You Are What You Eat: Fight Erectile Dysfunction with These 7 Foods

Erectile dysfunction is a common occurrence among middle-aged men, and barring physical trauma to the penis, is often a symptom of a much larger medical condition that affects the heart due to plaque or calcium build up in the arteries.

While some men experience ED as a result of psychological stressors, ED is often seen as a physiological issue of not having enough blood flow to the blood vessels in the penis. To help overcome erectile dysfunction with dietary changes, it is important to load up on food that clears up clogged arteries, dilates blood vessels, or promotes overall circulation. Make healthier food choices to protect your erection by choosing food high in the following nutrient content.

Lycopene

Found in deep red fruits like tomatoes, pink grapefruit and watermelon, lycopene boosts blood circulation. If your type of ED is due to poor circulation, eating foods high in lycopene content could help address blood flow problems.

Zinc protects from frectile dysfunction

Zinc is vital to the production of the male hormone testosterone, which perhaps explains why oysters and other shellfish have long had aphrodisiac reputations, as these mollusks are high in zinc content.

Caffeine

Drinking coffee has been linked to lower build up of calcium in the coronary arteries, which lead to lower risk of heart attack. Similarly, for those cases of ED caused by clogged arteries and reduced blood flow, caffeine consumption may help. Limit your intake to 2-3 cups of coffee a day, ideally without cream or any other add-ons that would make coffee a high-calorie drink.

Nitrates

Nitrates work as vasodilators, promoting better blood flow to the penis by opening up blood vessels. In fact, it’s the relaxing effect of nitrates on the blood vessels that supply the penis that was the basis of ED drugs used today. Even if you don’t have ED issues, it still would be good for your overall health to eat plenty of leafy greens like celery and spinach. Leafy greens are high in fiber and therefore take much slower to digest, making your insulin levels steadier throughout the day. Not surprisingly, keeping your insulin levels within normal bounds is an important component in age management medicine so as to prevent occurrence of chronic diseases attendant to old age.

Allicin

Hardening of the arteries is not only bad for your heart, it’s bad for your erection, too. To help clear up arteries, try to use garlic as often in your cooking.

Capsaicin

Low libido caused by low testosterone is also blamed for erectile dysfunction, which is why age management doctors in Singapore prescribe hormone replacement therapy when medically indicated. You can further give your libido a boost by making your meals spicier. Peppers contain capsaicin, which helps relax arteries, promoting better blood flow. Spicy foods have also been known as natural sex drive enhances as they trigger the release of endorphins or feel-good hormones. As with anything, moderation is key. Consult with your doctor if in doubt.

Omega-3s

Fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, fresh albacore tuna and mackerel are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 supplies nitric oxide to your body, a potent vasodilator that not only lowers your risk for heart attack and blood clot, but also enhances blood circulation.

Diet, of course, should only be a part of a more holistic approach to treating erectile dysfunction. A more comprehensive program such as Optimagenics Age Management can better address the multi-dimensional implications of ED. Optimagenics has four components: nutrition, exercise, hormonal optimization and setting the right mindset.

In Optimagenics Age Management Program, low testosterone can be addressed by testosterone replacement therapy, while weight loss exercise can boost testosterone by improving muscle tone and overall body composition. The goal of this program developed in an anti-aging clinic in Singapore is not just to address erectile dysfunction but to promote healthier ageing. With higher testosterone comes not just higher libido, but also better sleep, clearer thinking, and an overall sense of well-being.