It is estimated that 30 million men in the United States are affected by ED.Your chance of developing it increases as you get older and if you take certain drugs like antidepressants and blood pressure drugs. Type 2 diabetes and heart disease can also contribute to erectile issues. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the main cause of ED is poor vascular function.
With all these strikes against you, it might be wise to consider the role of diet and exercise in overcoming ED.
Can Exercise Improve Erectile Dysfunction?
You may be surprised that moving can help you enjoy sex more. Experts suggest some daily exercise is key. It doesn’t have to be strenuous, but get into some walking, biking, swimming, yoga, and Kegel exercises. According to a Harvard study, walking for just 30 minutes a day can reduce your risk of ED by 41%.
The more you move, you reap other benefits which can help with erectile dysfunction issues. Primarily, if you consistently do some moderate exercise, you should lose weight. Reducing your waistline is beneficial. In fact, a man with a 42 inch waistline is 50% more likely to have ED versus a man with a 32 inch waistline.
In addition, obesity raises the risk for diabetes and vascular disease, two major causes of ED.
Can Diet and Lifestyle Improve Erectile Dysfunction?
You may never have thought that what you eat can affect ED. Think again. Processed and fatty foods interfere with circulation which definitely affects your ability to get and keep an erection.
Eating fatty foods also increases estrogen while reducing testosterone. Talk with McIver Clinic about your levels of estrogen and testosterone.
What Foods to Incorporate in Your Diet
- Eliminate sugar and trans fats
- Choose healthy fats like olive oil and fatty fish like salmon
- Include beans and nuts, legumes, and veggies of all colors
- Low glycemic fruits like berries
- Pastured meats and poultry
- Less red and processed meats
Additional Lifestyle Changes
Reduce alcohol intake and stop smoking (if you do). However, you can drink moderate amounts of red wine and sneak some dark chocolate into your diet.
Of course, there are many other causes of ED like anxiety and stress, so do whatever you can to control and reduce these emotional issues.
Erectile Dysfunction Specialist in Jacksonville, FL
If you are having issues maintaining an erection, getting erections sporadically, or not able to get them at all, contact board certified urologists at (904) 355-6583. During a discreet appointment, you’ll receive a review of your diet, lifestyle, and exercise habits, along with helpful treatments that can make a difference.