Diet and Lifestyle in Treating Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction can be an embarrassing and frustrating condition that can affect a man’s ability to have a healthy sex life and can affect a man’s self-confidence. Fortunately, certain changes to diet and lifestyle can be effective in improving erectile function and sexual health.
Diet and Erectile Dysfunction
A man’s diet and lifestyle can have a major impact on his sexual health. One common factor that contributes to erectile dysfunction is obesity. Obesity can contribute to erectile dysfunction by affecting blood flow, hormone levels, and overall cardiovascular health. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet, exercise and a smart lifestyle can positively impact sexual health. A healthy weight can also improve self-esteem and body image leading to increased confidence and may help with erectile dysfunction in a new relationship.
Certain foods have been shown to work as natural remedies for erectile dysfunction. For example, leafy green vegetables such as spinach and kale are rich in nitrates which can help relax blood vessels, improve blood flow, and assist in achieving and maintaining an erection.
Fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids which have been shown to contribute to positive cardiovascular health and blood flow which is essential for sexual health. Eating a diet rich in lean proteins such as chicken or other poultry can provide essential amino acids for hormone production including testosterone.
Exercise and Erectile Dysfunction
Regular exercise has also been shown to improve sexual health and improve erectile function. Exercises such as running, cycling, or swimming improve overall cardiovascular health and increase blood flow which is essential for stronger erections.
Resistance exercises such as weightlifting have been shown to contribute to hormonal balance. Strength training can increase testosterone levels and testosterone is one of the main drivers of sexual health for men. More testosterone can lead to an increased sex drive and improved erectile function.
Furthermore, exercise, both cardiovascular and resistance, is good for the mind. Exercise is a natural stress reducer and can help treat sexual health issues related to stress and may have a positive impact on sexual desire and performance. Exercise contributes to overall physical and mental well-being by making you feel better about yourself which can indirectly promote sexual health.
Substance Use and Erectile Dysfunction
Lifestyle choices such as excessive alcohol consumption and smoking may also negatively affect sexual health including contributing to erectile dysfunction in young adults. Excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to nervous system suppression which affects sexual arousal and performance. Furthermore, alcohol use can disrupt testosterone levels and blood flow, both of which are essential to erectile function.
Lifestyle factors in ED such as smoking can damage blood vessels, reducing blood flow making it harder to achieve and maintain an erection. Furthermore, smoking can decrease the production of nitric oxide which is a chemical that helps relax blood vessels and is essential for proper erectile function.
Smoking can also disrupt the production of testosterone which can negatively affect libido and erectile function. As such, reducing alcohol consumption and quitting smoking can be key lifestyle changes that can help treat erectile dysfunction.
Foods That Can Worsen ED Should be Avoided
While some foods can be beneficial for sexual health, other foods can have a negative effect on erectile function. Foods high in salt and saturated fat can put you at risk for cardiovascular diseases that can reduce blood circulation and thus erectile dysfunction.
Processed foods such as deli meat and hot dogs can cause high blood pressure and should be avoided if you are suffering from erectile dysfunction. Additionally, fried foods and red meat are high in saturated fats and, in the case of fried food, trans fats which can contribute to weight gain, cardiovascular disease, and increased cholesterol levels.
All of these issues can reduce blood flow and influence erectile function. However, lifestyle changes alone may not always work so you may need to seek out medical help for the newest ED treatments.
Herbal Supplements for ED
Certain herbal supplements have been linked to helping alleviate the symptoms of erectile dysfunction. Horny goat weed is an herb used in traditional medicine that may increase blood flow and sexual health.
L-Arginine is an amino acid necessary for making proteins and is commonly used to increase blood flow. There are also some suggestions that saw palmetto may be useful in treating sexual health along with prostate health.
Ginseng is an herbal root believed to increase energy levels and overall sexual function. Some studies have also suggested that it may help with erectile function. Most herbal remedies have been met with conflicting results in clinical studies as to their effectiveness so be sure to talk to a doctor before beginning any supplement regime. However, sometimes you will need medical help and should seek Philadelphia erectile dysfunction treatment from a doctor.
Book Your Appointment Today at Alpha Men’s Center
If you are suffering from erectile dysfunction, the team at Alpha Men’s Center are here to help. They can answer any questions you may have about diet, lifestyle changes, and herbal supplements that may help treat erectile dysfunction.
They can also discuss other forms of erectile dysfunction treatment with you such as medication and hormonal treatments. Book an appointment today with Alpha Men’s Center by visiting their website or calling 484-685-1301.