Can pregnant men drink coffee?

Source: Changsha Evening News Many men love to drink coffee, waking up in the morning and staying up late to last, all relying on this cup of "longevity water". But many people indulge in refilling their cups, only seeking temporary clarity, while ignoring the hidden health risks of excessive coffee consumption. Will long-term excessive coffee consumption quietly damage men's bodies, affect sperm quality and fertility? Detailed answers from experts in the Department of Male Reproductive Health at Hunan Maternal and Child Health Hospital.

Moderate consumption of coffee is beneficial to the body

Coffee is not a useless "stimulant", drinking coffee in moderation is beneficial to the body.

The "wakefulness switch" of the brain: Caffeine temporarily inhibits fatigue signals by blocking adenosine receptors, improving attention and reaction speed.

Metabolic 'acceleration engine': Caffeine can stimulate adrenaline secretion, promote fat breakdown, and improve fat burning efficiency when combined with exercise.

The 'protective shield' of the liver: Coffee contains antioxidants that may reduce the risk of liver cancer.

The key to regulating emotions: Caffeine can promote dopamine secretion and alleviate mild depression, but excessive consumption may have the opposite effect.

Excessive coffee consumption can trigger an alarm in the body

When caffeine intake is excessive, the body will activate a 'protest mechanism'.

Heart overload: Caffeine stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, leading to increased heart rate and blood pressure. Long term overdose may increase the risk of arrhythmia.

Gastrointestinal irritation: Coffee stimulates gastric acid secretion, excessive consumption may cause heartburn, gastric ulcers, and even worsen reflux esophagitis.

Bone "calcium loss": Caffeine promotes calcium excretion, and excessive consumption carries a risk of fractures (especially for postmenopausal women who need to be vigilant).

Sleep 'stolen': Caffeine has a half-life of about 5 hours, and drinking coffee in the afternoon may disrupt deep sleep at night, forming a vicious cycle of 'the more you drink, the more tired you get'.

Can pregnant men drink coffee? Depending on the situation

Many men preparing for pregnancy are conflicted: can they drink coffee during pregnancy preparation? The answer depends on the situation: drinking too little is not harmful, drinking too much can harm the essence, and drinking too much may even harm the next generation.

Moderate consumption of coffee does not pose a threat to male sperm quality. Studies have shown that when daily intake of coffee is ≤ 400 milligrams, there is no significant difference in sperm concentration and vitality compared to non drinkers.

However, excessive consumption of coffee may damage sperm motility and sperm DNA. It is worth noting that a study conducted by Wuhan University has found that long-term and excessive intake of caffeine by men may alter the epigenetic modifications of sperm, which can be passed down from generation to generation and increase the behavioral risk of depression and anxiety in offspring.

The key to the impact of coffee on health and sperm lies in its quantity. The Chinese Dietary Guidelines for Residents recommend that adults consume no more than 400 milligrams of caffeine per day (approximately 1 to 2 cups of Americano).

But male reproductive doctors have stricter requirements for fathers: firstly, starting to control coffee intake three months before pregnancy; Secondly, try to drink sugar free and milk free black coffee as much as possible; The third is to pay attention to "hidden caffeine", which is found in milk tea, functional drinks, cola, and even some sports supplements. If you drink these drinks, you need to reduce the amount of coffee accordingly to avoid exceeding the total limit without realizing it; The fourth is not to drink coffee at night. Staying up late and using caffeine to forcefully refresh oneself is equivalent to double consuming the body.

Coffee is not a "roadblock" to preparing for pregnancy. Expectant fathers should avoid excessive consumption while enjoying coffee. They should also have a regular sleep schedule, moderate exercise, and a balanced diet. If necessary, they can go to the Department of Andrology for fertility assessment to ensure a natural pregnancy. (Correspondent Fan Lang)