Nutrition increases male fertility

According to doctor Nguyen Cong Danh, Andrology Unit, Reproductive Support Center, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, abnormal sperm problems are a common cause of male infertility. The quantity and quality of sperm are influenced by many factors such as age, hormones, nutrition, and exercise. Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals such as zinc, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids… can cause sperm deformities.

To prevent and improve this risk, men should add the following foods to their menu including seafood (oysters, shrimp, crab), beef, lean protein, fatty fish rich in omega-3 ( salmon, tuna, seafood, eggs…), bean sprouts, garlic and green leafy vegetables such as broccoli, tomatoes, cabbage, spinach, asparagus… Men should eat fruit contain lots of vitamin C such as oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, strawberries, kiwi, berries (grapes, raspberries, blueberries, strawberries), avocado, nuts.

The above foods contain lots of zinc and vitamins of groups E, D, B, and antioxidants. They can help eliminate strong oxidizing free radicals, help prevent DNA damage in sperm cells, and improve their morphology.

In particular, avocados contain a lot of folate, vitamin E, and zinc, providing essential nutrients to help improve sperm quantity and mobility. Tomatoes provide the antioxidant lycopene, which helps increase sperm count and improve sperm morphology.

Garlic contains the natural antibiotic compound allicin, which can improve blood flow to the male reproductive organs, positively affecting sperm count and semen volume. Besides, garlic is also rich in antioxidants that can fight free radicals in the body, limiting damage to sperm cells.

Doctor Danh advises men to avoid canned foods, processed foods such as sausages, cold meats, and foods high in saturated fat, because this food group has the risk of reducing sperm quality, causing difficulty conceiving.

Eating a lot of foods made from soy such as tofu, soy milk… can cause men to have reduced testosterone levels, reduce sperm density and quality. However, soybeans contain high levels of vegetable protein, essential amino acids, lipids, glucid… Men can consult a nutritionist for a suitable diet.

Men should also avoid drinking a lot of coffee, tea… because high amounts of caffeine reduce sperm mobility. Dairy products high in fat such as cream and cheese often contain a lot of saturated fat, which negatively affects overall health as well as men’s health. Limit drinks with high sugar content such as soft drinks, soda… because they easily cause weight gain, affect sperm health, and increase the risk of cancer.

Other causes that can reduce fertility in men include frequent exposure to high heat sources, infections, male diseases, smoking habits, alcohol abuse, use of stimulants, and clothing. Tight underwear, genetic mutations, genetics… Therefore, in addition to a healthy diet, men should change their lifestyle, maintain scientific exercise, quit smoking, limit alcohol and other harmful substances. stimulants, avoid exposure to high temperature environments, wear comfortable clothes roof, clean the private area to prevent infection.

Doctor Danh recommends that men who have abnormalities in their genital organs such as pain, swelling, itching, injury… should go to a Reproductive Support Center for timely examination and treatment. Do not delay because it will make the condition longer, more severe, and increase the difficulty and cost of treatment.