How to Prevent Erectile Dysfunction Naturally

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) affects an approximate 25% of men under 40 years of age, and about 40% of all men over 40. ED is primarily caused by decreased blood flow to the penis - a result of restricted blood vessels that cause the flow of blood to the penis to be narrowed. Learn how to possibly prevent ED with natural alternatives.

The alarming facts are, that most men who contract some fairly common medical conditions as they age, namely high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes - anything that affects your blood vessels, in essence, are at risk of developing erectile dysfunction. In fact, over 50% of all men with diabetes will find themselves struggling to maintain an erection.

But there’s hope - and it’s not always in the form of a pill handed to you over the counter. There are a plethora of ways to treat and prevent Erectile Dysfunction naturally.

Note: While following these tips can help prevent erectile dysfunction this is not intended to replace your physicians recommendations.

Maintain a Well-Balanced Diet to Prevent Erectile Dysfunction Naturally

ED can represent a benchmark for cardiovascular function, says Irwin Goldstein, editor-in-chief of The Journal of Sexual Medicine, and one of the primary assailants of cardiovascular problems is a poor diet.

Research has shown that poor eating habits that similarly cause heart attacks thanks to restricted blood flow of the coronary arteries, can also affect the blood flow to the penis. Diets chalked full of salty, sugary, processed and deep-fried snacks can contribute to decreased blood circulation throughout the body. Eating very few fruits and vegetables is a siren song of potential ED problems as well.

New research dictates that ED is rare in men who maintain a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, heart-healthy fats like olive oil, nuts, fish, and red wine (a primary list of the classic Mediterranean diet). So trade in that burger for a salad and a delicious piece of fish to help maintain your sexual prowess well into your older age.

Healthy Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight can also help prevent erectile dysfunction. With regards to obesity, there’s a higher chance an individual will develop type 2 diabetes, which ultimately causes nerve damage and reduces blood circulation in the body. As a general rule, calculating your Body Mass Index (BMI) is a straightforward way to quantify your likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease or diabetes by becoming overweight and.or obese.

A healthy BMI is 18.5 to 24.9 according to the National Institute of Health.

Blood Pressure & Cholesterol

Avoiding high blood pressure and high cholesterol and activities and foods that contribute to these two ailments is a surefire way to help prevent damage to blood vessels, therefore limiting and preventing the chances of restricted blood flow affecting the penis.

Have your doctor routinely check your cholesterol and blood pressure, and make adjustments to your diet and eating habits to help combat its ascension - coupled with appropriate, prescribed medication, if necessary. Similarly, some blood pressure medications can make it difficult for some men to achieve an erection.

Avoid Alcohol & Cigarettes

There is no scientific evidence to support that moderate consumption of alcohol contributes to ED, but heavy and/or chronic drinking ultimately affects the liver, causing nerve damage and interfering with normal levels of male sex hormones, contributing to erectile dysfunction.

Cigarettes ultimately curb and affect blood flow in the body and cause nerve damage, sometimes affecting the virility of the penis. Nicotine has been shown to make blood vessels contract, decreasing optimal blood flow to the penis, as well.

Watch Testosterone Levels

In healthy males, testosterone levels begin to acutely fall after the age of 50. WebMD notes that after the age of 40, a man’s testosterone level falls on average of 1.3% per year. Symptoms of low testosterone include low sex drive, inability to make decisions, and lack of stamina suggest trouble in the hormone department and can contribute to ED.

Prevent ED with Exercise

There is a multitude of strong scientific evidence that supports findings of sedentary lifestyles directly contributing to cases of ED; to fix that - get up and move!

In particular, cardiovascular exercises that increase heart rate and boost blood flow - like running, jogging, swimming and other forms of aerobic workouts like High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Yoga have been shown to aid in preventing ED.

Exercises like biking that put increased pressure on the perineum - the area between the anus and the scrotum - have been linked to a rise in ED cases. Men who occasionally ride a bicycle have little to worry about, but a competitive racer, or a daily commuter may wish to investigate padded cycling pants, and standing up as they ride as much as possible.

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The proof is in the pudding - a healthy lifestyle that includes ample exercise, a reduction of the intake of alcohol and/or tobacco products, a healthy diet, and a watchful eye over issues of high blood pressure and cholesterol will all aid in preventing the effects of erectile dysfunction.