make testosterone. As a result, sperm production falls, and the testicles shrink. Testosterone has even been studied as a male contraceptive.
Phytoestrogens
Some plant foods are rich in estrogen-like compounds called phytoestrogens. Soy, in particular, contains lots of the stuff. Consumed later in life, soy can help protect guys against prostate cancer. But young men eager to maximize their fertility might want to limit their soy intake.
Poor Diet
To make sperm, the body needs a steady flow of nutritious food – especially protein, folate-rich leafy green vegetables, and brightly colored vegetables with antioxidants. Pizza and burgers and beer alone won’t do it.
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Cadmium
Cadmium, a metal found in batteries and paint pigments, is a sperm assassin. Be careful if you work around batteries or yellow paint.
Recreational Drugs
Sperm cells need testosterone to grow, and marijuana turns men’s hormones inside out, lowering testosterone levels and raising levels of the female hormone estrogen. Long-term use of narcotics can compromise the body’s ability to make testosterone. Less testosterone means fewer sperm.
Dioxin
Keeping the weight off might not be the only reason a guy would want to cut back on fatty foods. Dioxin, a toxin found in animal and plant fats, lowers sperm counts and interferes with sperm cells’ swimming ability.