16 ways to increase sperm count naturally
Low sperm count – a growing problem
An ever growing number of men are concerned about increasing their sperm count as levels have been falling for several decades. Other problems which are becoming more prevalent are misshapen, poor swimming and clumping sperm.
Experts are divided as to why more men are having problem, the most likely cause is chemicals affecting male hormones. These chemicals include PCBs, dioxin and growth hormones given to animals.
Can anything be done naturally?
There are a number of simple steps you can take to improve matters naturally.
Here I list 16 suggestions all tried and tested
Sperm takes about 90 days to develop – so don’t give up if they don’t work at once
Diet
The main thing is to eat a healthy diet – rather than concentrate on specific foods.
Eat plenty of fruit, vegetables, whole grains and pulses. Lots of peppers, tomatoes, citrus fruit, garlic and green leafy veg.
Reduce refined sugar, tea and coffee.
Maca
This is so helpful it deserves a section to itself. Maca, a superfood from the nAndes, increases sperm count, quality and swimming ability. It is available from Health Food shops as a powder or tablet. I think the powder is better as it is easily absorbed by the body. Sprinkle it on breakfast cereals or any other food.
Alcohol
Alcohol leads to reduced sperm quality.
It also interferes with the absorption of nutrients healthy sperm needs, especially Zinc.
Tobacco
Tobacco reduces both sperm production and their life expectancy.
Cannabis
Adversely affects both quantity and quality of sperm.
Medication
A wide range can reduce sperm count. The list includes anabolic steroids and some diuretics and anti – depressants. There can also be problems with some drugs for blood pressure, ulcers, epilepsy and heart conditions.
If you are any medication it would be best to discuss it with your GP or pharmacist. There are usually alternatives available.
Exercise
Exercise is good – reducing stress and helping maintain a healthy weight. However too much exercise can be harmful – such as regular marathon running.
Weight
The nearer you are to your ideal weight the better. Obesity increases the temperature around the testes, which should be slightly cooler than the core body temperature. Going without food, to lose weight, damages sperm.
Supplements
Supplements provide a nutrient boost. They are especially useful if your diet has been poor or you have been exposed to high levels of pollution – living in a city or have used tobacco or alcohol in the past year.
The basis of any supplement programme should be a good multivitamin and mineral – Solgar VM75 or Viridian Multivitamin and Mineral Formula are excellent, as are multis by Lamberts or Quest.
Specific nutrients for sperm health include Arginine, Lycopene, Zinc, antioxidants, Vitamins C and E, Selenium, folic acid and a range of B vitamins, especially B12.
I recommend Viridian’s Fertility For Men supplement to my clients. It contains Zinc, Arginine, folic acid, B12 and a range of potent antioxidants. Your local Health Food shop will be able to advise on a good quality alternative if they don’t sell Viridian.
Herbs
There is a wide range of herbs which can help male sexual health. This is a list of the more commonly available. If you want to explore this avenue further contact The National Institute of Medical Herbalists for Herbalists in your area.
Astragalus – increases sperm count and mobility.
Schisandra – improves sperm count.
Horny Goat Weed – increases sperm count.
Saw Palmetto – probably the best male reproductive system herbal tonic.
Other useful herbs include Korean Ginseng, Gingko, Rhodiola and Hawthorn.
Cycling
The friction and vibration of cycling increases the temperature of the testes leading to misshapen and damaged sperm.
Sitting for long periods
Another factor which increases testes temperature.
Hot baths
Also raises testes temperature. Heat affects both the “ready to go” sperm and those being developed.
Tight trousers and underwear
Also increase testes temperature. Cotton underwear is often recommended as synthetic material may not breath as well – again increasing heat.
Morning sex
Sperm count is higher in the morning than it is at night
Reduce pollutants
Eat organic dairy and meat as they don’t contain hormone affecting hormones. Chlorinated water and bleach can also be harmful
Conclusion
All of these tips are useful. Which, and how many, you follow depends on how low your sperm count is.
Most of them, such as diet and exercise, will also improve your health generally.
