Roughly 6 percent of males suffer from infertility and some 90 percent of those cases are due to a low sperm count, according to an article at Healing with Nutrition. The Mayo Clinic reports there are many medical reasons for a low sperm count, including varicocele (a swollen vein in the scrotum), infection, hormone deficiencies and anti-sperm antibodies. However, good nutrition and supplements can sometimes help increase sperm count.
Pumpkin Seeds
The Urology Channel reports that eating pumpkin seeds can increase sperm count. Pumpkin seeds contain zinc and fatty acids, which are believed to boost reproductive health in men.
Water
Naturopathic physicians at the Urology Channel recommend men drink half of their body weight in ounces of water each day to aid in sperm production. For instance, a 180-lb. man would need to drink 90 oz. of water each day.
Olive Oil
Although olive oil may not increase your sperm count, oils containing saturated fats will lower your sperm count. Use olive oil instead.
Foods High in B-12
Men looking to increase sperm counts should get at least 1,000mg per day of vitamin B-12. Foods high in this vitamin include beef, clams and breakfast cereals fortified with this vitamin. Men may need to take a daily supplement of B-12 to get the recommended amount.
General Recommendations
Men hoping to increase sperm counts nutritionally should avoid alcohol and caffeine, and eat a diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables, according to experts at Healing with Nutrition, who report a link between poor diet and low sperm counts.
