Healthy and Wellness

Your level of reproductive health declines as we age or when we suffer from chronic metabolic disorders such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

In addition, poor lifestyles, emotional disorders, as well as toxins from our food, beverages, dental (amalgam) fillings, and the environment, lower our ability to conceive even during our reproductive years. Male fertility should not be taken for granted.

VITAMINS

Male fertility can be improved by increasing the intake of vitamin C-rich food such as fresh berries and other fruits. This nutrient is easily destroyed by cooking and storage. Research shows that ig of ascorbic acid per day increases sperm count by 140%.

Even lower amounts have been shown to double sperm count (Dcwson et al, 1987). Supplementing with vitamin E is widely believed to raise fertility, but only confirmed in animal studies.

PROTEINS

The amino acid L-caraitine is a source of energy in the epididymis and this nutrient boosts sperm motility. It is also involved with sperm maturation (Menchini-Fabris et01,1984)-

Just 3g of carnitine for four _ months had shown increased sperm motility and sperm count (Costa ef al, 1984). Studies have also shown that the amino acid L-argiaine increased sperm motility (Schachter, et al, 1973)

CO-ENZYME

Supplementation with co-enzyme Q1o can increase fertilisation rates, sperm counts and motility (lewin e t al, 1997).

This special nutrient is usually deficient in adults who take cholesterol* lowering drugs as statins block the same liver enzyme that generates Co-Q1o from a range of nutrients. It’s worth pointing out that Co-Q1o in supplemental form is generally difficult to absorb since its molecular structure is rather large. However, its ubiquinol form is better absorbed in the intestine.

MINERALS

Zinc supplementation for three months can also raise sperm count and motili ty, reduce sperm antibodies, thereby raising fertility (Omu et al, 1998). It also reduces the effects of aromatisation (conversion of testosterone to estrogen) in andropausal men. A large abdomen in an overweight body is indicative of excess estrogen in his body.

Vegetarians may be deficient in this mineral since it’s difficult to absorb zinc from plant sources.
Excessive copper lowers our body’s zinc store. The prostate gland
stores an unusually large amount of zinc, a deficiency of which can lead to benign prostate growth.

HERBS

A study has shown that after supplementing for four months with i.5g to 3g of the herbal root Lepidium meyenii, there was an increase in seminal volume, sperm counts, motile sperm numbers and motility (Gonzalez et al, 2Oor).

Ginseng is equally impressive. Its extracts (gensenosides) can increase sperm count and improve motility, raise hormones such as testosterone while lowering the depression hormone prolactin levels (Salvalti et al, 1996).

Avena sativa can play a major role in improving fertility by reducing the production of the testosterone-binding protein (sen hormone-binding globulins or SHBGs). It’s estimated that up to 95% of testosterone can be bound by SHBGs, leaving very little useable free testosterone to promote sex drive and other male characteristics.