5 Natural Methods To Prevent Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) commonly referred to as impotence is a man’s inability to achieve and sustain an erection sufficient for sexual activity. Erectile dysfunction becomes more and more common as we age and can occur because of any number of reasons. For some men it can be as simple as a side effect of medication. For others erectile dysfunction can be the result of a more serious condition such as vascular disease. Erectile dysfunction is also a common side effect of certain kinds of treatment for prostate cancer. Below are some ways you can prevent the onset of ED.
- Exercise: Past research has shown strong evidence linking erectile dysfunction to a sedentary lifestyle. Various forms of aerobic exercise such as running, walking and swimming, have been shown to help in preventing erectile dysfunction. According to one Harvard study, a simple exercise such as walking at least 30 minutes a day was shown to drop a man’s risk for developing erectile dysfunction by as much as 41%.
- Avoid alcohol or drink in moderation: There is currently no evidence to suggest that consuming alcohol either mildly or moderately is a contributing factor to erectile dysfunction. However, heavy drinking can cause liver damage and other medical conditions that can interfere with the balance of male sexual hormone levels which can eventually lead up to ED. Pass on the martini and drink some pomegranate juice instead.
- Maintain your vascular health: High blood pressure and high cholesterol levels can damage your arteries including those that convey blood to the penis. Left unchecked this will eventually lead to erectile dysfunction. It’s advised that you have regular screenings done from the age of 20. The frequency of your follow-up visits will depend entirely on your specific level of risk.
- Improve your diet: Research in this area has shown that the same eating habits which leads to heart attacks as a result of restricted blood flow in the coronary arteries can also adversely affect blood flow to the penis. Diets which are high in fatty, fried, and processed foods are contributing factors in the decrease of blood circulation throughout the body. Dr. Andrew McCullough an associate professor of clinical urology at the New York University Langone Medical Center probably says it best, “Anything that is bad for a man’s heart is also bad for his penis”. Start eating more fruits, vegetables and leaner meats such as chicken and fish.
- Don’t smoke: It’s really simple. If you’re already a smoker then quit and if you’ve never smoked a day in your life then don’t start. Not only can smoking cigarettes harm blood vessels but the nicotine they contain also causes the blood vessels contract which can prevent proper blood flow to the penis.