this could be one of the causes of low test

Study: Low Carb Diet Suppresses Testosterone, Increases Cortisol in Athletes
Published: Tue June 15th, 2010
By: Brian Willett
Category: Sports
Every day, it seems as though a new argument in the carbohydrate debate is presented. Well, consider today no diferent. Despite the fact that carbohydrates are the body's preferred fuel source, there are many people who believe that humans function better off without them. But this goes far beyond the carbophobic "carbs make you fat" argument. Depriving your body of carbohydrates can put your body into a ketogenic state, in which it does burn fat for energy. Many people see this as a great way to lose fat and the ultimate dieting strategy. Others argue that ketogenic diets can even be used for muscle gain, with little to no unwanted fat gain.
And recently, a study found that limiting carbohydrates can help delay cellular aging by limiting stress on the body and keeping insulin levels under control (1). So it would seem that there are no limits to the advantages of low carb diets. And many low-carb enthusiasts are eager to point out that fat intake can help produce high testosterone levels, great for muscle gain and fat loss. But a new study suggests that weight training while on a low-carb diet can actually be devastating to hormone levels.

While the body can burn fat for fuel, this isn't its natural state - it's an adaptation. Unfortunately, there are some side effects and by-products involved in this process. The biggest concern for those looking to improve their physiques was revealed in a study by researchers at the University of North Carolina. The study involved athletes who trained at least five times per week for about an hour each session. This level of intensity is comparable to the kind of training a lot of weight lifting enthusiasts perform.

The researchers split participants into two groups - one that consumed a diet in which 60 percent of the calories came from carbohydrates, and one that consumed a diet in which 30 percent of the calories came from carbohydrates. An analysis of the hormonal levels of both groups revealed an important and, for those looking to improve body composition and performance, disturbing trend. Those in the low carbohydrate group experienced a rapid reduction in testosterone levels, and their testosterone to cortisol ratio decreased as well. The reason for this is that in order to burn fat for energy, the body produces more cortisol to help manufacture cellular energy. Cortisol can increase concentrations of abdominal fat and also suppresses testosterone (2).

So while you may think that weight lifting doesn't demand a lot of carbohydrates because it's not as endurance-driven as, say, marathon running, you may want to reconsider. Adequate carbohydrate levels can keep cortisol at bay and testosterone high.

SOURCES:

1. Rosedale, R., Westman, E., and Konhilas, J. Clinical Experience of a Diet Designed to Reduce Aging. Journal of Applied Research, 2009; 9(4): 159-165

2. Lane, AR, Duke, JW, Hackney, AC. Influence of dietary carbohydrate intake on the free testosterone: cortisol ratio responses to short-term intensive exercise training. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 2010; 108(6):1125-1131

Mr VW thanx for posting the study! When you hit 30% carbs your body is far from a ketogenic state and is metabolizing carbs for fat, so what you are infact doing is limiting its main fuel source. This supports the idea that you either go full-on carbs or none at all- don't muck about somewhere in the middle. That being said everybody is unique and some do function better with less carbs. Obviously it is different for someone who is only looking to maintain body weight and only does little to moderate exercise.

I agree with the research study.When i used to limit my carbs people used too tell me i was losing too much muscle,and they where correct.First a carbo-restricted diet is psycholigically stressing,i was alway's in a bad mood,plus weak and unable too get a pump.Unless you had extra-testosterone in the tank the cortisol would literally eat your tissue away,plus the thyroid hormone t-3,or4 and amphetamine to suppress t5he appite.No pro goe's Low carb,unless they want last place.Try low carb in MMA you;d be a 1-round knockout wictim!!! thanks for presenting that 411 information.

I stil think a low/no carb diet has iets place. Maybe not in extrem sports, but for the guy that wants to lose some fat. It sure did help me.

Im a hard loser when im on carbs, not every one is the same. Some poeple just cant get fatty foods down, but not me. I think im build for high fat/protein diets.