A nutrient known as L-glutathione is said to exert a positive impact over sperm health. L-glutathione is a special type of nutrient known as an antioxidant.
Antioxidants are powerful substances known for the capacity to abate and, in some cases, prevent systemic accumulation of inflammation. Inflammation is a natural defense mechanism utilized by the body to prevent microscopic invaders like bacteria and viruses from infiltrating the body and precipitating pain and illness.
Impact Upon Sperm Health
Inflammation can exert a negative impact upon the male reproductive system. Paramount to a man’s ability to conceive is the abundance and strength of the individual’s sperm. L-glutathione is believed to help improve upon the size, shape, strength, and motility (the speed and agility sperm use to swim through a female’s reproductive system).
Results of a Study
A team of scientists examined the impact L-glutathione had on male fertility. This study was published in the Archives of Andrology. Researchers looked into the effect the antioxidant had on 11 subjects diagnosed with infertility caused by a variety of reproductive system maladies.
Test organizers administered 600 milligrams of L-glutathione per day to each subject over a period of two months. When the study was completed, each participant experienced improved sperm quality and motility. Examiners suggested that their findings offer potential treatment for men with sperm strength and motility problems.
How To Obtain Greater Quantities of L-Glutathione
Men stricken with fertility problems might be interested in utilizing natural methods to boost their systemic concentrations. The substance is produced by the liver. That said, natural levels can and are often depleted for a host of reasons such as excessive or chronic stress exposure, poor dietary habits, lack of adequate rest and specific illnesses.
Fortunately, however, bodily levels may be increased by practicing the following dietary habits:
- Consume Foods Rich with Glutathione – The most direct natural method of boosting internal quantities of the nutrient is through the consumption of foods containing discernible amounts. Certain vegetables are known to have appreciable quantities including avocado, okra, and spinach.
- Increase Intake of Vitamin C – One of vitamin C‘s many capacities is its ability to regulate systemic concentrations of antioxidants, in particular glutathione. Vitamin C is found abundantly in foods like certain berries, citrus fruits, kiwis and vegetables such as bell peppers.
- Eat Products Containing Selenium – The nutrient selenium is considered a cofactor for glutathione, which means adequate systemic amounts are needed for the body to properly produce and secrete the antioxidant. Selenium can be found in foods including brown rice, beef, fish, chicken and cottage cheese.
- Obtain Adequate Amounts of Sleep – Rest is critical for the maintenance of appropriate glutathione levels. Scientific studies performed on human subjects as well as animals have found that chronic sleep deprivation has contributed to diminished bodily quantities of the nutrient.
- Limit Alcohol Intake – Like insomnia, excessive intake of alcoholic beverages is believed to contribute to decreased systemic concentrations of glutathione.
- Engage in Physical Activity – Scientists have found that frequent exercise is critical to maintaining adequate systemic levels of various antioxidants, most notably glutathione.