator of your overall health and resilience. Men who wake up at attention often have better immune systems, higher energy levels and are generally more resilient against infections and viruses.

Monica also dropped a shocking fact: many teens and young men in their 20s and 30s have alarmingly low testosterone levels (200-300s)! If you’re under 40 and living a healthy lifestyle, your testosterone should not be in the 200s or 300s. These numbers are more typical for men pushing 60+ and are often a direct consequence of testosterone-destroying illnesses like insulin resistance, which hampers the production of the enzyme AMPK. This enzyme is crucial for maintaining energy, metabolism, and hormone production.

This serves as a harrowing reminder for men to eliminate as many toxins from their lives as possible to keep their hormones and metabolism fired up!

So, men, if you’re reading this, remember that what your “little soldier” does when you wake up each morning can tell a lot about your overall health and wellness. Pay attention and take action!

But first…

In recent years, there has been a silent epidemic of low testosterone in men affecting all age groups. While low testosterone has traditionally been associated with aging, an alarming trend has emerged: more and more teens and young men in their 20s and 30s are experiencing testosterone levels that would typically be expected in men pushing 60. This issue is not only surprising but also deeply concerning, as testosterone is a vital hormone that influences many aspects of health and well-being.

Ever wondered why you wake up with morning wood ready to salute the day? Those morning surprises aren’t just about your sexual health; they’re a sneak peek into your overall wellbeing. It’s like your body’s own way of saying, “All systems go!” Morning erections happen during REM sleep when your body is buzzing with activity—heart pumping, blood flowing. And no, they aren’t always about those steamy dreams. This is your body’s built-in check for healthy penile tissue by promoting oxygen flow. So, it’s not just amusing—it’s crucial!

Guess what? Our environment is so filled with microplastics that they’ve found their way into some pretty surprising places – like our testicles! Yep, you read that right. A recent study discovered microplastics in 100% of the testicles they tested from 23 men and 47 dogs.[1] It’s pretty wild to think about, but it makes you wonder: could this be affecting our health in ways we haven’t fully understood yet?

This week’s tip focuses on a simple yet effective way to boost your testosterone levels and improve your overall health naturally:

Prioritize Quality Sleep

Sleep is crucial for maintaining healthy testosterone levels. The body produces the highest testosterone levels during deep sleep, particularly during REM cycles. Here’s how you can optimize your sleep for better hormone balance:

1. Maintain a Regular Sleep Schedule: Go to bed and wake up simultaneously every day, even on weekends. Consistency helps regulate your body's internal clock.

2. Create a Sleep-Conducive Environment: Ensure your bedroom is dark, cool, and quiet. Consider using blackout curtains and white noise machines if needed.

3. Limit Screen Time Before Bed: The blue light emitted by phones, tablets, and computers can interfere with your body’s ability to produce melatonin, the sleep hormone. Try to avoid screens at least an hour before bedtime.

4. Watch What You Eat and Drink: Avoid caffeine and heavy meals before bedtime. If you're hungry, opt for a light, healthy snack.

5. Relax Before Bed: Develop a pre-sleep routine to wind down. This could include reading, taking a warm bath, or practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation.

Quality sleep can significantly impact your testosterone levels and overall well-being. Make sleep a priority and notice the positive changes in your energy, mood, and health.

Eating grass-fed beef is an excellent way to support healthy hormone levels. Grass-fed beef is richer in essential nutrients than conventional grain-fed beef, making it a superior choice for anyone looking to optimize their health. Here’s why grass-fed beef should be a staple and a simple grilled steak recipe to get you started.

Why Grass-Fed Beef?

1. Higher in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Grass-fed beef contains higher omega-3 fatty acids, essential for reducing inflammation and supporting heart health. These fatty acids also play a critical role in hormone production.

2. Rich in CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid): CLA is a type of fat found in higher concentrations in grass-fed beef. It has been linked to improved metabolic health and may help reduce body fat.

3. Packed with Vitamins and Minerals: Grass-fed beef is a great source of vitamins like B12, B6, and K2, as well as minerals like zinc, iron, and selenium, which are important for hormone production and overall health.

4. Better Fat Profile: The fat in grass-fed beef is more balanced, with a healthier ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids, promoting better health outcomes.

Simple Grilled Grass-Fed Steak Recipe

Enjoy the benefits of grass-fed beef with this easy and delicious grilled steak recipe. It's perfect for a nutritious dinner, quick to prepare, and full of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 grass-fed beef steaks (ribeye, sirloin, or your favorite cut)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped

• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Steaks: Remove the steaks from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This ensures even cooking.

2. Season the Steaks: In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Rub the mixture all over the steaks. Season generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.

3. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to high heat. Make sure the grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.

4. Grill the Steaks: Place the steaks on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature (130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium).

5. Rest the Steaks: Remove the steaks from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and flavorful steak.

6. Serve: Slice the steaks against the grain and serve with your favorite sides, such as a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables.

Why This Recipe is Great for You:

• Nutrient-Dense: Grass-fed beef provides essential nutrients that support hormone production and overall health.

• Healthy Fats: The balanced fat profile in grass-fed beef helps reduce inflammation and supports heart health.

• Quick and Easy: This simple recipe makes it perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.

Incorporate grass-fed beef into your diet to reap the benefits of its superior nutritional profile and support your hormone health naturally.

Closing Thoughts

Maintaining optimal hormone health is crucial for overall well-being and vitality, especially for men. You can naturally support healthy testosterone levels and enhance your overall health by making informed lifestyle choices—such as prioritizing quality sleep, incorporating nutrient-dense foods like grass-fed beef, and staying active. Remember, small changes can lead to significant improvements. Stay proactive, stay informed, and take steps today to ensure a healthier tomorrow.

Stay healthy, and see you next week!