Male fertility is just as important to focus on as women’s fertility. It is fifty percent of every couples fertility journey. Sperm health is important to focus on whether battling infertility or not.
If you have been trying to conceive for a year or more, the male needs to get a sperm test done. A lot of people will go to their general practitioner (your every-day doctor), but consider working with a reproductive endocrinologist (RE). Testing should measure sperm count, morphology (shape and size), motility (possess one flagellum or “tail”) and mobility (ability to move/swim forward). In general, a sperm count of 20 million or more is considered a healthy count.
To have a positive impact on sperm health and boost healthy sperm production, consider eliminating or reducing exposure to the following:
- EMFs and WiFi – carrying a cell phone in pocket and working with a WiFi enabled laptop directly on the lap.
- Cigarette smoke – creates free radicals in the body. If you smoke, create a plan to quit.
- Pesticides – meat and dairy products should be organic first, and then fruits and vegetables. Learn the “Dirty Dozen” and purchase these organic. There is a direct link to sperm health and exposure to pesticides.
- Soy – Researchers at the Harvard School for Public Health in Boston say that soy consumption can decrease sperm production.
- Alcohol – Excessive alcohol consumption has been found through studies to reduce sperm count and morphology.
- Plastics – Plastics mimic estrogen in the system. Men naturally have estrogen, but too much estrogen in ratio to testosterone can cause hormonal issues for men.
- Overheating the testicles – Healthier sperm need to stay cooler than the rest of the body and the testicles were designed to naturally do that. If they are kept too close to the body they aren’t as efficient. Wear boxers!
- Stress – Stress has a big role to play in male reproductive health and sperm health.
Moving forward, some things you can do:
First, get a test tosee where you’re at. Then, focus on diet and supplementation. Some nutrient to include in your Male Fertility Diet are:
- Zinc: It is one of the most important trace minerals for male fertility. Shown to boost sperm levels, and improve the form and function of the sperm.
Food sources: liver, oysters, lamb, beef, venison, turkey, yogurt, turkey, sesame seeds, Brazil nuts, hemp seeds.
- Selenium: Men who have fertility issues have been shown to have low levels of selenium.
Food sources: liver, cold water fish, turkey, Brazil nuts.
- CoQ10 (Ubiquinol): Helps to protect sperm health and sperm DNA. Food sources: salmon and organ meats, but to make sure you are getting enough supplementation of CoQ10 Ubiquinol is recommended.
- Vitamin C and E, Folate, B-12: These antioxidants help keep the DNA intact as well as help with increasing sperm count. A high-quality, whole food men’s multivitamin is a great way to get these vitamins/antioxidants.
Food sources: red peppers, cranberries, broccoli, cabbage, tomatoes, potatoes, and citrus fruits, cereal brans; rice bran, wheat bran, and oat bran, and see a comprehensive list of folate-rich food here…
Fertilica Choice Antioxidants is a fertility-specific antioxidant blend to learn about as well.
Sperm has about a 2.5 to 3 month cycle production, so the things you are doing today affect what is happening to sperm three months from now. These lifestyle changes need to be done on a daily basis. We have seen amazing changes for men when a healthy, whole food diet is put into place.
Dietary changes and supplements will help you focus on incorporating minerals and antioxidants into your natural sperm health program. Be consistent!
