Relationship between Diet/Lifestyle/Stress and Male Infertility

According to medical specialists, about 10 – 15 % of couples in India are said to have infertility. Infertility is not just a women’s problem. Men can infertile too.

In our daily practice we can seen that there is a drastic change in daily routine of people. They are stressed and have poor lifestyle habits in comparison to the past century. So they become more susceptible to different health problems. Infertility is also amongst these. In case of men, infertility issue is related to a variety of risk factors like medical issues, lifestyle expectancy, sperm count, production of sperm, hormonal imbalance etc.

There is a direct link between the environment, socio economic factors and male infertility. Poor eating habits contribute to this infertility problem.

Here are a few points for regarding male fertility:

Waist circumference: By waist circumference we are talking about obesity. Higher the waist circumference, more will be obesity and lower will be the semen volume and sperm concentration. So, one should achieve a healthy weight with normal waist circumference.

Diabetes Mellitus Type 2: Diabetes does not directly affect male fertility or causes sperm  immobility but it can lead to poor sperm quality. Again, one of the main factors contributing to DM Type 2 is obesity and poor lifestyle.

Stress: Stress is the prominent part of any society and infertility is itself stressful due various factors like social pressure, testing, diagnosis, treatment etc. By following a regular counselling sessions from their psychologist one can recover from this. Lower levels of psychological stress and anxiety can help in the restoration of semen quality.

Dietary pattern and Habits:  Several observational studies have proved a strong connection between male fertility and dietary habits. Diets rich in red meat, saturated fats, trans fats, alcohol, cigarette smoking, caffeine, late night screening, too much of sauna,  together make a negative influence on chance of their partner’s pregnancy or their fertility.

A good intake of antioxidants, low fat dairy, lean meats, fruits and vegetable, seeds and nut proves good. In short a healthy balanced meal and good lifestyle leads to increase in good sperm quality or semen volume. Regular physical activity whether in the form of any sport or exercise proves beneficial as it will keep the person fit, i.e., keep their body weight within normal BMI range, good hormones’ will release which will help them to lower their anxiety level and many more benefits are there.

So, the conclusion is this that correction of inappropriate lifestyles can improve sperm quality and semen volume. Attention to proper diet, reduction of obesity and control of underlying diseases will lead improvement in fertility potential.

“NEVER GIVE UP ON A DREAM JUST BECAUSE OF THE TIME IT WILL TAKE TO ACCOMPLISH IT.”

Connection Between Diet and Infertility

Diet has a significant impact on both male and female reproductive organs.  Poor dietary habits, lifestyle, late night parties, binge eating, more screen time, obesity, overweight, underweight etc all these together leads to infertility and hormonal imbalance in both men and women.

In our today’s daily practice we have found couples struggling with infertility due to all the above said factors. Obesity, PCOD/PCOS, hormonal imbalance are directly connected with infertility.

By doing some changes in one’s daily routines and adopting healthy habits one can achieve the dream of being a parent.

As we all know, a healthy pregnancy leads to a healthy child. So a diet rich in all the nutrients and environment free of chemicals like cosmetics, fresheners, keratins etc. Can improve ovulation, fertility and offer an excellent start to pregnancy.

Here are a few recommendations for both men and women which can help to increase their fertility.

• Eat food from all the food groups including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low fat dairy, unsaturated  healthy fats, plant protein and lean animal proteins.

• Cut down the trans fat intake and saturated fats also. All these can cause insulin sensitivity or resistance. Or fat accumulation in the body. Switch to more of unsaturated fats like vegetable oils, olive oil, nuts etc.

• Consume seeds daily like sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax and sesame as all these together help in improving the sperm quality in men.

• Try to replace meat protein with vegetable protein (as animals  are often raised at unsanitary farms and given pesticides or chemical loaded feed).

• Try to start using more of the organic products as much as possible. Or wash the food properly before using them .

• Drink plenty of water and cut off refined sugars or sugar based beverages.

• Choose carbohydrates wisely or food that is rich in fibre and slowly digested. As these kinds of foods have low glycemic index and they help to control your blood sugar and insulin levels.

• Choose more of the natural products. Limit the use of chemicals. 

• Quit smoking and reduce alcohol intake. Chronic smoking and drinking alcohol is associated with reduced sperm concentration, volume and motility.

• Limit the use of ready to cook foods. As these are loaded with preservatives, genetically modified foods or ingredients whose regular use can cause hormonal imbalance.

• If you use a microwave then use glass containers for heating as plastic materials will release toxic compounds.

• Monitor for healthy weight as obesity or being overweight is the main culprit for infertility.

A balanced wholesome diet is most important for infertility in both men and women. Only a positive mind and a positive approach will give you a kick start for a healthy life. Your body will become what you eat. So eat better, not less. A fertile bedrock will develop as a result of these changes.

Before starting any medicine or diet plan consult your doctors and dietician as all diets are not perfect for everyone. Each body needs their own changes and has their own requirements.

Amidst Covid19 Stay Positive in Pregnancy

The tiny microbe Corona has turned life upside down for the whole world; especially the health care sector. Pregnant patients are always a big concern because two young lives are involved. A new disease with barely known outcomes/varied presentations & unpredictable course has added on to the fears of the pregnant woman, her family & the doctors. Taking clues from other related respiratory viral diseases, we can just extrapolate the outcomes. Fortunately in India, the severity of disease has not been as bad as in the west, may be our early & extended lockdown has helped. Sufficient to say: most important factors are to practice good hygiene & social distancing which has been emphasized time and again. Lot of warm liquids, fresh high protein food, deep breathing exercises and positive thinking would help. Reading & listening to contradictory & negative reports is counter -productive. Instead of reading about Corona, read some positive books, listen to soothing music, and indulge in exercises at home. Do cooking, stitching, painting, gardening etc. whatever you enjoy. Physical activity, good diet & good thoughts improve immunity. Because of changes in immunity: Pregnancy falls into High Risk category so we need to be extra-careful. 

One very important word of caution: Ease of lockdown doesn’t mean that Corona risk has reduced: we rather have to me more cautious now

·    No baby showers

·    No shopping

·    No visits to parlors.

Let each one do what each one is trained for / expected to do. Motherhood is to be enjoyed so stay happy, positive & follow your doctor’s advice. Stay safe, stay strong, stay blessed. Contact Jindal IVF for your inquiry.   

Yoga and Infertility

 Although the new pandemic of coronavirus has temporarily covered the whole world, as it subsides, the old problem of infertility is rearing its head once again. Current statistics indicate that 1 out of every 6 couples in India is infertile and that the rate of infertility is increasing over time. A lot of infertility treatments are available – but before going in for treatment, any infertile couple has to consider additional measures to boost fertility.

If one briefly surveys the causes of infertility, one might find reasons like obesity, stress, tension and lack of time and physical exercise. It is a fact that disease – like infertility – may be caused not only by physical factors but also by mental and spiritual distress. Health is defined as a state of complete physical, mental and spiritual well-being and lack of any one of these factors may manifest in a physical form. Treatment of these causes may break the chain that leads to infertility and potentially avoid infertility treatments.

Yoga is an ancient Indian system aimed at keeping one’s body, mind and soul healthy and fit. In today’s stressful world the practice of yoga is ideally suited towards restoring the balance of one’s life and making oneself physically and mentally fit. The practice of yoga comprises physical and breathing exercises – also called as pranayama – and meditation. It is a complete amalgamation of these three elements which transform one’s body, mind and soul and allows one to reach a state of complete bliss.

As a word of caution, one should be careful not to get seduced by unscrupulous or improperly trained persons. As is the case with all disciplines, yoga has to be learnt from a competent teacher or Guru. Also important is to remain focused and patient and keep working regularly and honestly.

The practice of yoga and regular exercise helps in reducing some cases of infertility and avoiding costly infertility treatments. So, start now or you want any tips contact- Jindal IVF