I have previously talked about fertility and women's diet and how diet affects women's probability of getting pregnant. What about a fertility diet for men? Does it affect conception?
As a certified clinical dietitian in Dubai, I can inform you that nutrition directly affects the effectiveness of the sperm. Having a poor diet can decrease the quality and quantity of sperm. It often makes the conception more difficult. What a man eats during the preconception stage is just as important as what the woman is eating, especially if you are experiencing fertility issues.
Adjusting your eating habits at least three months before conception can help you produce healthy sperm. Sperm develops in a three-month cycle; what you consume today impacts the sperm you'll use in three months.
To boost the sperm count of men, their dietary needs in preparation for conception are similar to those of women, but men require specific nutrients in greater amounts. Therefore, including foods rich in those nutrients in your diet is important.
Zinc: One of the most essential trace minerals for male fertility. Research and several nutrition education programs have shown that increasing zinc levels in infertile men can enhance sperm count, improve the function, shape, and quality of sperm, raise testosterone levels, and reduce male infertility. Zinc deficiencies are some of the most common in women and men. It can be damaged during the processing or cooking of food. So, eating a diet that is at least 50% raw is necessary. Food sources: Calf liver, oysters, beef, lamb, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, turkey, yogurt, green peas, and shrimp.
Vitamin C and other antioxidants:These nutrients help prevent sperm defects and improve motility, especially if you smoke. Aim to get a minimum of 90 mg a day and more if you smoke (at least 125 mg). A glass of orange juice has around 124 mg of vitamin C. Vitamin C is another nutrient sensitive to cooking and processing, so it is important to get it from eating raw foods. Drinking store-bought orange juice will not increase your vitamin C levels. Because it has been pasteurized at high levels and has lost its entire DNA-protecting abilities, orange juice must be consumed freshly pressed only.
Folic acid:Men with low levels of folate face a higher risk of producing sperm with an abnormal number of chromosomes. If an egg is fertilized by one of these irregular sperm, it can lead to birth defects, such as Down syndrome, or increase the likelihood of miscarriage. You may be able to get a daily minimum of 400 micrograms from beans, spinach, asparagus, leafy greens, fortified breakfast cereals, and orange juice.
Here are some fertility diet tips to enhance your diet, ensuring you receive all the nutrients necessary for healthy male fertility. You will start to have more energy, create a stronger immune system, and promote healthy fertility.
Both partners play a crucial role in enhancing fertility. Following a healthy diet in Dubai is vital for men and women. Nutrition significantly influences the quality of sperm. Men should adopt dietary habits that include a wide variety of fruits, veggies, grains, nuts, and seeds while also avoiding harmful substances.
It is best to follow a personalized fertility-boosting diet plan to improve its effectiveness. If you are in Dubai, you can visit my clinic to get your plan, or book an online consultation.
