This article is written by Fitday Expert panel member, Dr. Umashri Rao Francis (M.B.B.S)

For a healthy functioning human body, the endocrine system plays a very important role. The hormones produced by the system are carried in our blood and distributed to all the organs in the body. This system consists of many glands namely the pineal gland, adrenal glands, the pituitary gland, thyroid, pancreas, ovaries, and testicles. This article focuses on the impact of nutrition on the reproductive organs.

The Ovaries and testicles are reproductive organs responsible for fertility and reproduction.

Disorders of Ovaries and Testicles

Common disorder of Ovaries is PCOS and infertility. The Cause of PCOS is not known but studies point that it could be due to high testosterone, high insulin resistance, and genetic factors.

The disorders of Testicles are Hypogonadismsm and Hypospermia, which may be due to infections, cancer, tumor, trauma, or genetic factors.

PCOS Symptoms

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Food for healthy Ovaries

Ovaries play an important role in female reproduction. Healthy ovaries secrete female sex hormones which are essential for reproduction. Consuming foods rich in some important nutrients will help in maintaining good ovarian health.

The important nutrients are:

  • Vitamin A - which help in production of eggs. It is found mainly in cod liver oil, eggs, milk, carrot, kale, spinach, and pumpkin. Your diet should provide 2333 IU for women and 3000 IU for men per day
  • Selenium - has an antioxidant effect. It protects the tissues against oxidative damage. It is present in whole wheat bread, nuts, eggs, and shellfish
  • Vitamin C - is a natural protector against ovarian cancer. It is present in strawberries, oranges, red pepper, and broccoli

Most common ovarian disorder in present times we often hear about is PCOS. If you are suffering with PCOS then you should be avoiding food rich in starch or sugars, because they will further increase the insulin resistance.

Great options on diet for people with PCOS are:

  • Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower
  • Green leafy vegetables
  • Green and red peppers
  • Beans and lentils
  • Almonds, walnuts 
  • Berries
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Olive oil
  • Omega-3 fatty acids such as fatty fish

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Foods to improve testicular health are:

  • Antioxidants rich food like oranges, yellow bell pepper, tomatoes, grapes
  • Selenium - found in Brazil nuts, sardines, and salmon
  • Turmeric - it protects the testicles against damage by infections. Golden milk is a great option!
  • Other natural supplements are: ginger and coconut milk, onion, garlic
  • Vitamin B5 - found in avocado, eggs, lean chicken, pork, sunflower seeds, and lentils
  • Zinc rich foods- should also be taken, as found in oysters, apricot, pumpkin seeds, and beef

Foods to increase fertility in men

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Hence, we conclude by stressing on the importance of adoption of intake of balanced nutrition in improving the health of our endocrine system. Increasing incidence of obesity, diabetes, infertility are examples of ill effects of bad eating habits, lifestyle, and stress on our endocrine glands.

There is a famous proverb ‘Health is wealth’. But I would like to add to it, Eat healthy, sleep healthy, live healthy to enjoy your wealth.

References:

  • Image 1: https://in.pinterest.com/pin/685039793306343623/
  • Image 2: https://in.pinterest.com/pin/690106342886559726/
  • Image 3: https://www.momjunction.com/articles/foods-to-increase-fertility-in-men_00361047/

About Dr. Umashri Rao Francis: Dr. Francis has been practicing Medicine for over 27 years. She is an experienced General Physician successfully treating a vast majority of the local population, in particular the poorly diagnosed and difficult cases. Dr. Francis is a regular contributor to the #FitBlog and is available to answer your article related questions at drumashri2002@yahoo.co.in

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