Future genetic code?

Western society has taken a turn away from fast food and toward staying healthy. This is all well and good, but one of the most important aspects of human health, as well as the human race itself has sadly been ignored. Yes, I am talking about sperm.

Sperm is remarkable! Fifty million of them are discharged during ejaculation in a normal, healthy male. Until recently, the health of sperm was identified by microscopic observation, specifically speed and shape. Advances in genetics regarding the composition of sperm are leading to more accurate identification of healthy sperm. Current research indicates that sperm counts are declining in many parts of the world, including America and Europe. In one Danish study, a 1 percent decline per year in sperm count has been recorded over the last 50 years.

Findings from several studies suggest that sperm cells have a complex genetic code made up of components called messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA). These studies investigated whether mRNAs from sperm cells could be used to create a “genetic fingerprint” of the sperm of fertile men, like a general sperm health hierarchy. The investigators used genetic mapping techniques to assess sperm mRNAs from 19 testes, a pool of sperm cells from nine individual ejaculates and sperm cells from a single ejaculate. Analysis of sperm cells in the study identified around 3,000 individual mRNAs for the fertile male. The investigators comment that this non-invasive “gold standard” can be used in the future as a benchmark for comparisons of genetic analysis from sperm of infertile men. These researchers hope that in the future this genetic blueprint might be able to identify the defective genes that contribute to infertility.

So what is the current standard for healthy sperm? According to the Mayo Clinic, to be fertile, a man should have more than 20 million sperm per millimeter of semen. Although counting these little soldiers with the naked eye (pun intended) is unrealistic, there are many other things that can be done to ensure these guys are in good health.

Keep yourself cool. Sperm needs to be 4 degrees cooler than body temperature, so it is best to avoid tight underwear and binding outerwear. Also of importance – men should avoid keeping their laptop on their lap for extended periods of time, because this also causes a notable temperature difference.

Get exercise. Exercise is good for reproductive health as well as overall health. But there is a downside. Too much exercise, or exercise to the point of exhaustion, causes a dip in hormone levels and a subsequent drop in sperm quality.

Put down that cigarette, for you and your unborn child. Smoking can damage the DNA in sperm, cause low sperm count and increase erectile dysfunction (and probably hurt the chances of attracting a mate).

Avoid illicit drugs. According to a study published the Journal of Urology, marijuana can decrease sperm density and motility, as well as increase the quantity of abnormal sperm. Cocaine and opiates cause erectile dysfunction and amphetamines can cause a loss of sex drive.

Enjoy some leafy greens. Folic acid in combination with zinc sulfate has been shown to have often dramatic effects on sperm counts. Some men when taking these supplements increased their sperm count by as much as 74 percent. Also, melons are good for sperm health because they are high in potassium, which can aid in preventing high blood pressure. Watermelon is particularly beneficial, as it contains a high amount of antioxidant-rich lycopene. Lycopene has been shown to improve prostate health, and can possibly reduce the risk of prostate cancer. A healthy prostate keeps the metaphorical soldiers marching on toward procreation.

Keeping yourself healthy will work hand-in-hand with perpetuating your genetic code  to the next generation.