Frequent Sauna Visits Can Lower Sperm Counts

An Italian study warned that frequent Sauna visits can lower sperm counts in men. However, the effect is reported to be temporary. The study researchers believe high temperature in Sauna could affect the sperm production that results in decreased sperm counts. The study results have been published in the journal Human Reproduction.

A team of scientists from University of Padova, Italy, assessed ten Finnish men with normal sperm counts. All the participants aged between 30 to 40 years. The participants were asked to visit Sauna for at least 15 minutes, twice weekly, over three months. After the study period, they were asked to stop visiting the Sauna.

When compared to initial sperm counts, decreased levels of sperm counts were found during Sauna visits. The decreased sperm counts remained over months after the participants stopped Sauna sessions. However, the counts become normalized after six months.

It is now proved that exposure of scrotal areas to high temperatures can affect sperm production, according to Dr. Andrew Kramer, Urologist, University of Maryland Medical Center. The anatomical, hanging position of testicles is to escape from the body weight, he added.

Genetic disorders with undescended testicles lead to impaired sperm production and sterility in men, Dr. Kramer said.

However, the sperm count is not always corresponds to men’s fertility. The present study did not assess the participants’ fertility. It is not possible to say whether Sauna affects the men’s fertility, he added.

The researchers assessed the DNA damage and impaired mitochondrial functions in sperms of Sauna visitors. These findings shed some light about the possible mechanisms of impaired sperm production.

Dr. Kramer said additional studies involving a large number of participants are needed to ascertain such results. Further studies are to be conducted on effects of Sauna visits on impaired fertility men and boys who did not attain puberty.

Eat Lunch after 3 PM to Lose Weight!

Weight-loss is not so painful. Just eating lunch after 3 pm can help us to lose up to 25% weight, a Spanish study reported. Apart from what-to-eat, when-to-eat also matters for people who are in weight-loss diets.

Modern lifestyle and food habits break the body clock and timely food intake. This alters the metabolic process and increases body fat cycle with food cravings.

Moderate calorie intake with adequate time intervals can be helpful to resist sugary treats and soothe hunger pangs. Healthy, fibre-rich fruits and vegetables can increase satiety and reduce hunger.

The present study conducted by Salk Institute researchers followed 420 people who were in a weight-active program. Around half of the participants ate food in 8 hours gap, a day, thrice a day. All the participants took lunch after 3 PM. The Spanish people are well-known for a late lunch, after 3 PM.

When compared to frequent eaters, participants who ate in 8 hours gap with lunch after 3 PM lost their flab by 25% after the study period. However, late lunch was not useful among frequent eaters.

According to scientists, the fat cycle has been interrupted in late lunch eaters that can burn the stored fat, naturally. However, they warned against skipping breakfast or lunch and even grand slam lunch.

The study results have been published in the International Journal of Obesity.

Energy drinks could cause irregular heartbeats

A recent research study warned the energy-drinkers about the potential risks of energy drinks. The study warns that the energy drinks could cause irregular heart beat and increases blood pressure.

The effect of seven popular energy drinks on heart health has been studied by Prof. Sachin Shah from University of the Pacific, California, USA.

Upon analyzing the ECG studies of the participants, a segment of heart rhythm, Q-T prolongation was observed by 10 milliseconds in participants who drank one to three cans of energy drinks.

QT prolongation is considered as an irregular heart beat often linked with fatal heart disorders.

With QT prolongation, an elevated systolic blood pressure of about 3.5 mmHg has been observed in the participants who consumed one to three cans of energy drink, each day.

The researchers warned against consumption of energy drink by elderly people and heart patients.

The study results were presented at American Heart Association's Epidemiology and Prevention conference and not yet published in medical journals.