The fact that nutrition of a surrogate mother most directly affects the health of the carried child is indisputable. Meanwhile, nutrition of a man intended to become a happy father affects the health of his future baby no less.
- For an ideal spermatogenesis, ensure that your body has a steady supply of all basic food ingredients – proteins, fats and carbohydrates at an optimal ratio: 1-1-4.
- Sperm is a natural protein concentrate. Your body needs at least 70 grams of protein a day. For those actively doing sports, this rate should be doubled.
- According to a recent study, a large number of fast-acting carbohydrates (sugar, sweets, biscuits) in the diet can adversely affect the quality of sperm. So you’ve better replace white bread with rye bread, cola with mineral water, noodles with oatmeal and fruits, etc.
- Sugar substitutes (including a variety of beverages) are also to be avoided.
- Natural food always has an advantage. Doctors warn that the effect of various chemical additives to sperm can be unexpectedly dramatic. There no serious research on record, but at the same time it is a well-known fact that nitrites contained in any “ready-made” meat product reduce sperm motility.
- You should eat at least five servings of fresh (or frozen) fruits and vegetables a day. According to the findings of WHO, this would be largely enough to protect your body from the damaging effects of free radicals. In addition, fruits and vegetables are the main suppliers of vitamins, minerals and fiber.
- There are vitamins and minerals, and essential amino acids, which can be obtained only from animal foods. So you should not put away butter, meat, milk and cheese.
- Better yet, you can eat everything but in moderation. Down with the sameness. The greater the variety of dishes on your table, the less chances that you would be short on some important micronutrients or vitamins.
Necessary elements of the diet
1. Folic acid
It is a sufficient prerequisite for the production of “normal” sperm cells, as it regulates their maturation process. Recommended daily intake regardless of the diet is 400-800 mg per day. Start three months prior to the estimated IVF date.
2. Zinc
It increases the “efficiency” of spermatogenesis and enhances “viability” of sperm cells. Recommended daily intake is 15 mg per day. (Note that just one ejaculation releases on average 5 mg of zinc). Contained in foods such as seafood (lobsters, clams, oysters), beans, mushrooms, spinach, asparagus. Oysters are the world-beater for the content of zinc.
3. Vitamin A
It regulates the production of sex hormones, accelerates reproduction contributing to the “purity” of sperm. Daily intake is 25,000 IU. Foods: eggs, cod liver, butter, yellow, or red vegetables and fruits.
4. Vitamin B complex
Enhances the production of testosterone and supports the proper level of spermatogenesis. There is plenty of it in the rye bread, chicken meat, and cereals.
5. Vitamin C
It protects sperm from the effects of internal (free radicals) and external (chemicals) “enemies.” It is found in all fruits and vegetables, fresh herbs, and mushrooms.
6. Vitamin E
It rescues germ cells from oxidation and maintains the level of testosterone on the proper level, increasing fertility. The daily intake is 400 IU. It can be found in the bread of coarse-grained flour, bran, fresh cereals, nuts, sunflower oil, soybeans and sprouted wheat.
7. Selenium
Deficiency of this element is one of the causes of male infertility. Scientists have found that selenium is part of the special proteins that prevent rapid destruction of the sperm. A sufficient amount of selenium was found in fish products, meat, liver, and in wheat.
Recommendations:
Start following this diet at least 6 weeks prior to the expected date of egg retrieval from the genetic mother (egg donor) and IVF.
Exclude / Avoid:
- Beer
- Steam room / Sauna
- Biсycle / Cycling machine
- Foods containing GMO
- Local electromagnetic radiation