Reducing The Risk Of Erectile Dysfunction With Nutrition

Reducing The Risk Of Erectile Dysfunction With Nutrition

Posted on Jun 01, 2020, 4 p.m.

This article is a repost which originally appeared on WORLDHEALTH.NET

Edited for content

At some point in their lives most men will struggle with penile health issues, when it comes to this these issues involve more than erections, ejaculations, and reproduction as poor penile health can be a sign of an underlying health condition.

Additionally issues that affect the penis can also impact other areas of your life including emotionally and socially. Bottom line is that routine maintenance in this area can also help to ensure optimum performance which includes managing stress, getting enough sleep, being physically active, and following a healthy well balanced diet. According to research from Harvard University men should masturbate (routine maintenance) 21 times a month to reduce the odds of prostate cancer by 33%.

Simply masturbating 21+ times a month is not enough to guarantee to avoid prostate cancer, but added to a healthy diet full of organic produce, getting enough sleep, managing stress, being active and exercising, this will go a long way. Ian Kerner, PhD,  recommends a plant based diet and incorporating plenty of fish rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, as well as “consuming red foods such as tomatoes that are rich in lycopene, as well as soy products that contain isoflavones, along with getting regular physicals that include a prostate exam, and plenty of exercise.”

Diet and nutrition play a bigger part in health than most people understand, and this includes penile health. Certain types of food have been shown to affect penis health, for example studies have shown that diets rich in flavonoids, which occur naturally in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, are associated with a reduced risk of erectile dysfunction in men under the age of 70.

There are many things that can affect an erection like poor health, smoking, and certain medications. Following a sub par diet, how much you eat, and how often you eat can affect your mood, energy levels, blood flow, and hormones which are all very important to your sex life.

It stands to reason that if certain foods can boost your erection, keep sperm healthy, and boost testosterone levels then eating habits exist that can also kill your libido. Unhealthy fats and added sugars can exacerbate erectile issues, and lower testosterone levels. Alcohol is a depressant which can numb the feeling of sexual stimulation, alter the blood flow in/out of the penis, and decrease testosterone levels sapping libido, energy, and moods.

Achieving and maintaining an erection requires good blood flow and plenty of nitric oxide. Flavonoids have been shown to improve cardiovascular health by helping to increase blood flow and the concentration of nitric oxide in the blood. Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids, other choices include tea, citrus fruits, berries, apples, legumes, onions, tomatoes, broccoli, tea, grapes, celery, red peppers, ginger, red cabbage, asparagus, and leafy greens.

Pistachios are good for more than a snack, a study published in the International Journal of Impotence Research suggests that consuming these nuts for several weeks improved several parameters of ED including improved International Index of Erectile function scores, improved cholesterol levels and improved blood pressure with no notable side effects being observed.

Watermelon may help to improve sexual function as a study from Texas A&M University found connections between ED and watermelon, suggesting that citrulline found in watermelon helped to relax blood vessels and improved blood flow in a similar manner as to medications for ED.

Bananas are a great source of potassium which is great for keeping the heart and circulation strong. Potassium also keeps blood pressure in check by stabilizing sodium levels. Bananas are also a rich source of vitamin B which helps to increase energy levels, and combat stress that can lead to erectile dysfunction.

Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids which can help to enhance blood flow and enhance erectile function by helping to relax your arteries easing the way for blood to flow to the entire body without exception, including your penis. Salmon also contains vitamin D, selenium and magnesium which are all required to support testosterone levels and healthy sperm.

Anthocyanins are great for cardiovascular health, cherries are loaded with anthocyanins, which are flavonoids, that help to protect your artery walls and help prevent fatty plaques from forming in the arteries ensuring good blood flow and circulation.

Soluble fiber such as that in oatmeal has been shown to be great for satiety, fighting inflammation, to lower cholesterol levels and helps to keep your blood vessels smooth, healthy and stretchy, which also can apply to penis health.

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli can help to combat cancer, and the high vitamin C content helps to boost blood circulation and it has been linked to an improved libido. Cruciferous veggies such as bok choy, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts also contain glucobrassicins which help to clear the body of excess oestrogen which may help to boost your sex drive.

The antioxidant phytochemical resveratrol helps to open arteries by enhancing the production of nitric oxide, production of nitric oxide allows blood vessels to expand, and increases blood flow. Resveratrol works by expanding the tiny and main arteries in the penis much like medications for ED. It also helps to block enzymes that trigger the body to push away testosterone, which will help maintain high levels of the hormone and strong erections that should last well beyond foreplay.

After reaching the age of 30 testosterone levels begin to decrease, fortunately there are simple diet fixes that may help you, and because your brain, heart and penis are all intimately connected this is also good for your overall health and well being. Aging also affects your penis, as a result many men experience erectile difficulties, if you are one of them please consult with your physician as it can be an indication of an underlying condition that shouldn’t be ignored. Your physician can work with you to help determine the cause and work towards a solution, often lifestyle changes can help.

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Content may be edited for style and length.

This article is not intended to provide medical diagnosis, advice, treatment, or endorsement.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/healthy-penis

https://www.healthline.com/health/erectile-dysfunction/foods-diet

https://www.menshealth.com/health/a19547196/how-diet-affects-sex-life/

https://www.healthline.com/health/what-are-flavonoids-everything-you-need-to-know#health-benefits

https://www.aicr.org/resources/blog/flavonoids-in-your-foods-where-to-get-them/

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https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12378824/

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https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26762373/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3881649/

https://www.bostonmedicalgroup.com/tag/erectile-dysfunction

https://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/foods-help-avoid-erectile-dysfunction

https://www.everydayhealth.com/erectile-dysfunction/8-musts-for-a-mans-sex-life.aspx

https://www.mensjournal.com/food-drink/11-foods-reduce-your-risk-erectile-dysfunction/

https://worldhealth.net/news/according-science-men-should-masturbate-21-times-month/

 

Men Should Eat These 11 Foods Every Day

Men Should Eat These 11 Foods Every Day

BY Rhett Butler

This article is a repost which originally appeared on THE SOURCE

Edited for content

Superfoods! More than a trendy buzzword, you need to incorporate these healthy superfoods in your diet every day.

Men especially should curate their refrigerator and try to stick to a healthy diet. However, walking through the grocery store can be confusing and many do not know where to start.

The Source has lined up some healthy food picks for daily consumption. They are based on the very common health issues males face.

May we present these 11 top choices for superfoods men should eat every day of the week.

SPINACH

Spinach is a super source of folate, a known blood flow-booster. Folic acid plays a critical role in male sexual function and a deficiency in folic acid has been linked to erectile dysfunction.

Cooked spinach contains 66 percent of your daily folic acid requirement per cup, making it one of the most folate-rich foods around. Additionally, spinach contains a fair amount of magnesium, which also helps improve and stimulate blood flow and has been shown as a trusted Source to boost testosterone levels.

Spinach is also good for penile health. It is a good source of folic acid which may help prevent erectile dysfunction. It also contains magnesium which has been shown to boost testosterone.

ALMONDS

Almonds contain zinc, selenium, and vitamin E, which are vitamins and minerals that seem to be important for sexual health and reproduction. Selenium can help with infertility issues and, with vitamin E, may help heart health. Zinc is a mineral that helps produce men’s sex hormones and can boost libido.

Compared to all other nuts, almonds are the most packed with nutrients and beneficial components. Now all you need to do is to at about 8-10 almonds a day. You can either eat soaked almonds or crush it and add to your morning salad or garnish your dishes, it is beneficial in any way you use it.

YOGURT

Improved digestion. Yogurt contains probiotic bacteria, which are primarily known for their ability to promote digestive health.

According to the Harvard School of Public Health, several of the strains of probiotic bacteria found in yogurt may help prevent or treat digestive difficulties including indigestion, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease. Yogurt’s probiotics can also promote regular bowel movements, better immune system functioning and improved vitamin, mineral and nutrient absorption.

According to LiveStrong, if the results of studies conducted on male mice are any indication, yogurt may also have sexual benefits for men. Science suggests that certain dairy products, including yogurt, can help obese men lose weight. Finally, yogurt, and especially Greek yogurt, is a rich source of high-quality, muscle-building protein.

TOMATOES

Tomatoes have been linked to lowering men’s risk of stroke, helping fight prostate cancer, and preserving brain power with age. Heating tomatoes significantly increases their levels of lycopene, the chemical that can up antioxidant levels.

Lycopene – a nutrient found in tomatoes – may boost sperm quality, a study has suggested. Healthy men who took the equivalent of two tablespoons of (concentrated) tomato puree a day as a supplement were found to have better quality sperm. Male infertility affects up to half of couples who cannot conceive.

POTATOES

Potatoes are an excellent source of potassium, a nutrient most people don’t consume enough of, which can help regulate your blood pressure. They’re a good source of vitamin C and vitamin B6, which aids your nervous and immune systems.

The potato’s fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6 content, coupled with its lack of cholesterol, all support heart health. Potatoes contain significant amounts of fiber. Fiber helps lower the total amount of cholesterol in the blood, thereby decreasing the risk of heart disease.

SARDINES

Sardines contain 20 grams of protein per three-ounce serving, and are one of the best sources of calcium and vitamin D, both of which are essential for bone and muscle health. They’re high in omega-3 fatty acids, which help fight inflammation and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol. They might have workout benefits to boot.

Sardines contain 20 grams of protein per three-ounce serving, and are one of the best sources of calcium and vitamin D, both of which are essential for bone and muscle health.

They’re high in omega-3 fatty acids, which help fight inflammation and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol. They might have workout benefits to boot. Researchers from Saint Louis University found that athletes who took an omega-3 supplement before and after arm curls felt less sore than those who’d had a placebo.

BLUEBERRIES

All berries are good for your health. They’re loaded with antioxidants, which help your arteries relax and may have anti-aging effects as well. But for men especially, blueberries are king. Blueberries have lots of vitamin K, which helps your blood clot, and plenty of vitamin C like most berries.

A daily bowl could protect against obesity, heart disease and diabetes. A bowl of wild blueberries a day could protect against a range of health problems including obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Berries are rich in polyphenols – antioxidants that protect cells in the heart and help lower blood pressure.

AVOCADOS

Avocado is rich in folic acid for increased energy production, along with healthy fats to improve mood and sense of well-being. The more avocado you consume, the more blood flow your body experiences ― which is useful when it comes to sexual performance and in turn will also help lower the risk of heart disease.

Avocados are a great source of vitamins C, E, K, and B-6, as well as riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, and potassium. They also provide lutein, beta-carotene, and omega-3 fatty acids. Although most of the calories in an avocado come from fat, don’t shy away!

WHOLE GRAINS

Foods such as wheat, rice, oats, cornmeal, barley, quinoa or products made from these foods are considered grains. Grains are high in carbohydrates which provide energy to your brain and muscles. Not all grains are created equally in terms of nutritional benefits. The health benefits of a grain depend on the form of the grain you actually eat. There are two types of grains: whole grains and refined grains.

When you eat a whole grain, your body is getting nutrients found in all parts of the grain, as well as fiber. Whole grain foods include oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread or pasta. Refined grains have been processed and are missing some nutrients. Refined grain foods include white bread, white rice, and many kinds of pasta. When you eat grains, try having whole grains as much as possible.

A GLASS OF RED WINE

A study from 2019 reports that males who drank alcohol had a slightly lower risk of lethal prostate cancer, and that red wine had links with a lower risk of progression to lethal disease. The authors say that these results mean moderate alcohol consumption is safe for people with prostate cancer.

The health benefits from wine are the same for men and women, but men can drink more given their generally larger body mass — one or two 4-ounce glasses of wine per day — while women should consume only one glass.

WATERMELON

Watermelon may be a natural Viagra, says a researcher. That’s because the popular summer fruit is richer than experts believed in an amino acid called citrulline, which relaxes and dilates blood vessels much like Viagra and other drugs meant to treat erectile dysfunction (ED).

Watermelon is a natural source of citrulline. Citrulline is an amino acid that may support better erections. Viagra works by increasing blood flow to the penis, allowing a man to more easily get an erection when he is aroused. Citrulline may do the same thing, although it works in a different way to Viagra.

Stay healthy this summer and everyday!

How to Boost Your Relationship and Sex Life with Healthy Eating

How to Boost Your Relationship and Sex Life with Healthy Eating

Medically reviewed by Natalie Butler, RD, LD on May 11, 2016 — Written by Tara Gidus, MS, RD, CSSD, LD/N

This article is a repost which originally appeared on HealthLine

Food and sex

Much of the lore surrounding the desire- and performance-enhancing effects of certain foods is anecdotal. But a good diet can help boost your libido and ensure your body is working well. A poor diet can lead to a host of health issues, which may negatively effect your sex life. For example, erectile dysfunction is often linked to obesity and diabetes, which can be caused by a poor diet.

Food is an important part of your everyday life and overall health. So it may not surprise you that your diet can affect your sex life. Changing your eating habits and behaviors may not be a cure-all for sexual issues, but it’s a good place to start.

Diet and supplements

Eating a well-balanced diet and taking certain supplements may help improve your overall health and sex life. It’s also important to avoid drinking too much alcohol.

Healthy diet

Fueling your body with the right kinds of food can help boost your mood and energy levels to support a healthy relationship and sex life. For optimum health, eat a nutrient-rich diet that’s low in trans fats, saturated fats, added sugars, and sodium. Eat a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and lean proteins. To avoid gaining weight, don’t eat more calories than you burn in a day.

Arginine and L-citrulline

Arginine, also known as L-arginine, is an amino acid used by your body to make nitric oxide. This important chemical helps your blood vessels relax, which promotes good blood flow. If you’re a man, good blood flow to the erectile tissues in your penis is important for sustaining an erection.

When you take supplemental arginine, your intestines break most of it down before it reaches your bloodstream. It may be more helpful to take L-citrulline supplements. L-citrulline is another amino acid that’s converted to arginine in your body. A small study published in Urology found that L-citrulline supplements were more effective than a placebo for treating mild erectile dysfunction.

Both amino acids are also found in foods. L-citrulline is found in foods such as watermelon. Arginine is found in many foods, including:

  • walnuts
  • almonds
  • fish
  • whey
  • fruits
  • leafy vegetables

Zinc

The link between zinc and sexual health isn’t completely understood, but zinc appears to affect your body’s production of testosterone. It’s also necessary for the development of sperm and semen in men. Adequate zinc levels may boost male fertility. Zinc and other nutrients, such as folate, may also impact female fertility.

Zinc is available in supplement form. It’s also found in some foods. Oysters are nature’s richest source of this essential element. Not surprisingly, they have traditionally been viewed as aphrodisiacs, capable of kindling sexual desire.

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol may lower your inhibitions and increase the likelihood that you’ll engage in sexual activity. However, it can also cause acute or chronic erectile dysfunction. It can lead to unsafe behavior too. When you mix sex with alcohol, you’re less likely to use proper precautions to prevent unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Out of control drinking can also negatively affect your behavior and relationships with other people. Don’t rely on alcohol to improve your sex life.

Food-related habits and conflicts

Sometimes, food can be a source of stress and conflict in relationships. On the other hand, you and your partner may bond over shared meals together.

Eating together

In some sense, your brain is the most important sex organ. Sex begins with affection, intimacy, and desire. Mealtime is a great time to unwind with your partner and build intimacy in a relaxed and pleasurable setting.

Food conflicts

Sometimes, different food preferences and habits can be a source of stress in a relationship. To help build intimacy and trust, talk to your partner about issues surrounding your relationship with food. Sources of potential conflicts include:

  • cultural differences
  • religious dietary restrictions
  • tension between a vegetarian and omnivore
  • tension between a picky and adventurous eater

If either of you have a history of eating disorders or chronic dieting, that can also influence your relationships with food and each other.

Support

Body weight is tied to self-esteem and body image for many people. If your partner is trying to lose weight, help them along the way. If you know they’re an emotional eater, offer them support when they seem upset. Criticizing their food choices or looking over their shoulder while they’re eating won’t foster good feelings. Be supportive, not destructive.

Diet-related conditions

Many diet-related health conditions can negatively impact your sex life, as well as your overall health and quality of life. Take steps to prevent and treat diet-related conditions, such as obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Excess weight

Obesity has been linked to lower fertility. Being overweight or obese may also damage your self-esteem, which can affect your libido and desire to be intimate.

To lose excess weight, burn more calories than you consume. Eat healthy portion sizes and limit foods that are high in fat and added sugars. Getting regular exercise is also important.

High blood pressure

Eating too much sodium can increase your blood pressure and limit your blood flow. This can lead to erectile dysfunction in men and reduce blood flow to the vagina in women. Certain blood pressure medications can also cause undesired sexual side effects.

To help maintain healthy blood pressure, follow a well-balanced diet, don’t eat too much sodium, and include potassium-rich foods daily. If you think you’re experiencing negative side effects from blood pressure medication, talk to your doctor. An alternative medication may be available.

High cholesterol

A diet high in saturated or trans fats can increase your “bad” LDL cholesterol. Too much LDL cholesterol can lead to a buildup of plaque in your arteries, which can limit blood flow and contribute to atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the underlying cause of most heart disease. It can also contribute to erectile dysfunction.

To help maintain healthy blood cholesterol levels, eat a well-balanced diet that’s rich in fiber and low in saturated and trans fats. Include foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Tips for a healthy sex life

Try these

  • Try oysters. They’re a source of zinc, which boosts your testosterone, and they are traditionally thought of as an aphrodisiac.
  • Eat together to unwind and bond.
  • Cut down on alcohol.
  • Eat watermelon or take L-citrulline supplements to promote healthy blood flow and help sustain erections.
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