Diet for Increasing Semen

Diet for Increasing Semen
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Having a low sperm count or minimal semen output when you ejaculate might lead to problems with fertility. Several lifestyle changes, including exercise, losing weight and following a balanced diet, might help improve your semen volume. If you notice low semen volume or are having problems getting your partner pregnant, talk with your physician about your concerns before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Vitamin D Fortified Foods

Vitamin D helps create new sperm and allows sperm to mature, according to research published in the "Human Reproduction" journal in 2010. Having low levels of vitamin D might decrease sperm count, thus affecting your fertility. Vitamin D is an important fat soluble vitamin found in very few foods. You can make some vitamin D when your skin is exposed to direct sunlight, but enjoying a bowl of fortified breakfast cereal in the morning or having a glass of milk fortified with vitamin D can also help increase your intake. Fish, including salmon and sardines, are additional foods you can add to your diet to boost your vitamin D levels.

Soy

Additional research shows that including soy foods in your diet might increase your sperm count. Men who eat a diet rich in soy foods have, on average, 35 million more sperm than men who don't consume soy foods, according to research in the "Human Reproduction" journal in 2008. Fill your diet with soy foods, such as soybean oil, soy milk, tofu, soy nuts or edamame. These foods might boost your sperm count, upping your semen volume.

Vitamin C Benefits

Increase your sperm production and function by getting plenty of vitamin C-rich foods in your diet. This water soluble vitamin isn't stored in your body, so you must ingest it each day. Vitamin C helps build collagen, a component of blood vessels, and also helps blood vessels dilate, says the Linus Pauling Institute. This process can help increase blood flow to your penis, increasing semen volume and making healthy sperm. Foods rich in vitamin C include strawberries, guava, tomatoes, broccoli, oranges, red peppers and potatoes with the skin.

Other Dietary Considerations

Limit your alcohol consumption, suggests the Mayo Clinic. Too much alcohol in your diet can negatively impact the quality and quantity of your sperm. If you drink alcohol, don't drink more than one or two beverages per day. Fill your diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables of different colors. Various colors represent different antioxidants that can improve the health of your sperm. Outside toxins might affect your semen volume and sperm motility. You might want to purchase organic produce that doesn't have pesticides or make sure you thoroughly wash your produce.

References

Article reviewed by OmahaTyppo Last updated on: Jul 17, 2011

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