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  • Writer's pictureElena Cora

Natural Fertility Support: Supplements to Raise Sperm Count

Chlamydia and gonorrhea can reduce sperm counts, so it is vital to get tested and treated promptly. Other health conditions may also contribute to low sperm count.


Folate levels have been linked with improved sperm quality; to optimize this result, take a supplement containing methyl folate instead of synthetic folic acid. Vitamin C, ashwagandha root extract, and zinc also promote optimal sperm health.




Vitamin C:


Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that has been demonstrated to significantly enhance semen quality. It reduces sperm oxidative damage and agglutination, increases concentration and motility and regenerates Vitamin E--the primary antioxidant present in semen--with research showing it improves count, morphology and fertilization rates when taken together.


Coenzyme Q10, lycopene, Omega 3 fatty acids and carnitine may all help boost sperm count. Vitamin B6, B12, selenium and N-acetyl cysteine also play a vital role in improving sperm health; avoid foods containing pesticides or packaging that contains bisphenol A as these chemicals act like xenoestrogens to decrease sperm count.


Eat fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, whole grains and cruciferous veggies as part of your daily diet to get essential vitamins and minerals. Ashwagandha, or Indian Ginseng, has also been shown to herbal medicine for sexually long time; you can buy it as a supplement either online or from natural health stores.


D-aspartic acid:


Though D-aspartic acid is touted by many manufacturers as being effective against erectile dysfunction (ED), more research must be conducted on its long-term effects and alternative remedies are likely more likely to work than D-aspartic acid; always consult your physician before taking supplements that increase testosterone levels.


L-carnitine may help to increase sperm motility by supporting mitochondrial function. A study showed that providing 2.6 grams per day for 90 days increased both count and motility among men with reduced sperm motility (oligoasthenozoospermia).


Tribulus terrestris may also help improve sperm health naturally, by decreasing oxidative stress that damages DNA and increases mutation. One study demonstrated how supplementing with both tribulus terrestris and vitamin C nearly doubled concentration and mobility for men with low sperm counts; additionally, their partners saw an increased pregnancy rate due to this boost.


Maca root:


Maca root, commonly referred to as Peruvian ginseng, is an herb native to the Andes Mountains that has long been used as both food and medicine. Maca has been believed to help balance hormones and increase fertility for both women and men. Furthermore, maca root provides ample protein and mineral nutrients.


Studies demonstrate the power of maca root to increase sperm count and motility, while providing relief from hormonal imbalances, inflammation conditions, menopausal symptoms and menopausal discomfort. Furthermore, one research paper suggested it might reduce sexual dysfunction due to antidepressant medications in postmenopausal women by using maca.


As well as its libido-enhancing qualities, maca root is also well known for its stimulating effects. As an adaptogen it provides relief against stress-related infertility issues while improving semen quality by balancing hormones and increasing unani medicine for men.


Coenzyme Q10:


Coenzyme Q10, an antioxidant found naturally within our cells, may play an integral part in protecting them from damage while potentially improving fertility. Studies have revealed that supplements of this vitamin may improve sperm count and motility - though before making any decisions to supplement yourself it's best to discuss this matter with your healthcare provider; they're the ones best equipped to assess and recommend appropriate solutions.



One study involved 212 men with idiopathic OAT receiving either 200 mg oral CoQ10 daily for 26 weeks or placebo for 30 weeks followed by an open period. Blood and seminal plasma CoQ10 levels significantly increased during treatment period and this increase correlated to increased sperm count, motility and morphology parameters; leading researchers to theorize that antioxidative agents might increase these parameters due to its antioxidative action; yet further research must be conducted on optimal dose and duration of treatment regimen.


Zinc:


Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a pivotal role in testosterone production and sperm cell development. Studies have linked low zinc levels with reduced testosterone levels and decreased sperm counts; increasing your zinc consumption through food can improve semen quality and fertility, increasing fertility rate.


Zinc can be found in various animal protein foods (shellfish and beef for instance) as well as dairy products, whole grain cereals with fortification options, pumpkin seeds and many vegetables.


Studies on mice revealed that zinc sulfate significantly enhanced sperm concentration, motility and normalized morphology while simultaneously decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA), increasing GPx and TAC activity and improving membrane integrity and viability. While zinc may be difficult to obtain through diet alone, supplementation containing this essential mineral can significantly boost both semen count and quality.


Ashwagandha:


Ashwagandha, or Indian Ginseng, is an adaptogen and natural aphrodisiac known to increase testosterone levels and sperm count among men according to a 2013 study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.


Another study revealed that men taking 675 mg of ashwagandha per day for three months saw their sperm count increase 167% and semen parameters improve, including motility, morphology and DNA fragmentation. This may be attributed to its ability to reduce oxidative stress while increasing antioxidant vitamin concentrations in serum and seminal fluid.


While additional research needs to be completed, ashwagandha may be beneficial for men with low sperm counts and sex timing medicine. Before beginning any herbal supplements it is wise to consult a healthcare provider as many herbs can interact with prescription medicines or health conditions and hinder natural ways to increase sperm count naturally such as healthy diet and lifestyle choices.

 

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