Formerly called impotence, erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to attain or maintain a
penile erection sufficient for satisfying sexual intercourse. The prevalence of partial or complete ED in men age over 40 is about 50%, and it increases by age.
Potential risk factors for ED:
- Vascular disorders (The most common vascular cause is atherosclerosis of cavernous arteries of the penis, often caused by smoking and diabetes).
- Brain diseases (brain tumours, stroke, Parkinson`s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis and peripheral neuropathies).
- Spinal cord injuries.
- Endocrine disorders:
- Diabetes.
- Hypothyroidism.
- Decreased sex hormones.
- Increased prolactin level.
- Increased estrogen level.
- Pelvic surgery.
- Pelvic radiation.
- Medications and drugs (beta-blockers, clonidine, loop diuretics, spironolactone, thiazides, alcohol, cocaine, anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, chemotherapeutic agents, cimetidine, estrogens, anti-androgens, medications for high blood pressure, sedatives and antihistamines).
- Trauma to the pelvis.
- Psychological causes (depression, anxiety, and stress).
- Heavy metal toxicity.
- Dietary factors (diets high in fats and nutritional deficiencies).
- Hormonal disorders.
Nutritional Supports:
Restricted Foods:
- Sugars, refined sugars and sweets. They may interrupt blood circulation.
- Saturated fats. They cause disturbances in blood flow to the area.
- Trans-fats.
- Shortennings.
- Processed foods.
- Fried foods.
- Salty foods.
- Alcohol and coffee.
- Additives, preservatives, and food colorings.
- MSG (monosodium glutamate)-containing foods.
- Sodas.
Recommended Foods:
- Plenty of water: at least 2 liters a day.
- Whole grains.
- Legumes.
- Cold water fish: salmon, herring, and mackerel.
- Enough protein: chicken, turkey and beef.
- Fruits and vegetables high in flavonoids: berries, pomegranate, sea buckthorn, and green leafy vegetables (kale, parsley, coriander, and spinach), tomatoes and sweet potatoes.
- Fruits and vegetables high in zinc: legumes, sunflower seeds, liver and oysters.
- Fruits and vegetables high in proanthocyanidins: berries, pomegranate, eggplant, radish, radicchio, rhubarb, and red cabbage.
- Foods high in nitric oxide (NO): beets, watermelon, cayenne pepper, dark chocolate, and soy products.
- Spices high in antioxidants: sumac, turmeric, and cinnamon.
Recommended Supplements:
- French Maritime Pine Bark Extract: 100 – 200 mg a day. It is a powerful antioxidant that increases blood circulation.
- Grape Seed Extract: 50 – 100 mg a day.
- L – Arginine: 3 – 5 grams a day. This amino acid improves blood flow to the area by dilating vessels.
- Yohime Bark Extract: 500 – 1000 mg a day. The main active ingredient is yohimbine, which increases blood circulation and libido.
- Yohimbine HCL: 10 – 20 mg a day. CAUTION: yohimbine should be taken under the supervision of a doctor.
- Panax Ginseng (containing average 5% ginsenosides): 200 – 600 mg a day.
- Ginkgo Biloba: 240 – 360 mg a day. It is an adaptogen that improves blood flow for the area.
- DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone): 25 – 75 mg a day. This is a pro-hormone that may improve erectile dysfunction.
- Tribulus Terrestris: 1000 – 1500 mg a day. This herb may help ED by increasing testosterone level.
- Horny Goat Weed Extract (Epimedium): 500 – 750 mg a day. It is a natural aphrodisiac. The primary active ingredient is icariin, which improves blood flow by increasing nitric oxide level.
- Damiana: 400 – 1200 mg a day. This herb may help ED by increasing blood flow to the area.
- Zinc: 50 – 100 mg a day.
- Multivitamins – Multiminerals: A high potency product.
Miscellaneous Suggestions:
- Liver detoxification.
- Colon cleansing.
- Whole body detox.