Post-Cycle Nutrition: Diet for Recovery
2025-02-05
Hormones and sperm don't exist in a vacuum. Nutrition matters—especially when you're trying to recover.
What to Prioritize
- Adequate protein – 1.6–2.2g/kg for muscle retention and hormone synthesis
- Healthy fats – Cholesterol is a precursor to testosterone. Avocado, eggs, olive oil, fatty fish.
- Zinc-rich foods – Oysters, beef, pumpkin seeds
- Antioxidant-rich foods – Berries, leafy greens, nuts. Sperm are vulnerable to oxidative stress.
- Folate – Leafy greens, legumes. Important for sperm DNA.
What to Limit
- Alcohol – Suppresses testosterone, impairs sperm quality
- Excess body fat – Aromatase converts test to estrogen. Keep body fat in check.
- Processed junk – Inflammation and metabolic dysfunction don't help recovery
Supplements Fill the Gaps
Even with a solid diet, hitting therapeutic doses of CoQ10, L-carnitine, zinc, and selenium from food alone is tough. A targeted stack ensures you're not leaving recovery on the table.