It is understood that many factors can affect male reproductive health, among which environmental pollution is one of the key factors. In addition, long-term internet use, prolonged sitting on soft sofas, drug abuse, mobile phone radiation, and excessive psychological stress can all lead to a decline in sperm quality, resulting in oligospermia or asthenospermia. Diet is also an important influencing factor. Here's a reminder for men: during the period of preparing for pregnancy, it’s best to avoid eating the following foods:
1. Barbecue and fried food - Leading to male oligospermia/asthenospermia
Research reports indicate that barbecue and fried foods can cause male oligospermia or asthenospermia. Moreover, heavy metals such as cadmium and pesticide residues are toxic to sperm.
2. Caffeinated beverages - Can reduce libido
The caffeine in coffee stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, which controls all daytime activities. When stimulated, it makes people feel more energetic and vigorous. The parasympathetic nervous system, on the other hand, is responsible for nocturnal physiological functions, including erection and sexual activities, and has a relationship with the sympathetic nervous system like two sides of a coin. When the sympathetic nervous system is frequently active, the weaker parasympathetic nervous system will be suppressed, clinically manifested as reduced libido. Therefore, people who usually experience large emotional fluctuations and have easily excited sympathetic nervous systems should avoid drinking caffeinated beverages such as coffee before making love, so as not to suppress the parasympathetic nervous system and reduce libido.
In Western drinks, there has been a prevailing belief that "Coke kills sperm." Dr. Zhan stated that this claim requires further scientific research.
3. Beer - Once excessive, it harms kidneys and reduces sperm count
Beer directly affects male fertility. Medical research has found that a certain substance in hops can mimic the function of estrogen, affecting sperm movement and thus reducing male fertility efficiency. If some male friends already suffer from kidney diseases and consume beer without restriction, uric acid deposition can lead to renal tubule obstruction, causing kidney failure. The condition of the kidneys is also related to male "vitality."
4. Celery - Has a sperm-killing effect
Doctors have found through experiments that men who eat more celery will inhibit the production of testosterone, thereby having a sperm-killing effect, which reduces the number of sperm. Healthy young men with good fertility who continuously eat celery over several days will see a significant reduction in sperm quantity, even to the extent of being difficult to conceive. This situation will return to normal several months after stopping the consumption of celery.
5. Soy products - Reduces male "energy"
People often say that eating soy products is beneficial to health, especially tofu. The protein in tofu has an absorption rate of up to 90% in the human body. However, a survey found that men who eat soy products every day have only 41 million sperm per milliliter of semen, significantly lower than men who rarely eat soy products. A sperm concentration of less than 20 million per milliliter is considered too low, making it hard to conceive. Soy contains abundant isoflavones, plant-based estrogens. If consumed excessively, it can affect the level of male hormones in the body, leading to a series of adverse consequences. Therefore, it is suggested that the frequency of eating soy products should not exceed three times a week, each time around 100 grams. This ensures nutrition while avoiding "side effects."
6. Bubble tea - Inhibits sperm activity
Currently, most bubble teas available on the market are made from creamer, coloring agents, flavoring agents, tapioca pearls (referring to the pearls in bubble tea), and tap water. The main component of creamer is hydrogenated vegetable oil, a type of trans fatty acid. Trans fatty acids can reduce the secretion of male hormones and negatively impact sperm activity, interrupting the reaction process of sperm in the body.
7. Eating pig kidneys to replenish the kidneys? Smoking + eating pig kidneys results in a 60% infertility rate
There is an old Chinese saying: "nourishing the body by shape resemblance," but "kidneys" are an exception. Studies have found that the liver and kidneys of pigs, cows, and sheep contain varying levels of heavy metal cadmium. While people eat these organs to replenish their bodies, they also ingest cadmium, which may likely cause infertility. If combined with smoking, the infertility rate can reach as high as 60%.
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