No one wants to admit to problems in the bedroom, but with erectile dysfunction being a symptom that affects millions of men all over the world, it's far more common than you might think.
According to Lloyd's Pharmacy, erectile dysfunction (ED) can affect one in five men, or roughly 4.3 million in the UK, with those often affected being blokes over forty, but it could happen to younger guys, too.
Health experts have offered numerous pieces of advice for any man who might have the condition; however, while there are several treatments for improving sexual performance, like viagra, a growing number of men are searching for alternatives when it comes to boosting their bedroom antics.
Although it is important to reach out to your GP if you are experiencing any lasting symptoms like erectile dysfunction, one doctor has revealed an easy first step you can take to improve your virility, and it all comes down to your diet.
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What are the symptoms of erectile dysfunction?
According to the NHS, erectile dysfunction, or impotence, is the inability to consistently maintain an erection. There are also a few different types of ED, the Cleveland Clinic says.
But when it comes to symptoms, they usually include:
- Only sometimes getting an erection before sex
- Being able to get an erection during sex, but not being able to maintain it
- Completely unable to get an erection
- Requiring lots of stimulation to maintain an erection
Does your diet impact erectile dysfunction?
Like most health conditions, ED can be caused by external factors, such as what you eat, as a poor diet can lead to other conditions, like high blood pressure and diabetes, which can contribute to impotence.
Dr Montazeri, CEO of the sexual health programme, Healthon, said: “Erectile dysfunction can often be linked to underlying health issues such as poor circulation, low testosterone, stress, or even heart disease.
“And while medication is an effective option, lifestyle changes and natural foods can have a significant impact, and be a great supplement to go alongside. When men prioritise foods that nourish vascular health and support hormone balance, they often notice positive changes in both performance and overall vitality."
As it turns out, there are several foods you should probably be chomping down on to improve your performance in the bedroom, according to Dr Montazeri.
So what should you be eating? Well, according to Dr Montazeri, there are a few options.
One such food is considered the aphrodisiac of the sea, as oysters play a significant role in testosterone production and sperm health, thanks to their high zinc content, which directly supports sexual drive and erectile function.
Meanwhile, the next and probably most surprising food is one you might never have considered eating before. Although you've likely snacked on watermelon before, Dr Montazeri explains that the rind, which is the white and green layer between the red and the skin, could have a whole host of health benefits.
The rind actually contains high levels of L-citrulline, an amino acid that can help improve blood flow by boosting nitric oxide production in the body.
This essentially makes it a healthy and natural way to improve circulation in the way viagra does.
Next up, when it comes to your erectile health menu, is salmon, which is rich in vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, which support hormone production, heart health, and circulation.
"Not only are these essential for maintaining your general health, but they also give you a boost when it comes to your sexual function," Dr Montazeri explains.
A slightly less popular superfood to add to the roster is kale, which is high in nitrates that convert to nitric oxide in the body, widening blood vessels and promoting better blood flow - a key factor in achieving and maintaining erections.
Last but certainly not least are avocados, which are rich in potassium, vitamin E and healthy fats to support hormone regulation and cardiovascular health, which is key for performance and sexual health.
"If you do find that dietary changes alone aren’t providing any significant improvement, it could be a case that you need to start investing in sexual health programmes," Dr Montazeri concludes.
"Options like sildenafil, bremelanotide and tadalafil have been proven to improve erectile function and increase sexual desire in up to 80 percent of men.”
In addition to your diet, other lifestyle changes can also be beneficial, such as engaging in daily exercise, reducing alcohol consumption, or quitting smoking if you are a smoker.
Topics: Health, Sex and Relationships
Emma Rosemurgey