Care2 Healthy Living/Zoe Blarowski: Natural Ways to Stop Erectile Dysfunction

Care2 Healthy Living | Natural Ways to Stop Erectile Dysfunction
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Natural Ways to Stop Erectile Dysfunction
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    By: Zoe Blarowski
    December 10, 2017

    About Zoe

Erectile dysfunction is the inability to develop or maintain an erection for satisfactory sexual performance. Also known as impotence, this condition affects up to 30 million men of all ages throughout the United States.

With so many men affected, it’s no surprise an array of pharmaceutical and herbal drugs exist with the promise of an instant fix. It may be tempting to simply pop a pill and get back in the game, but most of the natural supplements are currently unproven and Viagra alone has over 100 listed side effects.

Also, erectile problems can be a sign of a more serious underlying health condition that may be overlooked if you take drugs to mask the problem. Instead, there are many small lifestyle changes you can make to naturally improve your erectile function and your health in general.
What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be caused by many things, such as kidney disease, medications, stress or hormonal problems. But research is revealing that the two most common causes may be heart disease and diabetes.

Both conditions can have a serious impact on your circulatory system. When you have inflamed, clogged or otherwise compromised arteries, blood can’t flow properly throughout your entire body, including your penis.

Erectile dysfunction is shown to be an early symptom of heart disease, even if you don’t have any other symptoms yet. In fact, having erection difficulties in your 40s increases your risk of a cardiac event, such as a heart attack, by a staggering 50 times.

Studies have also found a concerning link between diabetes and ED. A 2015 study determined that men with erectile dysfunction were twice as likely to have undiagnosed diabetes as those without the condition.

This highlights the importance of visiting your doctor if you’ve been having any erection problems. They can check if you have a more serious underlying condition that requires treatment.
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How You Can Fix Erectile Dysfunction
Combat Heart Disease

Taking steps to protect your heart, such as lowering your blood pressure and reducing your cholesterol intake, are also shown to help reduce ED. Most of the following tips in this section will also naturally boost heart health.
Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess body fat promotes inflammation in your body and the conversion of testosterone to estrogen, both of which can contribute to ED. Many studies have shown that weight loss can turn this around. For example, one study followed 145 men with ED as they went through a weight-loss program. The men’s erectile function improved significantly after only 6 months.
Stay Active

Not only does this help prevent heart disease and weight gain, regular exercise itself is shown to reduce your risk of erectile dysfunction. Research shows that men who exercise more in midlife cut their risk of erectile dysfunction by an impressive 70 percent compared to sedentary men.

So, how much exercise is enough? Harvard Medical School recommends including at least half an hour of physical activity on all or most days of the week to promote erectile health. This can be broken into three 10-minute segments if that’s easier to fit into your schedule.

Also, the activity doesn’t have to be overly strenuous. Other studies have found that a daily 2-mile walk is beneficial for erectile function. Moving at a healthy pace, it should take you about 30 to 45 minutes to walk 2 miles.
Treat Gum Disease

Gum disease may seem unrelated to ED, but the two conditions are shown to be closely linked. One study found that 53 percent of men with ED had chronic periodontitis, compared to only 23 percent of men without ED. And men who treated their periodontal disease significantly improved their erectile function after three months.

What’s behind this link is unknown, but you’ll benefit from a trip to the dentist to check on your gum health and deal with any issues.
Reduce Your Stress

Stress and anxiety are well-recognized causes of ED. It’s hard to concentrate on what’s happening in the bedroom when you’re worried about work, finances or other stressors. Include some time each day to relax and unwind. Take a walk, do some daydreaming or indulge in a good book. Joining an erectile dysfunction therapy group has also been shown to help.
Stop Smoking

If you smoke, now is the time to quit. Men who smoke are twice as likely to have erection problems as men who don’t.
Reframe the Situation

It may be worth asking yourself, is the ED really a problem in your life? If your answer is a clear “yes”, of course you should look for solutions. But if your doctor has confirmed there’s nothing physically wrong, and it’s not actually impacting your life, one option is to simply take a break from sex for a while.

If you’re in an intimate relationship, ask your partner how they feel about expressing intimacy in other ways. What would make both of you feel loved and connected without intercourse? ED may be a hidden opportunity for exploration you wouldn’t normally consider.
Foods That Can Help Erectile Dysfunction

Certain foods can help in the short-term while you’re making longer-term changes to your health.
Watermelon

An Italian study found that supplementation with the amino acid L-citrulline is beneficial for erectile dysfunction. L-citrulline is known to play a role in getting an erection.

Watermelon is an excellent natural source of L-citrulline. To get the same amount as they used in the study, eat 3.5 servings of regular watermelon per day, or 1 serving of yellow watermelon, which has about 4 times the amount of L-citrulline as red watermelon. One generous slice of melon is about one serving.
Pistachio Nuts

In one study, men’s erectile function significantly improved after only 3 weeks of consuming 100 grams per day of pistachios. As an added bonus, their cholesterol levels improved as well.
Fruit and Berries

According to a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, foods high in the plant compounds called flavonoids are beneficial for erectile function. Flavonoid-rich foods are all good, but the flavonoids known as anthocyanins, flavones and flavonones were shown to be especially beneficial.

Anthocyanins are present in red, blue and purple fruits, such as plums, raspberries, blueberries and black currants. Flavones and flavonones are present in white and yellow fruits, such as citrus fruits, apples and pears. And you don’t have to eat a large amount. The study found that eating only a few servings a week provided benefits.
Healthy Carbohydrates

It’s hotly debated whether a low-carbohydrate diet is actually healthy or harmful. Whatever side of the debate you fall on, you may want to avoid a low-carb diet if you’re having erectile problems. Low-carbohydrate diets have been shown to increase your risk of developing erectile dysfunction. Make sure to include healthy carbohydrates in your diet, such as steamed brown rice, quinoa or millet, or whole-grain breads and pastas.
Avoid Bisphenol-A

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is known to be a potent endocrine disruptor linked to early puberty, certain types of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, allergies and various other health effects. This petrochemical is found in many food and beverage containers, so you can easily be getting exposed without realizing it.

BPA is also shown to contribute to erectile dysfunction, which is one more excellent reason to avoid this chemical. Check out Thought Co.’s tips on how to reduce your exposure to BPA.
Related at Care2

    5 Hacks to a Happier Life
    How to Talk to Your Partner About Erectile Dysfunction
    5 Most Common Deficiencies & How to Fix Them Naturally


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26 comments
Claudia S
Claudia Sjust now

Thank you
SEND
Leo C
Leo Cabout an hour ago

Thank you for sharing!
SEND
Susanne W
Susanne Wabout an hour ago

As Ann B. said: that really doesn't belong on this site. An erect penis doesn't rule the world, even if it seems to be the most urgent "male-problem" ever. If men had to give birth, humanity would have disappeared centuries ago. Dear men: please don't identify yourself alone about "your best piece", after many years of marriage, that's completely unimportant. A relationship doesn't grow with sex, but with responsibility, respect, common concern for each other and for children. Let "him" hang down, there are more important things in life.
And: 10 Points to Wesley Struebing, well said.
SEND
Mark T
Mark Tabout an hour ago

Ty.
SEND
Johan M
Johan Mabout an hour ago

Yeah, as with most other things relating to the body, a healthy lifestyle is key also for this important part. Especially important is to keep a healthy weight and to avoid too much of things like carbs, sugar, fats and caffeine as they mess with heart rate and blood flow - and to get regular physical exercise. And not least important of course is to keep it in regular use, and kegel exercises are excellent for men too.
SEND
Wesley Struebing
Wesley Struebing1 hours ago

Gee, if men would realize that erections alone don't make one a man, there might be fewer uneamted pregnancies, and they might actually get cozy with their significant others and find out that their relationships just might be based on more than just sex. And Darren G - going vegan is no more a cure for erectile dysfunction than it is a cure for blindness.
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Janet B
Janet B2 hours ago

Thanks
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Ruth S
Ruth S2 hours ago

Thanks.
SEND
Darren Ginn
Darren Ginn2 hours ago

This is an easy fix...stop eating animal products.
The facts are ubiquitous. Everyone needs to know Vegan is the new Viagra.
SEND
Jeramie D
Jeramie D3 hours ago

Noted
SEND
view all 26 comments
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