GUY'S TIP: Below The Belt

Not sure if you guys have heard but there is a sperm crisis in the West and modern lifestyle just might be to blame. Studies have shown that in the past fifty years, sperm counts have almost halved (110 million down to 70 million) and a growing number of couples are experiencing trouble conceiving. On top of that there are more people reporting a loss of libido. These issues combined means that you’ve out fewer opportunities for fewer sperm.

Guys, statistics show that of couples finding it difficult to conceive, 40 per cent of cases are due to male infertility, with low sperm count the main culprit. A ‘normal’ sperm count is between 20 million and 300 million sperm cells per millilitre. However, quality is just important as quantity in male infertility – this means, your boys need to be able to swim like Ian Thorpe if they have any chance of reaching the gold medal.

Why the decrease in the quality and quantity of sperm? Well let’s have a look at modern life. While a woman is born with all her eggs, men have to make these from scratch which means that environmental factors may provide some pressure. You have probably heard that a warm temperature is not too good for your testicles. Well it’s true! If you are one of those guys that sit down a lot either travelling to work or sitting at your desk typing away on the computer, you more than likely have unnaturally warm testicles. Same goes for those of you that sit laptops on your lap.

Those of you that are heavy drinkers or regularly use cannabis, you are also placing a detrimental effect on your sperm count and motility. And don’t forget those of you who smoke. Smoking reduces blood flow to the penis, potentially leading to impotency problems. There is also the diet side of things to consider – vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are very important for healthy swimmers. Australia’s low fruit and vegetable intake means these important nutrients are lacking from the diet. Several components of sperm require zinc to be made. So guys are you eating enough red meat, poultry and shellfish? Selenium is another important mineral for guys and can be found in fish, garlic, Brazil nuts and sunflower seeds. Other important nutrients are folate, vitamin C and vitamin E.

If one day you want your swimmers to success, take a look at these particular points in your lifestyle:

• Eat a healthy balanced diet full of whole foods such as fruit, vegetables, grains and cereals, nuts, seeds, lean meat and reduced fat dairy products.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Avoid excess alcohol consumption.
• Try not too sit-down excessively and do some exercise.
• If you smoke, consider quitting.