Erectile dysfunction or ED is not only embarrassing for a man, but can affect him mentally in a number of ways. Like women, men have certain expectations for their bodies and when they don’t perform, it affects other aspects of your life negatively.
But have no fear, there have been a number of studies on ED and we’ve compiled a list of natural solutions to help.
1. Eat Well
Your first line of defense in fighting erectile dysfunction is what you are feeding your body. Raising a massive erection is an expensive proposition for your body. Blood and hormones all take up valuable nutrients. So good nutrition is key for those looking to having sex multiple times. Carbohydrates, being the building block of energy, are essential. Our sexual needs require eating carbs and plenty of them! Pasta and bread are solid carb sources. You also need to ingest zinc every day. Zinc is vital for production of testosterone, seminal fluid and sperm. You can find this mineral in liver, seafood, peas, and beans. Or take a zinc supplement.
Avoid high fat meals before sex. Excess fat intake lowers testosterone levels in your body, decreases libido and makes erection and ejaculation more difficult. And an unhealthy diet may lead to poor circulation and hence erection problems. Avoid overeating and stuffing yourself before sex. If you’re going out for dinner together, don’t gulp down a five-course meal with wine and dessert, at least not if you know you’re going to have sex later on that night. Eat at least one hour before sex so you are properly digested.
2. Get Down With DHEA
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a natural hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It can be converted to both estrogen and testosterone in the body. Scientists make the dietary supplement from wild yam and soy.
The influential Massachusetts male aging study showed that men with ED were more likely to have low levels of DHEA. Forty men with ED participated in another study published in 1999, in which half received 50 mg DHEA and half received a placebo once a day for six months. Those receiving the DHEA were more likely to achieve and maintain an erection.
3. Sleep Is Your Wingman
Poor sleep patterns can be a contributing factor for erectile dysfunction. One study, published in Brain Research in 2011, explored the impact of sleep loss on testosterone levels in men, confirming that low concentrations of sex hormones are associated with sexual dysfunction. Hormone secretion is controlled by the body’s internal clock, and sleep patterns help the body determine when to release certain hormones.
Adhering to a set sleep schedule is a natural treatment for ED in that it can help ensure that those signals are clear and consistent.
4. Manage Your Medication
Medication for some ailments such as depression, social phobia, OCD, and anxiety are more and more common these days. These medicines are murder on your erection. If you’re on these types of drugs, or any kind of medication, work with your doctor to make sure you’re not over-medicated or taking something that can have a negative effect on your erection.
5. Stick With Acupuncture
Many studies on erectile dysfunction show positive results when acupuncture is used. A 1999 study, for example, found that acupuncture improved the quality of erections and restored sexual activity in 39 percent of participants.