People’s living conditions are getting better, but life pressures are also increasing, especially for male compatriots, who are faced with graduation and the challenges of employment, marriage, raising children, as well as material and spiritual pursuits.
Unlike women, interactions among men are filled with many unhealthy habits such as smoking, drinking, staying up late, which pose great risks to health, leading to common sub-health issues among males.
Of particular concern is the gradual increase in male infertility rates, which, apart from factors like diseases, are also closely related to unhealthy lifestyle habits, including poor diet and behavioral habits.
Three types of foods men like to eat, four things they like to do, making “little tadpoles” uncomfortable:
1. Drinking alcohol
Excessive drinking can lower testosterone levels and adversely affect sperm quality by poisoning the testicles and reducing testosterone levels. Physician Zhao Xinbao from Hengshui Fourth People’s Hospital stated, “Men who plan to have children should at least wait three months after being intoxicated before allowing their wives to conceive to ensure the health of the fetus.”
2. Smoking
It is well known that after burning, cigarettes release harmful substances into the smoke, which enter the bloodstream through the pulmonary capillaries and spread throughout the body. These harmful substances can reduce sperm activity and affect successful conception, potentially leading to sperm mutations or deformities.
Even secondhand smoke can have an impact on health. Therefore, smoking has a significant impact on sperm, and families looking to have children should reduce or even refrain from smoking, as well as avoid places with secondhand smoke, a recommendation that also applies to women.
3. Coffee, Strong Tea
Drinking coffee or strong tea can invigorate due to the presence of caffeine stimulating the sympathetic nervous system.
The sympathetic nervous system controls daytime activities, becoming excited when stimulated, increasing vitality. Meanwhile, the parasympathetic nervous system controls nighttime activities, including sleep and physiological functions. Stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system inhibits the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to insomnia, vivid dreams, reduced physiological needs, impacting the quality and function of sperm. It is advised that men should drink light tea water, drink less strong tea, especially after dinner.
Smoking, drinking, and tea are often favorites of many men, as they say, “no wine, no seats,” with alcohol and cigarettes being essential items for banquets or social gatherings.
According to online media reports, from 2016 to 2019, China’s tobacco tax has exceeded trillions.
Second is the liquor industry; Maotai Liquor Group alone paid taxes as high as 32.572 billion yuan in 2019, just a glimpse of the entire industry, with most contributions coming from male compatriots.
Therefore, giving up smoking, limiting alcohol intake, drinking less strong tea and coffee can significantly improve the health of male compatriots.
Four behavior habits that harm male fertility:
1. Prolonged sitting
The testicles are the “production workshop” for sperm, with the inguinal canal serving as an important channel for delivering nutrients to the testicles and eliminating metabolic waste. Prolonged sitting hampers blood circulation in the pelvic area, affecting its normal metabolic function. Hence, it should be avoided as much as possible.
For male colleagues in office jobs, it is recommended to stand up and move around every 45 minutes, such as drinking water, going to the bathroom, etc. After sitting for 2 hours, engage in appropriate exercise like squats, skipping, high leg lifts, hula hoops, or gymnastics to accelerate overall blood circulation, relieve fatigue caused by prolonged sitting.
2. Crossing legs, or wearing tight jeans
It can cause pressure at the base of the thigh, impeding local blood circulation. Furthermore, it may lead to increased local temperatures, inhibiting sperm activity. It is advised for men not to cross their legs for too long, wear loose and breathable underwear, and loose, elastic trousers.
3. Not drinking enough water, holding urine
Drinking insufficient water increases the concentration of metabolic waste in urine, detrimental to health.
Retention of too much urine in the bladder can cause discomfort, hinder body health, and may lead to urine backup, affecting kidney health. Moreover, urine may contain toxins that are harmful to prostate health. Therefore, men should cultivate the habit of drinking more water and emptying their bladders regularly. The flushing action of urine can prevent bacterial growth and maintain prostate health.
4. Using steam saunas
The testicles produce high-quality, high-yield sperm at slightly below body temperature. However, saunas’ high temperature inhibits sperm activity and production. It is advisable for men to avoid saunas. Even when bathing, the water temperature should not be too high, around 40 degrees Celsius is sufficient, and the bathing time should not exceed 20 minutes.
Additionally, maintain a balanced diet, avoid picky eating, unbalanced diet, or overeating. Avoid habits like eating to fullness then sleeping, or being inactive.
Develop good sleep habits and try to avoid staying up late. After graduation, maintain regular physical exercise.
Men should actively participate in social activities, especially healthy interactions with the opposite sex. When the time is right for marriage, boldly pursue love and satisfy physiological needs reasonably, promoting physical and mental health.
