Fertility problems are common nowadays in both men and women. A bad lifestyle can also be a reason for this. Fertility in men can be affected by everyday stress and bad lifestyle habits like drinking alcohol, smoking, and eating fatty foods. Doctors consider the problem of infertility in men when they are having a relationship with their partner for one year without any abstinence but still pregnancy is not happening. On the other hand, in women, medically, two or more unsuccessful pregnancies are considered a sign of infertility.
At the same time, some medical conditions can also contribute to fertility problems. According to experts, one-third of infertility cases are due to male fertility issues and one-third are due to female fertility issues. Whereas, one-third are due to male and female fertility issues or unknown factors.
One of the most common causes of infertility in men is how the testicles work. Along with this, hormone imbalance or blockages in the male reproductive organs can also be the reason. The cause of male infertility is unknown in about half of the cases. Lack of sperm or problem in sperm movement can be the reason for this.
Role of nutrition in fertility
Nutrition plays a major role in fertility and taking essential vitamins can increase your chances of conceiving. Certain antioxidants may help boost sperm quality, sperm motility, and many other health benefits.
According to experts, men often face problems like low sperm count, erection, and ejaculation problems. Talking about the causes of male infertility, includes stress, drug abuse, alcohol, chemical exposure, smoking, obesity, certain medications, trauma to the testicles, previous history of infection, and history of testicles.
Vitamins are also very important for male fertility. Some of the important doctor-recommended vitamins for improving fertility are as follows:
Vitamin C:
It is one of the most important antioxidants which is essential for improving sperm health including sperm count. Various studies also suggest that vitamin C increases sperm motility and reduces the amount of malformed sperm cells. Capsicum, Strawberries, Tomatoes, Cruciferous Vegetables like Broccoli, Cabbage, Papaya, Lemon, Guava, Kiwi and Amla. Therefore, vitamin C may help increase fertility in men.
Vitamin b12:
It is essential for the sperm production process. Fish, meat, eggs, and dairy products should be consumed to get adequate amounts of this vitamin.
Zinc:
It is known to increase testosterone and promote fertility along with muscle growth. Men can eat mushrooms, spinach, pumpkin seeds, gram, lentils and curd. Furthermore, low levels of zinc have been linked to low sperm count, poor sperm quality, and decreased fertility rates.
Vitamin D:
Vitamin D improves overall fertility and sperm count in men. It can also help in increasing testosterone levels. So, try to substitute salmon, cod liver oil, tuna, dairy, and sardines.
Folate:
It is also important for fertility. According to available evidence, folate supplementation may help increase sperm count. Oranges, grapefruit, beans, asparagus, peanuts, avocados, sweet corn, soybeans, and nuts may do the trick.
Vitamin E:
This means a group of fat-soluble antioxidants that protect against damage done by free radicals. Therefore, Vitamin E is known to help men avoid sperm damage. Choose vitamin-rich foods like sunflower seeds, almonds, hazelnuts, spinach, and broccoli.
Selenium:
Selenium is essential for healthy sperm production. Low levels of selenium affect sperm health. Therefore, include seafood, baked beans, tofu, and flax seeds in the diet.
(PC: Freepik)
