13 Testosterone-Boosting Foods

Take one dose of ZMA before going to bed to boost nighttime testosterone production. ZMA is also a natural sleep aid, vital for maximizing your testosterone levels. ZMA, short for Zinc Magnesium Aspartate, is a popular supplement that contains three ingredients linked to increased testosterone production (7). Environmental and dietary toxins and certain foods can increase estrogen levels, lowering T-levels. Fibre in your daily diet Dietary fat has sometimes been misunderstood. He is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest in natural medicine, always aiming to provide the highest quality of care. Michael, head consultant at Planet Naturopath, brings over 20 years of experience in functional medicine and naturopathy, specializing in personalized health solutions. The Vibrant Wellness hormone test is similar to the DUTCH test and it checks the sex hormones including how they get metabolized along with adrenal function.
  • Many of our clients take these to boost muscle mass and help with better weight management.
  • Resistance training – such as weightlifting or bodyweight exercises – can stimulate testosterone production.
  • NF-κB inhibits the activation of steroidogenic-enzyme genes such as Nur77 and SF-1, which regulate steroidogenesis (biosynthesis of testosterone from cholesterol) in the Leydig cells .
  • Kale is considered by many to be a super food and pretty much earns that status as far as foods that boost testosterone production go.
  • So you’re a healthy person.
  • Opt for grass-fed beef for additional health benefits.
  • Bananas are also excellent for maintaining energy levels and reducing antioxidants so make the perfect on the go snack!
Remember, these supplements work best when used in conjunction with a balanced lifestyle and under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Injections are typically administered every week, allowing your levels to stabilize over several days before gradually subsiding near the end of your treatment cycle. It’s FDA-approved for the treatment of testosterone deficiency, meaning it has undergone rigorous testing and review to ensure its safety and efficacy.
  • In addition, certain vitamins and minerals have important roles in testosterone synthesis.
  • Certain nutrients are essential for maintaining healthy hormone levels, while poor dietary choices can negatively impact testosterone.
  • You can also add ginger into your diet by drinking ginger tea, using the root to make fresh juices or adding it to recipes.
  • Cortisol has an inverse relationship with testosterone, so lowering your cortisol will increase your testosterone.
  • Incorporating spinach into your diet can be as simple as tossing it into salads, blending it into smoothies, or sautéing it with garlic.
This herb does more than just spike your T levels; it can improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and enhance exercise performance. Ashwagandha has been used for centuries to boost overall physical and mental well-being, counter stress, and improve sexual function. The good news is that many of the foods on the list are fairly accessible and easy on the gullet.
  • Almonds, either eaten raw or as almond butter, are a tasty way to boost testosterone naturally.
  • Whether zinc supplementation is effective only during periods of zinc deficiency or whether it can augment normal testosterone concentrations regardless of baseline concentrations is not well understood.
  • I'm a Ninja Warrior Germany competitor and certified Ninja Coach who loves bouldering, Calisthenics, and bodyweight workouts.
  • The impact of diet on testosterone levels is not as well-known as the impact of physical activity.
  • Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can support hormone balance.
  • Of these dietary fats, 60 grams are MUFAs, 13 grams are SFAs, and fewer than 2 grams are PUFAs.
Although testosterone is produced in much smaller quantities in women, tuna can also be beneficial for them. While injecting yourself with testosterone is an option, it can often come with negative side effects. Cinnamon is also good for regulating blood glucose levels and reducing bad cholesterol levels, making it perfect for diabetics. This is also sometimes called Indian Ginseng, and it has been used in traditional Indian medicine to improve reproductive health for centuries. And with the added performance boost in the bedroom, men should be using this herb more regularly. The best herbs for increasing testosterone are horny goat weed, pine bark extract, Tribulus Terrestris, ashwagandha, garlic, and many more. Keep in mind that research on these solutions’ ability to effectively manage estrogen levels is limited. It’s the only way to know whether your estrogen levels are low. You can have the perfect pump of zinc by adding sea oysters at your dining table. Moreover, you would encounter other hormone irregularities. However, eating tuna can lower SHBG and help perk up your male hormone-like boss. They have the same amounts of vitamins and minerals without those troubling effects of lactose. Hence, there are some foods that can curtail this issue, one of which is Milk. Sleep deprivation (less than 5 hours a night) can reduce testosterone by 15%. Plant-based protein sources like tofu and nuts are also beneficial. Rich in natural phytochemicals like flavonoids, they protect sperm from harmful external factors.

#1: Eat These 6 Cholesterol & Fat Rich Foods That Boost Testosterone

Eggs and dairy (if you're ovo-lacto vegetarian) are excellent testosterone-supporting foods. Your body doesn't care if protein comes from meat or plants - it just needs the right nutrients. Watch out for excessive consumption of soy products, mint, licorice root, and processed foods high in trans fats. However, once a male hits puberty, they begin to produce 30 times more testosterone than before puberty. Before puberty, the differences in testosterone between males and females are negligible. Testosterone is an androgenic hormone (sex hormone) that is primarily produced in the testes of men and, to a smaller degree, in women's ovaries.

Quick Snacks for Faster Muscle Growth

Luke has a special interest in men’s health and vasectomy procedures. Always seek the advice of your health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Incorporate pomegranate juice into your diet in moderation as part of a balanced approach to nutrition. It’s also an excellent source of zinc, which as we know, is essential for testosterone production. Garlic also helps by decreasing cortisol, a stress hormone that can decrease testosterone levels if it is too high. Garlic contains allicin, a compound that’s been linked to increased testosterone levels. In addition, if you have a pre-existing medical condition, it's always best to check with your healthcare provider before taking a testosterone booster. Some of the testosterone boosters on the market contain potentially questionable ingredients and may not have the user's health as their top priority. Many testosterone boosters also include ingredients that have been shown to increase male libido or sex drive. Too little sleep also raises cortisol levels, a stress hormone that breaks down muscle, suppresses testosterone, and increases fat storage. If HRT is not for you, several things can boost your testosterone levels naturally and get your testes working more efficiently. You eat well, you’ve got a healthy amount of body fat, you get plenty of sleep, and you feel like you’ve made all the lifestyle changes you can make to naturally optimize your T. There’s good evidence that obesity reduces testosterone — but there’s also good evidence that very low body fat also decreases testosterone.(22)(23)(24) The solution, of course, is to have healthy, moderate levels of body fat. Which food increases testosterone the fastest? Finally, Low-T has also been shown to cause fatigue, irritability, and depression. Remember, testosterone can be converted to estradiol, so the symptoms of Low-T will also include symptoms of estradiol deficiency. Low-T can also cause you to put on weight, especially belly fat. Likewise, Low-T can cause erectile dysfunction and decreases in muscle mass and bone density. As you might imagine, Low-T can produce predictable symptoms based on its role in the body. Well if you’re taking a lot of anabolic steroids — which we strongly advise against — then you’ll have many times the normal amount of testosterone in your body and that would likely increase muscle size. Dr. Diamandis says that consuming testicle-based meat dishes, such as Rocky Mountain oysters (also known as prairie oysters), moose testicles, kakashere porkolt or criadillas, will lead to a brief boost in your own testosterone levels. So whether you do it for your general health, for your testosterone levels, or for England, getting a few more hours of sleep can only help. However, be cautious of mercury levels; consider alternating with other fatty fish like salmon or sardines. Tuna is one of the best natural sources of vitamin D, with a single serving offering more than half the recommended daily intake. TRT supplements your body with testosterone through direct injections. Enjoy them scrambled, poached, or fried in a healthy oil like olive oil. If you’re not a fan of oysters, other shellfish like crab and lobster also offer a zinc boost.

Practical Strategies to Naturally Support mTOR and Testosterone

In addition, their high fiber content contributes to overall metabolic health, helping your body regulate hormones more effectively. Consuming it alongside healthy fats can enhance nutrient absorption. Just three ounces of lean beef can provide a substantial amount of your daily zinc needs, promoting ideal hormone levels. Just a handful of oysters can provide more than the daily recommended intake of zinc, which helps maintain hormone levels.
  • The relationship in the other direction has not been widely researched, but studies on animals show promising results.
  • Eating a healthy diet consisting of lean meats, greens, fruits, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats will help your body support testosterone production.
  • Salmon, mackerel, and sardines are packed with vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Packed with healthy fats, folic acid, potassium and vitamin B6, avocados contain lots of nutrients essential for foods that increase testosterone naturally.
  • Baked beans can give you both vitamin D and zinc, but these nutrients are also present in kidney beans, white beans and black beans.
  • Sen Gupta R, Sen Gupta E, Dhakal BK, Thakur AR, Ahnn J. Vitamin C and vitamin E protect the rat testes from cadmium-induced reactive oxygen species.
  • A small study found that olive oil may boost serum testosterone levels in men because it seemed to improve male reproductive health .
It contains oleic acid, which helps reduce inflammation and improve overall health. Legumes like chickpeas, lentils, and black beans are high in protein and fiber. Additionally, avocados provide potassium, which is important for heart health and helps regulate blood pressure. You can also add leafy greens to pasta dishes, casseroles, or even pesto for an extra nutrient boost. They contain a compound called indole-3-carbinol, which helps balance hormones by breaking down excess estrogen. Here you can see that resveratrol was also capable of inhibiting the decline in muscle mass in the SAMP muscles, even though the effect wasn’t statistically significant. The second figure below shows that resveratrol prevented a decline in muscle power. In the study that this article is about the researchers examined the effect of resveratrol. If the results of the Japanese animal study also apply to humans, then supplements containing substances like resveratrol will be of interest to athletes in the veteran age group. This is the question that the researchers set out to answer in the small study they did of 82 women, who they monitored over a period of two years. As a society, we just don’t sleep enough, but the results of a 2014 study (45) proved particularly troubling for men who sleep five hours or less a night. Minimizing your stress levels can go a long way toward maximizing your T levels. Alcohol is another major testosterone killer, as it can adversely affect your hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and testes (42). Resveratrol may also prevent the aromatization of testosterone to estrogen. While testosterone is necessary for muscle growth, this relationship also goes in the other direction. Testosterone levels don’t only come down to the foods you eat, but also to your lifestyle. The vegans and vegetarians in this study were younger and had a lower body weight than meat-eaters, which can affect the results. Your diet plays a bigger role in testosterone production than many people realise. Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and with its links to muscle mass, fat distribution, and sex drive, it’s no surprise that many men are seeking to enhance their levels of the hormone. If diet modification is not easy for you, there are also the alternative of taking natural testosterone boosting supplements. Building your diet around foods to boost testosterone and lower estrogen will not only affect how you feel but how you look too. A 25mg serving mixed in honey can boost testosterone levels by about 20% in infertile men. In brief, vitamin D, whether it is synthesized endogenously or consumed as a food or supplement, undergoes hydroxylation to become active. The specific physiological effects of vitamin D and its specific mechanisms are beyond the scope of this paper, but readers are encouraged to explore this elsewhere 115,116. Vitamin D has two biological forms, vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), and vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol). However, contrary to popular belief, flaxseeds are not good for testosterone production. Not only will it negatively affect your testosterone levels, but it will also take a hit on your fertility, lowering sperm count in the process. There are multiple reasons why beer is said to lower testosterone levels. The study found that men who drink more than a pint a day have 25% lower levels of testosterone than those who don’t partake. One of the studies published on the PubMed website found that it’s effective enough to boost testosterone naturally and also has an impact on erectile dysfunction. If you’re looking to up your fruit intake and possibly boost your testosterone levels, too, try adding pomegranate to your diet. Not only do avocados contain healthy fats and magnesium, but they’re also a good source of boron, a trace mineral that has benefits for hormone health. Below, you’ll learn the 10 best foods for boosting testosterone, as well as some other methods for increasing low testosterone levels. Including polyphenol-rich foods as part of daily meals not only supports hormones like testosterone but also strengthens cardiovascular health.
What Your Body Needs as You Age
This treat may be one to drop if your T levels are too low . A separate study from 2013 indicated that it might have an effect on lowering estrogen, although this was only in a laboratory, so more work here is needed . Studies have shown that it can raise testosterone when given in large doses . These are an essential addition to the male diet as they are aromatase inhibitors. This is an important group of foods, including broccoli, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, kale, turnips, and cabbage. We are currently working on another epic post covering these foods in more detail, so stay tuned. Many men suffering from low testosterone go through life feeling less manly than they really should without ever asking how to raise testosterone. Acetyl Choline Receptor (AChR) Antibody Although product recommendations are only our opinions, this research-backed page has been fact-checked and reviewed by a certified nutritionalist or health specialist. Are you eating a balanced diet? How to Increase Testosterone Naturally: 7 Tips
Foods That Boost Testosterone Production: Cauliflower
Plus, pomegranates are high in flavonoid antioxidants, which may help protect testosterone-producing cells from damage and even increase testosterone production. The vitamin bolsters testosterone by up to 90%, as found in a study at Graz Medical University, Austria, slashing levels of libido-killing chemical Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG). However, due to certain lifestyle choices and the natural process of ageing, testosterone levels can start to wane. Spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and arugula all contain high magnesium levels along with folate and other B vitamins that support overall hormone health. Omega-3 fatty acids found in these fish support testosterone production while reducing inflammation that can interfere with hormone synthesis. Regular consumption can stimulate luteinizing hormone release, which signals your body to ramp up testosterone production. Onion extract boosts testosterone level too an animal study published in Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica by researchers from Indore, India suggests that onion extracts also boost testosterone levels. Thankfully, there are lots of foods to increase testosterone and including them in your diet are among the best natural ways to boost testosterone. Fear not, healthy testosterone levels can often be restored through diet and lifestyle modification. Increasing your beans intake is an affordable, tasty, and healthy approach to achieve this health goal because increasing these two crucial minerals helps boost testosterone levels. Shellfish are high in trace elements like magnesium and zinc, which have been shown to significantly increase testosterone levels. Almonds are very rich in the mineral Zinc, which has been shown to help increase testosterone levels, especially in males who are zinc deficient. They are an excellent source of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle growth and overall metabolic health—a factor closely linked to testosterone regulation. Whole grain cereals provide essential vitamins such as B and D vitamins, which are involved in various metabolic processes, including testosterone production. This is important because high insulin levels can disrupt the delicate balance of hormones in the body, including testosterone. In addition to naturally occurring calcium and protein, milk can be fortified with vitamin D.
  • It only contains sodium and chloride, along with added unhealthy anti-caking agents.
  • Antioxidants work in a variety of ways, from speeding up recovery time after workouts to boosting the immune system.
  • Your body converts cholesterol from dietary fats into testosterone through a complex biochemical process.
  • For men, testosterone is responsible for sexual development, muscle growth and bone density, and sex drive.
  • However, consuming a nutrient-rich diet, getting enough sleep and exercising regularly can help you maintain or maximise your hormone levels.
  • Reproduction, Fertility, and Development.
  • At the conclusion of the experiment, those who took zinc supplements had higher testosterone levels than when the study first began.
Results from different studies showed higher blood levels of testosterone and better physical performance. There are also links to improved energy levels and reduced fatigue, which could boost your exercise performance and counteract weight gain. When exploring natural options for boosting testosterone, Tribulus Terrestris is often included due to its traditional use in Asian medicine for enhancing fertility. If Sex hormone Binding Globulin is lowered, the testosterone already present in your body can have a better impact. This male sex hormone is essential for maintaining bone health, enhancing libido, and building muscle. Testosterone is a sexual hormone that affects bone health, muscle mass, sexual function, and fertility. While numerous elements might contribute to a drop in testosterone, age is one of the most prevalent causes. She works with athletes, CEO's, fortune 100 companies, and everyday individuals looking to achieve optimal health. She takes a holistic approach and helps clients address health concerns from a root cause perspective. The findings have been repeated in later studies. Avocados are also rich in vitamin B6 and folate, which support energy metabolism and muscle development. The monounsaturated fats in olive oil also promote heart health and improve nutrient absorption, both of which are beneficial for muscle growth. The anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3s also help improve muscle recovery and reduce stress hormones like cortisol, which can negatively impact testosterone. Sugar intake is directly linked with testosterone levels. For example, a diet high in processed meats might disrupt your body’s natural functions. These elements can lead to lower testosterone levels. The studies you see that shows a decrease are either using the wrong macros or are not allowing the body adapt enough in-between diets. Here at Anabolic Health, we prefer low carb, moderate/high protein, high fat diets and if you are going to use carbohydrates, use them only for performance at workouts. At this point, it should already be clear to you why men love increasing their testosterone production. Bananas also help keep energy levels high, which encourages people to continue making positive lifestyle changes that also maintain high levels of testosterone. When inflammation is low, the body can both produce and use the testosterone that’s present. How does all this boost testosterone? Energy levels are usually low when someone is testosterone-deficient, so spinach is beneficial on many levels. Spinach tops the list as possibly the highest testosterone-rich food there is. Choosing the right foods can act as natural testosterone boosters and help maintain optimal hormone levels without relying on medications. If you eat a balanced plan loaded with zinc, vitamin D, magnesium, and healthy fats, supplements might not be essential. Zinc, vitamin D, magnesium, and healthy fats are at the forefront of testosterone support. Processed and high-fat meats can lead to health problems and lower male hormones, so make sure you feed your muscles with the highest quality lean cuts . Zinc is necessary for testosterone production and overall health. You can give yourself a boost to get your testosterone levels as high as possible through food and lifestyle choices, though. Lower than optimal testosterone levels have many effects on your health. If you’re looking for ways to increase testosterone naturally, we have the answers. The bodybuilder followed up on his bulking plan with this on-season regime. Ph.D. and Mark Messina, Ph.D. concluded that “neither soy foods nor isoflavone supplements alter measures of bioavailable T concentrations in men.” Let’s dispel a myth about soy, as it is a commonly used protein source among vegans and it does contain estrogen-like compounds. High in essential fatty acids (EFA), they’re jam packed with Omega-3s. Broccoli contains food compounds that help reduce estrogen levels. Free Healthbeat Signup However, these are not the only issues that these foods can cause in men. They have been linked to increased risk of obesity, heart disease, and type II diabetes. Especially if the foods are packed in cans or plastic because such foods come into close contact with the chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA) or bisphenol S.
  • Testosterone is important and having suboptimal levels means that, well, your health may be suboptimal.
  • One of the things that have gained quite some interest, has been some specific foods that boost testosterone levels.
  • While foods and supplements can help support healthy testosterone levels, it’s important to combine these with lifestyle changes like regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management.
  • Garlic contains allicin, a compound that’s been linked to increased testosterone levels.
  • On top of this cabbage is shown to provide protection against radiation & Cancer, so a great addition to your diet.
  • In addition to its role in sexual development, testosterone is present in high concentrations in adult males.

Prescriptions and medicines

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects of zinc supplementation in testes of rats with experimentally induced diabetes. Comparative effects of zinc oxide, zinc oxide nanoparticle and zinc-methionine on hatchability and reproductive variables in male Japanese quail. Reproduction, Nutrition, Development. Animal Reproduction Science. Fortunately, there are ways to combat low estrogen, and they don’t all involve hormone replacement therapy (HRT) — treatments that contain female hormones. Most people only think of estrogen as a reproductive hormone. Potent health effects of pomegranate. The world journal of men's health, 31(2), 126–135. Magnesium and anabolic hormones in older men. These herbs offer a diverse range of options for those looking to enhance testosterone naturally. These herbs have been scientifically studied and shown to influence testosterone levels significantly. Fenugreek seed extracts and ashwagandha root and root/leaf extracts have a positive impact on testosterone levels. Shellfish, such as oysters, clams, and shrimp, are also considered testosterone boosters partly due to their high zinc content. Moreover, eggs contain cholesterol, which becomes synthesized in the testes for testosterone production. One tacit benefit is an increase in luteinizing hormones which stimulate the testicles to produce more testosterone. Various foods such as fruits, tubers, wine, cider, beer, coffee, milk, dried and cooked beans, potatoes, and legumes contain the largest amounts of boron . The mechanism suggested that enhancing testosterone concentrations from boron intake is related to boron’s role in the hydroxylation step during testosterone formation , and by its ability to decrease SHBG . Additional research is needed to investigate the potential ergogenic effect aromatase inhibitors have on testosterone concentrations in athletic populations. However, others reported no change in testosterone concentrations in men consuming honey and propolis for 21 days . Several studies have reported high anti-aromatase activity in chrysin, a flavonoid present in high concentrations in honey and propolis 48,51,52. In an Iranian study, 30 healthy non-athlete males were randomly divided into placebo and glutamine supplementation groups and put through the same three days a week eight-week resistance training program. A study conducted in Italy found that D-aspartic acid has a role in the regulation of the release and synthesis of luteinizing hormone and testosterone in humans and rats. Studies suggest that heavy alcohol consumption may reduce testosterone levels. But, you usually don’t need a supplement unless you have a vitamin deficiency. Usually, when you cut out or cut back on these substances, your T levels will return to normal. Generally avoiding smoking, taking drugs, and drinking alcohol will improve your testosterone. While extreme endurance-based exercises have been shown to possibly reduce testosterone, that doesn’t mean you should cut out the cardio. Lifting heavier weights and performing lots of sets can have a bigger impact on your levels than other protocols, he adds. Emerging evidence suggests boron supports androgen metabolism and may raise free testosterone levels. Avocados provide monounsaturated fats (critical for hormone synthesis), magnesium, and boron. Omega-3s help maintain healthy cell membranes and reduce systemic inflammation, which together support efficient hormone signaling. High sugar intake leads to insulin resistance, which can suppress testosterone levels. These foods raise inflammation and disrupt hormone production. He uses his background in clinical nutrition to dissect research and help individuals meet their health and fitness goals. Daniel Preiato is a registered dietitian who specializes in sports nutrition and nutrition education. As with taking any supplement, there is always a risk, thus it's best to check with your healthcare provider before starting to take any new supplement. The only warning I would give is that they are pretty high in sugar, so I do suggest that you watch the sugar levels. They are also a nutritional powerhouse as they are high in a number of vitamins. It also reduces inflammation & is a source of indole 3 carbinol, which reduces inflammation & helps the body remove excess estrogen. Spinach is on this list due to its high levels of Zinc, Magnesium, & Vitamin B6. This leads to lower cortisol & inflammation levels, which means higher T.
  • Don’t forget garlic, bananas, and coconut, which can also enhance testosterone levels.
  • Not only does a balanced diet help to support testosterone levels, but it can also help to keep your body running smoothly.
  • The ratio of these fats is the same in both grass-fed beef and grain-fed beef.
  • Although too much body fat isn’t good for your natural testosterone production, eating healthy fats have been proven to boost testosterone levels.
  • Testosterone is related to another sex hormone, estradiol.
  • It may support heart-healthy and anti-cancer effects for women and men.
  • Some chronic health conditions can also cause testosterone levels to fall.
  • Michael, head consultant at Planet Naturopath, brings over 20 years of experience in functional medicine and naturopathy, specializing in personalized health solutions.
Regular consumption of fatty fish, egg yolks, fortified foods and minerals may also be beneficial. Zinc deficiency and nutrient-poor diets may also contribute to testosterone deficiency. Foods rich in zinc include oysters, beef, crab, lobster, pork, chicken, pumpkin seeds, yoghurt, and lentils. Zinc is an essential mineral involved in numerous bodily functions, including immune function, wound healing, and hormone production. Maintaining a healthy red blood cell count is essential for energy, stamina, and overall vitality. Therefore, food-based strategies remain one of the safest and most effective ways to nourish your blood naturally. Meanwhile, try to limit foods that inhibit iron absorption, such as tea, coffee, and high-calcium foods consumed alongside iron-rich meals. Start by including a good mix of iron, folate, B12, and vitamin C foods across your week. Additionally, lean meats contain zinc – a mineral that plays a crucial role in testosterone synthesis. Low testosterone – also known as testosterone deficiency or hypogonadism – can have various effects on both physical and mental health. Testosterone is a hormone that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including muscle growth, bone density, mood regulation, and libido. Herbalists and physicians believe that increasing resistance to stress can help improve and maintain hormone balance and immune system functioning. Ginseng is an adaptogen, which has been shown to help the body’s resistance to stress and disease. It can be found in herbal teas, capsules, powders, and even in some foods. Ginseng is a plant that has been used for centuries in the East, especially in Chinese medicine, to treat a variety of health conditions.