New research has suggested that having sex everyday can improve sperm quality and boost chances of getting pregnant.

According to Dr. David Greening, a specialist in reproductive endocrinology and infertility in Australia, daily ejaculation for a week cut the amount of DNA damage in sperm samples. He disclosed in a conference held recently at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology in Amsterdam, that of 118 men he studied, eight out of ten showed a 12% drop in sperm DNA damage after a seven days period. Although there was a decrease in sperm quantity over the period, the sperm also became more active and increased in motility.

He reasoned that the longer the sperm remain in the testes, the more likely they will accumulate DNA damage. Also the warm environment could make the sperm more sluggish after a period of time. Sperm come under attack by small reactive molecules which can damage DNA and cause cell death. Dr Greening believes daily sex also benefit men without fertility problem but felt more work is needed to find out if this is the case.

He advised against having daily sex for too long a period, say a fortnight, as it would cut sperm quantity too much. He recommended “lots of sex daily’” around the time the woman is ovulating. He said it was best to “keep the river flowing”.

At the same conference, Professor Diana Vaamonde from the University of Cordoba Medical School in Spain, suspected there is a link between male infertility and long distance cycling. Studies have shown that men who participated in triathlon and did the most cycling training had the worst sperm quality. This could be caused by irritation and compression of the testes against the saddle and localised heat generated by tight clothing. The heat affected the sperm production.

So what should men do to maintain a good sex life and “keep the river flowing”?

Fertility starts with general good health. In addition to regular exercises, a balanced diet is important. Men’s diet should include fresh food, leafy vegetables, vitamins C and E, selenium, zinc and folic acid. These vitamins are natural antioxidants which fight free radicals that attack and destroy the membrane surrounding the sperm. Infertile men have a higher concentration of free radicals compared to fertile men. It is also advisable for men to limit drinking coffee to one or two cups a day and two ounces of alcohol twice every week as alcohol damages the sperm.

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There is new evidence to suggest that drinking coffee and tea can lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

According to a study by the Archives Of Internal Medicine, high intakes of decaffeinated coffee and tea are associated with reduced risk of diabetes.

BBC Health reported that researchers have conducted 18 separate studies involving nearly 500,000 people. The analysis revealed that people who drink three or four cups of coffee or tea a day cut their risk by a fifth or more.

Consuming the same amount of decaffeinated coffee daily has the effect of lowering the risk by one third.

According to Rachel Huxley, a lead researcher at the University of Sydney, Australia, caffeine may not be the only link. Other compounds found in coffee and tea, including magnesium and antioxidants may be involved.

Despite this evidence, researchers have cautioned people suffering from type 2 diabetes to follow the basic rules of regular exercises and not to be over-weight.

So if you are diabetic but not a coffee or tea drinker, you may like to include these beverages as part of your breakfast fare.

Breakfast is important for people with diabetes as they will not have low blood sugar levels later in the morning. This will prevent them from overeating at lunch which will increase their sugar levels. An example of an ideal breakfast for diabetics would be one that comprises wholegrain carbohydrates like oats or wholewheat toast with egg whites or cottage cheese.

Avoid taking large meals and spread your calories intake throughout the day to keep your blood sugar levels at optimal levels. Instead of two large meals, you may want to eat five or six smaller meals like half a sandwich, an apple or orange. Eat more oily fish and nuts, and less meat and diary products. Consume salt, oil and spices moderately. Use honey in place of honey.

Diabetics have high blood glucose which facilitate germs and bacteria to grow in their mouth. Practising good dental care will help you to prevent teeth and gum problems. I have cultivated a good habit brushing or at least rinsing my mouth after every meal or drink. It is not always possible to brush your teeth after meal taken outside your house, but at least rinse your mouth.

Drink enough water, at least 8 glasses a day and get enough sleep. You need to rest so your body can rejuvenate.

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