Can You Prevent Erectile Dysfunction Through Nutrition?

Did you know that approximately 30 million men encounter problems with their erections every year? Have you been in that kind of situation? If you have, what can you do to avoid it in the future? If you have not, what are the things that you need to be aware of to never have it happen to you ever?

Erectile dysfunction is a prevalent male sexual health problem. It can strike any man at any age, but it is most common in older men, specifically those who are close to or are in their golden years. According to various research studies, the risk of erectile dysfunction increases with age, and about 4% of men who are between the ages of 50 years old and 60 years, and about 17% of men who are over 60 get affected by it.

How do you know if you have erectile dysfunction?

The common warning signs of erectile dysfunction are as follows:

• Difficulty achieving an erection even after some foreplay or sexual stimulation
• Inability to maintain an erection that is firm and long-lasting to satisfy yourself and your sex partner
• Decrease in sexual desire or libido

Failing to get an erection or maintain an erection occasionally should not cause a major panic. It is a common occurrence that does not automatically mean that there is something terribly wrong with your penis. However, if it occurs frequently, has caused tensions and conflicts between you and your sex partner, and brought your self-esteem down, you have to see your doctor as soon as possible.

What causes erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction can be caused by different things.

For some men, it is because of some health problem, such as:

• Diabetes

This is a medical condition in which your blood sugar levels rise to higher than normal levels because your body has become unable to process sugar or glucose. Among its typical signs and symptoms are blurry vision, frequent urinating, extreme hunger and thirst, slow-healing bruises and wounds, sudden or unexplained weight loss, and numbness or tingling in the feet and hands.

• Cardiovascular disease

This refers to health problems that involve blockage or the narrowing of the blood vessels in the heart, causing a heart attack, stroke, or angina. Common signs and symptoms include pain and discomfort in the chest, pain in the neck or abdomen, weakness or pain in the legs or arms, and shortness of breath.

For other men, it is due to mental health problems, such as:

• Depression

This is a mental health disorder in which you develop negative feelings and thoughts, causing sadness, appetite loss, low energy levels, too much or too little sleep, and loss of interest in activities you used to love.

• Stress

This is the feeling of high physical or emotional tension that causes you to be nervous, angry, or frustrated. It can be brought about by having tons of things to do at work, lots of exams at school, financial problems, and relationship issues.

It can also be a product of poor lifestyle choices, such as:

• Alcoholism

Excessive alcohol intake can negatively impact many of your important bodily functions, including your sexual health. It can reduce your testosterone levels, resulting to decreased libido or sexual desire, weak erections, low sperm count, and infertility.

• Smoking

Nicotine and other substances present in cigarettes and tobacco can do a lot of harm and damage to your overall health. They not only can hurt your lungs and heart, but they can also increase your risk of erectile dysfunction and infertility.

How can you naturally overcome erectile dysfunction?

Living a healthy lifestyle is the best way to fight off erectile dysfunction. The following are highly recommended lifestyle changes that you should make starting now to protect your penis and erections:

Maintain a healthy weight

Men who are overweight or obese have an increased risk of reduced testosterone production in their bodies, which can lead to a decline in their sexual desire and the quality of their erections during sexual intercourse.

Exercise on a regular basis

Men who are physically active can perform much better in bed than men who live a sedentary lifestyle. Regular exercise offers a ton of sexual health benefits, including improved blood flow to the penis, increase in testosterone levels in the body, and enhanced strength and stamina.

Eat lots of healthy foods

A diet that is made up of foods that are rich in essential vitamins and minerals can do a lot of wonders for your sexual prowess. It should include many fruits and vegetables, lean meat, and whole grains, which should provide you with fiber, proteins, and other nutrients that can power your penis for sex.

What foods can protect you against erectile dysfunction?

On your next trip to the supermarket, make sure to buy the following penis-friendly foods that can help you have lots of fun and pleasure during your sexual encounters:

1. Spinach

This green and leafy vegetable is an excellent source of folate, which is a nutrient that can help improve blood circulation in the body. It can also enhance testosterone levels, sperm production and quality, and libido, and lower your risk of erectile dysfunction and low sperm count.

2. Apple

This fruit is loaded with a wide variety of essential nutrients that are great for your overall health and wellbeing. It is particularly a good source of ursolic acid, which is an active compound that can deter the growth of cancer cells in the prostate.

3. Avocado

This has rich essential nutrients that can positively affect erections, fertility, and sex drive. It contains zinc that can boost the free testosterone levels in the body, and vitamin E that can enhance sperm count, structure, and motility.

4. Carrot

This is overflowing with vitamins and minerals that can improve sperm count and sperm motility, lowering your risk of infertility and other sexual health problems.

5. Banana

This is a potassium-rich food that promotes blood circulation and heart health, which is key to hard and long-lasting erections.