The Role of Nutrition and Exercise in Preventing Erectile Dysfunction

Men who have experienced a gradual loss of the ability to easily get and keep an erection should consider it a warning sign. Fortunately, there are a number of lifestyle changes that clinical studies show can prevent or even reverse ED.

Exercise, fitness and proper nutrition are all known to promote healthful changes in the cardiovascular, hormonal, metabolic and neurological systems.

Diet

A healthy diet is one of the most important things you can do to support good sex health. Erectile dysfunction is most often the result of nathe rrowing of blood vessels, and a healthy diet supports healthy blood flow.

Certain foods are rich in nutrients and compounds that have been shown to enhance sexual function. Tomatoes, for example, are a rich source of lycopene and have been shown to improve erection strength in men. Other fruits and vegetables high in folic acid (vitamin B9) have also been shown to support sexual function. Watermelon, in particular, is rich in the amino acid L-citrulline, which may help boost nitric oxide levels and blood vessel health.

A consistent, regular intake of a nutritious whole foods diet can make a big difference in sexual health. Aiming for a Mediterranean diet that is low in fat, with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and olive oil and limited red meat and processed foods is a great start.

Medication

In some cases, a health care professional may recommend medication to help you get and keep an erection. Oral medications called phosphodiesterase inhibitors, including Kamagra Oral Jelly and Super Kamagra, improve blood flow to the penis and allow an erection in response to sexual stimulation. These drugs can’t work if the cavernous nerves in the penis are injured, as can happen with surgery or radiation therapy for prostate cancer.

Counseling is a treatment option for psychological factors that contribute to erectile dysfunction, such as relationship conflicts or anxiety about performance. In addition, couples can learn techniques to improve sexual enjoyment and orgasm. Even when a rigid erection isn’t possible, most patients report satisfaction with cuddling and other forms of non-penetrative sexual activity.

Exercise

Regular exercise is beneficial in many ways, including improving circulation and helping to maintain a healthy weight. It’s also an effective treatment for many health conditions that can contribute to erectile dysfunction, such as high cholesterol, diabetes and heart disease.

Studies show that aerobic exercise such as swimming, biking and jogging can improve blood flow to the penis. However, this is not the only type of exercise that can help ED. Pelvic floor exercises, like kegel exercises, can strengthen the muscles that support the genital area and may improve blood flow to the penis as well.

Regardless of the specific type of exercise, experts agree that it is important to get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity daily. This can be done at home or at a gym. It’s a good idea to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity as you gain strength and stamina. Visit MedzSafe is your one-stop shop for all things health-related. From medicines to wellness products, we have it all!

Stress Management

It should be no surprise that stress can interfere with the signals sent from your brain to your body that cause erections. Even if you are psychologically aroused, you might have trouble getting an erection due to stress.

You can reduce your level of stress by exercising, meditating and practising self-care strategies. If you struggle to cope with new stressors or your self-care measures aren’t working, professional counselors can help.

Depending on your situation, they might recommend psychotherapy or prescription medications like antidepressants or anxiety inhibitors. While there is still a negative stigma around these medications, they can significantly improve your quality of life and might help alleviate symptoms of erectile dysfunction. In some cases, they might suggest biofeedback which helps you monitor your internal function to manage stress. Several RCTs show that aerobic exercise, resistance training and group activities are associated with improved erection in men with ED. This improvement was independent of cardiovascular risk factors or established cardiovascular disease.

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