Male infertility is a subject that isn’t openly discussed at the pub over a pint. The accepted quality, count and motility of sperm has been on the decline and what used to be accepted as “normal,” has halved over a forty year period. Several factors are considered to be behind this alarming decline and whilst women readily line up for complimentary treatments such as reflexology, men seem to shy away from both discussing it and benefiting from effective natural treatments. In practice over a period of 19 years, 95% of my clientele has and remains to be women. Is this because men simply don’t want to make the lifestyle changes, or discuss a subject they find embarrassing and uncomfortable, or is it that they just don’t think about trying complimentary approaches for restoring or even improving sperm quality? There’s a great deal that can be done naturally.
What’s behind declining sperm quality?
There are several factors to be considered when a poor result from sperm testing comes back. As with all health conditions, the focus is to return the body generally to a higher state of good health. Our environment plays an enormous role in affecting how our hormones are balanced, which in turn will produce either healthy or unhealthy sperm. We are constantly exposed to environmental challenges such as: xenoestrogens – chemical estrogens found in insecticides/pesticides, Paraben (a chemical used in shampoos, body creams, face creams etc.), Phthalates (soft plastics found in food packaging – more so today in vacuum packed meats, fish, poultry etc. – research shows a decrease in serum free testosterone in workers exposed to phthalates), foods and fizzy drinks with additives, chemical sweeteners and preservatives, soya (plant estrogen), dairy produce, tap water and commercially raised meat, poultry. Exposure to free radical damage – air pollution, toxic metals etc. adds even more stress to the endocrine system and the vital organs, such as the liver, kidneys and lungs, which are responsible for detoxifying the body.
Combating these environmental hazards is vital, as they not only increase estrogen in both male and females, but lowers testosterone – vital for healthy sperm count. Throw in any weight increase, particularly around the belly area, and estrogen can be readily made from stored, excess fatty tissue. Insulin resistance can also increase, which research suggests may be involved in men found with low sperm count, as in women with PCOS. The liver needs to be in tip top shape to convert hormones, so excessive or even regular alcohol consumption will interfere drastically with the process of balancing hormones. Essentially, a combination of the above, is creating the effemanisation of men.
Foods that restore or improve sperm quality
It takes anything between 3-6 months to improve sperm quality, count and motility. Here are some natural foods to include in your diet, but ensure that you also significantly reduce exposure to the above. Always buy organic when you can find it.
Ø Citrus fruits which contain high amounts of Vitamin C – pink grapefruit, lemons or supplemental Vitamin C - 1000 mg daily increases sperm motility
Ø Ionic trace minerals (all health conditions’ root cause is due to a mineral deficiency)
Ø Bananas – A, B1 and C - 1 banana daily to improve both quality and motility
Ø Lycopene – raw tomatoes
Ø Zinc – found in beans and pumpkin seeds for healthy male reproduction
Ø Vitamin E - particularly almonds and walnuts daily, avocadoes
Ø L-arginine increases semen quality and volume – dark chocolate, nuts, meat, chicken – good sources of protein (amino acids) are essential as building blocks for healthy sperm
Ø Pomegranate for motility and increased sperm count
Ø Omega 3 fatty acids – increases blood circulation to the male and female sex organs
Ø Eggs – Vitamin B12, high sources of amino acids
Ø Spinach contains high amounts of folic acid that raises sperm count
Ø Coriander, seaweeds and chlorophyll – found in green powders to reduce excess toxic metals in the blood stream, is also a blood builder and boosts thyroid function
Extras……
Ø Avoid excess heat in the testicle areas (no saunas, cycling for long periods, excessive sports)
Ø Avoid foods packed in plastics – head back to the butcher, fishmonger or open counter
Ø Avoid chemical shampoos and body products – there are now excellent natural alternatives
Ø Get some sunshine or supplement with Vitamin D
Ø Have alternating warm and cold showers around the genital area prior to intercourse to improve circulation to the testicles
Ø Follow a fresh, healthy diet and lose weight if necessary
Ø Although you hate to hear it – zero alcohol (at least until you’ve achieved your goal – then only in moderation)
Ø Moderate caffeine consumption – no more than one cup daily
Ø No dairy, sugar or fizzy drinks
Ø Take your supplements – a good all round multivitamin and mineral, additional antioxidants that includes selenium, sea kelp or green powders, amino acids and extra Vitamin C
Ø Consider herbs or superfoods such as Maca, Ginseng and Ashwagandha
Ø Stay positive, avoid or minimise stress
Ø Test your sperm again after about three months of adopting a healthier lifestyle
Finally….
There are now a variety of sperm home-testing kits to buy online. Sperm Scanner has a 99% accuracy result and is available from Amazon (please note I have no vested interest in any products). Check the reviews for other competitors. Improved results will encourage you to stick with it. It’s totally achievable!
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