Below The Belt – Not Just a Woman Thing

Male fertility levels are estimated to have declined by 50% over the last 50 years. One in eight couples trying to conceive has a problem, and up to 40% of diagnosed cases of infertility are due to the male.

There are many factors that can cause a man to have a low sperm count or to have problems with sperm quality or motility. The environment is increasingly contaminated with man-made chemicals; periodically a health scare such as that with DDT leads to the banning of a substance, but more and more fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals used in the industry add to the toxic load. Our bodies absorb heavy metals, such as lead from exhaust fumes. Our battle with the disease has led to a huge increase in the use of drugs, in particular antibiotics. All of these toxins disrupt the metabolism of the body’s endogenous hormones, as does the consumption of processed foods and those treated with growth hormones. Not only do we subject our bodies to chemical pollution; a mobile phone emits microwave radiation and if it is repeatedly worn near the kidneys or genitals it can slowly ‘grill’ these organs.

Those minerals which we do require, on the other hand, are in increasingly short supply in the soil. Add to these lifestyle factors such as lack of exercise and proper routines and it is easy to see why hormone balance is disrupted and male infertility rates are on the rise.

Ayurveda has many foods that help treat low sperm count and improve the quality of sperm. Examples of these are Urud dal (black lentils), chickpeas, almonds, pistachio, pine nuts, sultanas, cashews, avocado, eggs, shellfish, and quality red meats. Some foods to be avoided are pickles, tamarind, mango, and chili, and sour foods in general as these inhibit sperm production. An alkaline diet is essential in male infertility treatment as sperm cannot survive in an excessively acid environment.

The medicines that Ayurveda uses to deal with infertility in men focus on the health of the bone marrow, as this promotes the production of healthy semen. These include Ashwagandha, Shatavari, and Gokshura. Sometimes the digestive function needs to be addressed, as the problem may stem from an inability to extract vital nutrients. Certain foods can also be effective as medicines; a drink of hot milk, almond powder, saffron, and honey is an excellent reproductive tonic and fertility treatment, and black grapes are rich in essential nutrients.

Finally, Yoga exercises can be immensely useful in increasing male fertility. Some of the most helpful are Indian push-ups, the squat, and sun salutation. Breathing exercises, particularly Bhastrika Pranayama, help to increase the body’s inner ‘fire’.

Male infertility is therefore yet another expression of a metabolic imbalance, requiring a completely individualized approach to diet and lifestyle factors, as no two people will be the same.

Call us on 1300 552 260 for a free consultation or book an appointment at Yatan Holistic Health Healing Ayurvedic Centre in Australia Sydney.