Living in the 21st century is hard, especially considering daily studies which illustrate the dangers associated with everyday foods and activities, which makes it almost impossible to avoid harmful substances in food and polluted environments. The ultimate solution is to get back to basics, back to the things which have been proven to be beneficial time and time again. Gents, a machine can only function at its peak if all the components have been looked after and kept in a good working condition. Similarly our bodies and minds need to be healthy in order to have any chance of conceiving.
We live in an era where everything is rushed and we barely have time to consider our mental and physical well-being. So things like going to the gym every day seems almost impossible. What is however not impossible is managing what we do to our bodies on a daily basis.
It should come as no surprise that numerous studies have shown that smoking and drinking (taken in conjunction or apart) causes amongst other things, low libido levels, immobile sperm and lowered sperm counts.
In our busy schedules it can be difficult to go to the gym every day, so if it’s not possible, make a conscious decision to take a walk a few times a week and to stand up from behind your desk and move around. Remember over exertion can also cause difficulties with fertility.
Whilst there have been no studies confirming that stress causes infertility, studies have shown that stress causes other conditions which can have the ultimate result of not being able to conceive. Stress for example causes hormonal imbalances which ultimately lead to lowered libido levels. Stress is also often caused by the inability to conceive. If you are unable to cope with stress levels, see a professional or get some exercise (something which has proven to be beneficial in coping with stress).
Ensuring that you're not underweight or overweight will keep your sperm production and mobility where it should be.
It is always a good idea to meet with your Doctor. During your visit the Doctor can assess your overall health and maybe suggest lifestyle changes which could be beneficial to your goal of conceiving with your partner.
Certain prescription medications may cause lowered libido levels, anxiety and stress, and in some cases medication can interfere with sperm production.
Some lubricants can make sperm more likely to die before they reach the egg. If you need some lubrication to make you and your partner more comfortable during intercourse, make sure you use a lubricant which is sperm friendly.
The quite obvious advice is to have lots of sex! The more you try the more your chances are. It is also important to have sex at the right time whilst your partner is ovulating.
Zinc contributes to semen and testosterone production in men. Men are advised to take in 11mg of zinc per day. Foods which are rich in zinc include oysters, whole grain foods, beans and dairy products.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Our bodies cannot produce omega 3 fatty acids and s such we need to get it through food. Foods that contain omega 3 fatty acids are found various fish species like salmon and sardines.
Consuming foods which contain antioxidants helps your body to get rid of unhealthy toxins that we consume on a daily basis. In a Spanish study in which fertile and infertile men were assessed based on their intake of vitamin C and E it was found that the infertile men on average consumed less of these essential vitamins than fertile men. Fruits such as Oranges, Pomegranates contain high dosages of vitamin C and almonds and sunflower seeds are high in vitamin C.
Selenium is an essential mineral for fertility, working in conjunction with vitamin E, vitamin C, glutathione and vitamin B3 to help prevent free radicals damaging your body. Selenium plays a vital role in male fertility, helping to improve sperm mobility and maximise sperm formation. Selenium is found in Brazil nuts, seafood, red meat, such as beef, lamb and pork.
Along with folic acid, (vitamin B9) this whole group of vitamins is very important when preparing the body for conception and producing healthy sperm. The B group of vitamins play an essential role in the release of energy from food, regulating hormones and, in the case of B12, helping the production of red blood cells and in the processing of folic acid. Found in wholemeal bread and fortified breakfast cereals, milk, eggs, cheese and oily fish.