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The reproductive issues in men majorly contribute to the inability of a couple of successfully conceiving. This can become quite frustrating with time. Problems with fertility in males not just affect their physical health, but also the mental and emotional health.
This issue can be resolved to a great extent if you take a second glance at our diet. Foods that we eat play a significant role in determining fertility.
Table of Contents
Here is a list of foods to avoid that contribute to fertility problems in men belonging to any age group:
Soy products
Although soy is quite healthy, it may not be a wise choice if you are trying to conceive. This is because soy contains large quantities of isoflavones that have an oestrogenic effect. This increases the estrogen levels in the body and a consequent drop in the levels of testosterone is seen. Lower testosterone levels then majorly affect the sperm quality as well as count and thus can hinder healthy fertility in men.
Processed meats
If you are way too fond of processed meat like ham, pepperoni, sausages, bacon, or salami, you might be compromising your reproductive health. Organic meat is okay but processed meat can adversely impact your sperm profile.
Researches have revealed that excessive consumption of processed meat can result in a decreased sperm count. It can reduce sperm quality by as much as 23 percent. Also, men who consume a lot of processed meat tend to have about 30 percent more abnormally shaped sperms. Any abnormality in sperm health can make it more difficult for you to conceive.
Fish containing high mercury amounts
Predator fish like swordfish, tuna, tilefish, etc. have relatively higher mercury contents as compared to other fish. This is because predator fish eat other small fish and this contributes to the increase in the mercury contents. Mercury is toxic and thus, consuming these fish in large amounts can have negative effects on the reproductive system, eventually leading to fertility issues.
Carbonated drinks
Carbonated drinks, colas, and energy drinks can give rise to fertility issues in men by affecting sperm motility and sperm count. Drinking 1 quart of carbonated drinks every day can reduce your sperm count by 30 percent and can significantly decrease the sperm motility. In addition to this, colas and aerated drinks have high sugar content which can increase the oxidative stress in the body, thereby causing even more damage to the sperm DNA.
Canned foods
Canned and tinned foods are lined with a compound called Bisphenol (BPA). Bisphenol mimics estrogen in the human body and thus can produce similar effects as excess soy. The testosterone levels may drop and your sperm profile may be adversely affected. Therefore, try to avoid canned fruits and foods as much as possible.
Dairy products with high-fat contents
Dairy products are usually considered to be very beneficial, however recent studies have revealed that high-fat dairy products like cheese and full-cream milk can negatively impact the male reproductive system. These can significantly decrease sperm motility and sperm count. Also, full-fat dairy products may also contain residues of medicines given to the cows, which may further affect the functioning of the reproductive system.
Trans fats
High consumption of trans fat is linked with the reduction in the total sperm count. The amount of trans fats is quite high in baked and fried foods. Food items such as cakes, cookies, pies, biscuits, fried chicken, french fries are quite high in trans fats. Frequent or excess consumption of these foods leads to a negative impact on overall health also and increases the chances of obesity. Obesity is among the major causes of fertility issues in males.
Thus, watch what you eat and keep the BMI normal to lead a healthy and fertile life.
Alcohol
Alcohol consumption on a regular basis deteriorates the entire health. It majorly affects the reproductive health or fertility in both the genders. Males who drink too much alcohol usually develop fertility issues such as low sperm count, low testosterone levels, erectile dysfunction, etc.
Also, the dehydrating effects of alcohol aggravate the underlying health problems too. Thus, it is wise to keep away from alcohol or limit its consumption to boost your fertility.
So, this is all about the things you must keep a check on, in order to lead a life free of sexual and fertility problems. Now, we would also like to tell you shortly about the things you must do to enhance your fertility.
Some quick tips on things to improve male fertility:
- Let the ‘feel-good’ hormones flow– When you work out, it releases the tension from the body and stimulates the blood circulation. This also enables the body to release endorphins that are ‘feel good’ factors to elevate your mood and health.
- Get proper and healthy sleep- A healthy 8-hour sleep can go a long way in relieving your stress and tension. Healthy sleep is also essential for the optimal functioning of the reproductive system and boosts the production of healthier sperms.
- Get enough antioxidants- Make sure that your routine diet contains a lot of antioxidant-rich foods. Antioxidants help fight off the oxidative stress and protect the sperms from oxidative damage, thereby keeping a lot of fertility issues at bay.
- Eat lycopene-rich foods– Tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit are loaded with lycopene. Lycopene readily helps in producing good quality sperms in the body and prevents the chances of azoospermia (absence of sperms in the semen).
- Zinc-rich foods to improve fertile health- Whole grains, chickpeas, and nuts are the excellent natural sources of zinc. Zinc is necessary for the optimum levels of testosterone and healthy sperm production in the male body.
The Final Note
Now that you know that what you eat directly influences your health in every aspect, shift to healthy food habits today. If you are dealing with some fertility issues already then you must religiously stick to all the aforementioned do’s and don’ts.
Also, do not neglect any symptoms of infertility as leaving them unattended can cause serious complications in the long run. So, why choose fertility risks over easy medical help.
If you are in need, then feel free to get in contact with us at Pristyn Care. Our specialist doctors are highly experienced and ensure that you receive the best treatment experience.
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