Becoming a father is every man’s dream. But sometimes, unknowingly, some mistakes can prevent this dream from coming true.
One of the most crucial factors is the sperm count and their quality.
What is a normal sperm count?
According to experts, a healthy man should have at least 15 million (1.5 crore) sperm per milliliter of semen. However, some men might still be able to father children with slightly lower numbers, but a sperm count below 15 million reduces the chances of conception. Furthermore, sperm motility and morphology also play a significant role.
Consuming These 4 Things Can Increase the Risk:
Unfortunately, some of our lifestyle and dietary habits can negatively impact sperm count and quality. Here are 4 such things whose consumption can increase the risk to your sperm count:
- Processed Food and Junk Food
The trend of processed food and junk food has increased significantly nowadays. Pizza, burgers, chips, and canned foods often contain high amounts of fat, sugar, and sodium. Excessive consumption of these can lead to obesity, which disrupts hormonal balance and can reduce sperm production. Some chemicals present in them can also damage sperm.
- Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Excessive alcohol consumption not only damages your liver and other organs but also has a direct negative impact on sperm production and quality. Alcohol can lower testosterone (male hormone) levels, affecting sperm count and their motility.
- Excessive Caffeine (Coffee, Tea) Consumption
If you drink many cups of coffee or tea throughout the day, it can pose a risk to your sperm. Some research suggests that excessive caffeine consumption can affect sperm quality. Although more research is needed on this, it is better to consume caffeine in moderation.
- Certain Dairy Products
Some research also suggests that excessive consumption of certain dairy products, especially those that may contain hormones or antibiotics, can negatively affect sperm quality. It is important to ensure that you consume dairy products that are natural and free from adulteration.
For healthy sperm, a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and abstaining from smoking and alcohol are very important. If you are concerned about your sperm count, it is best to consult a doctor.