Improving Male Sexual Heath Part 2
- Reduce glycaemic index (GI) foods in the diet, focusing on plant foods and healthy protein sources.
- Ensure the diet is rich in fibre, beneficial fats, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds (e.g. dark greens, bright reds/yellows/oranges, deep purples/blues) and fermented foods.
- Avoid sugar and refined carbohydrates.
- Minimise grains, ensuring those that are consumed are whole grain sources.
- Reduce toxin exposure, especially in the three months leading up to conception (limit alcohol, smoking, drug use etc.).
- Eat organic where possible. Choose grass-fed meat.
- Avoid excessive omega-6 fats in the diet (vegetable oils used in processed foods and meats) and increase omega-3 intake (deep-sea fish, nuts, seeds, soybeans).
- Look to stress management practices (e.g. regular exercise, meditation, yoga, reading).
- Manage weight (reduce fat mass, maintain lean muscle) and avoid a sedentary lifestyle, as High body fat contributes to elevated inflammation, cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, insulin resistance, increased risk of cancers, infertility and erectile dysfunction.
- Heal the gut and ensure microbial balance to manage inflammation and assist detoxification of oestrogen metabolites.
- Reduce exposure to xenoestrogens e.g. BPA.
- In CVD and erectile dysfunction, consider foods rich in nitrates and arginine (e.g. beetroot, nuts, cacao) to support healthy nitric oxide levels for enhanced vasodilation.
- Reduce excess salt from processed foods (consider Himalayan salt or sea salt)