Men are more sensitive to heavy metal toxicity than women when it comes to reproductive health and fertility. This article introduces some strategies for boosting male fertility.
Numerous studies completed over the last decade have linked infertility in men to heavy metals and lead exposure in particular, because it’s so widely spread and extremely toxic. The studies have also found that the number of people diagnosed with infertility is constantly increasing as a direct result of environmental pollution.
Another heavy metal linked to infertility due to its strong negative effects on spermatogenesis (formation and maturation of sperm) is cadmium. Cadmium is toxic on cellular and systemic level. Cigarette smoke is an abundant source of cadmium!
The main endocrine disruptors (substances which can disrupt the hormonal balance) that can cause male infertility are:
Pesticides such as DDT, linuron, and others, heavy metals like mercury, lead, cadmium, and copper, and substances from various industrial uses and residues such as dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), ethylene dibromide (EDB), phthalates, polyvinyl chloride (PVC),and ethanol.
These chemicals reduce sperm count and have teratogenic (birth defects), mutagenic and carcinogenic effects.
Guys also need to watch out for overheating and radiation from mobile phones. The reason why the testicles are in the scrotum is to keep them away from the body’s core temperature – approximately two degrees Celsius cooler (36.8 Celsius or 98 Fahrenheit). Too high temperatures can reduce the sperm count.
What to do?
- Quit smoking
- Cut down on alcohol and coffee (or stop altogether while trying to get pregnant)
- Eat predominantly organic food
- Don’t drink or shower in tap water (drink only filtered or bottled in glass). I personally use and recommend the Aquasana drinking water system and this shower filter.
- Take zinc, selenium and vitamin C supplements
- Go out of your way to avoid pesticides, radiation, heavy metals and toxic chemicals.
- Avoid testicular overheating by avoiding steam rooms, saunas, hot baths and long bike rides.
- Start wearing boxer shorts
- Don’t carry a mobile phone in your pocket. It needs to be at least 2m away from your body.
Remember, your #1 goal is to ensure that in 120 days prior to conception your eggs and sperm don’t get polluted or damaged. This will make all the difference to your pregnancy and THAT is how you can guarantee for your baby the best possible start in life – ultimate health prevention!
I hope this article gave you some ideas for boosting male fertility, as always I would love to hear your comments!
© 2011 Iva Keene and Natural Fertility Prescription
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great article, in addition i have found that with today’s modern technological world where laptops are common this too can warm up the sperm. Finding ways to minimise the radiation effects, with plants, epsom salts in the office will help.
Thanks Paola. Yes, radiation from laptops, mobile phones, wireless internet connection and microwave ovens can have a negative effect on the sperm quality and quantity. Placing epsom salts on your lap while working in front of your laptop can minimize the amount of radiation the ovaries and testes are exposed to.
Great info! In addition, boosting sperm motility and production with our natural supplement has positive side effects! It also is a super anti-oxidant and overall health enhancer.
Thanks a lot for the article, it gives me more information on what i need to avoid to boost my sperm. Well done.