Sperms - The Little Swimmers That Can

This is a report on sperm and how to make them better swimmers.

A recent BBC programme on food experimented with the relationship between diet and fertility in men.

The men from a selection of couples trying for babies without success were asked to take part in an experiment between food and the health of their sperm. Sperm counts were taken from the men. In every case they were found to be low. Not only that, many of the sperms contained damaged DNA. These two factors combined were the reasons they were unable to conceive.

Damage to the DNA within the sperm cells were thought to be caused by free radicals. Excess free radicals can be combated by antioxidants: Vitamins A, C and E.

A dietician who specialises in reproduction and diet, devised a plan for the men. The main part of the diet plan was to drink smoothies made from fresh fruit and vegetables rich in antioxidants. As it takes 64 days for a sperm cell to grow the men were put on this diet for three months. Then for a further three months more smoothies were added which were designed to increase or aid in the production of the sperm cells. These smoothies contained folate and zinc rich foods, such as leafy vegetables, sunflower seeds and oysters.

At the end of the six months, only three men were left in the trial. The others gave up.  The remaining three men had there sperms examined again. In all cases, the men's sperm were much healthier. They were better, stronger swimmers and had far less DNA damage. Damaged sperm tend to swim erratically in any and all directions. Healthy sperm swim in a straight line, heading for their target. Only one of the three men's sperm count had increased.

Summary of Sperms - The little Swimmers That Can

If you are having a problem conceiving, for a least three months (to give healthier sperms a chance to grow), change to a healthier diet or take supplements, and reduce all the bad stuff that damage the DNA such as alcohol and smoking.