If a couple has tried to conceive a child for more than one year without success, that couple is diagnosed as infertile. According to the University of Michigan, male infertility usually means low sperm count or sperm motility. These conditions are linked in some ways with good nutrition and overall health. Changing your diet to include more foods rich in the nutrients your body needs to produce healthy sperm might help increase your sperm production and increase your chances of having a child.
Foods High in Antioxidants
According to the University of Michigan, antioxidants can help increase sperm production by stopping the oxidative stress that damage or weaken sperm. Eat foods rich in vitamin C such as citrus fruits and green leafy vegetables. Eat foods rich in selenium such as nuts, meat and corn. Get enough vitamin E by eating vegetable oils, nuts, rice and dairy. If you're not getting enough antioxidants in your diet, consider taking an antioxidant supplement pill.
Foods High in Zinc
The University of Michigan recommends taking a combination of 60 mg zinc and 2 mg copper daily for three months for male infertility. Shortages of zinc have been shown to decrease sperm quantity and quality. Zinc can interfere with copper absorption so it's important to take these two minerals together. This three-month course of zinc and copper should reverse this decrease. Foods high in zinc might also help such as oysters or milk.
Foods High in Vitamin A
Vitamin A is important to sperm production. Men with low levels of vitamin A not only have fewer sperm but also slower, more sluggish sperm. To increase vitamin A, eat foods such as carrots, oatmeal and red bell peppers. Broccoli, green leafy vegetables, and fortified milk and cereal are also good sources. You can also take a multivitamin that has 100 percent of your recommended daily intake of vitamin A.
Other Tips
If you avoid drinking alcohol, it could help increase your sperm production. Taking 3 g of a supplement called L-carnitine can also improve sperm production and motility. Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke, and wear loose underwear to keep your testicles cool.
