In a world where we don’t always have the time to take care of ourselves as we should, some simple lifestyle changes can also help increase your chances of conceiving. Here are some living fertile suggestions from Snowballs:
• Stop smoking. Studies have shown that smoking damages sperm, but fortunately the damage can be reversed if you stop.
• Drink less alcohol, and avoid the hard stuff. Excessive alcohol consumption has also been shown to damage sperm. Incidentally, your partner in pregnancy really shouldn’t be drinking either, so find a new drink together.
• Avoid heavy cell phone use. Research on this is still developing, but at least one study has shown that men who use a cell phone for more than 4 hours a day have lower average sperm counts and sperm quality.
• Eat as healthily and organically as you can. There has been some interesting research on pesticides found on produce, and on hormones added to meat and dairy products. These additives can have a significant effect on a man’s hormonal balance. Interestingly, many pesticides mimic the hormone estrogen, which lowers sperm count and semen production. Fiber, which is found in lots of grains and vegetables, can help the body rid itself of unnecessary estrogens.
• Try a vitamin supplement for 3-6 months. There are some supplements for male fertility on the market, but look for these vitamins and herbs:
– Maca: increases libido and healthy sperm
– Tribulus: increases testosterone and luteinizing hormone, which stimulates the testes to secrete testosterone
– Ginseng: increases sperm count and sperm motility
– Zinc: important for increasing testosterone levels
– Folic acid: men with low levels of folate have a higher risk of producing sperm with too little or too many chromosomes, which in turn can lead to birth defects and miscarriage
– Vitamin C: can protect sperm from oxidative damage (especially important for smokers)
– B12: may improve sperm count and sperm motility
– L-carnitine: an amino acid, L-carnitine is essential for sperm formation, maturation, and quality maintenance
– Antioxidants: antioxidants protect the sperm from free radicals, which can damage the sperm’s health, leading to higher proportions of birth defects and miscarriages
• Work out at least 3-4 times a week (and avoid cycling).
• Sound mind in sound body. Live well, think positive thoughts, be healthy for your own sake first. Use Snowballs daily and make these lifestyle changes, and you’ll almost certainly see an increase in sperm count and quality, giving yourself the best shot for conceiving.
By making simple ‘living fertile’ lifestyle changes you can raise the quantity and quality of your swimmers and increase your chances of conception.
Keep Cool.