Foods That Help Erectile Dysfunction
Millions of American men suffer from erectile dysfunction. The condition is characterized by the inability to maintain an erection for a period long enough to engage in sexual intercourse. Prescription medications that treat erectile dysfunction have flooded the market in the last decade; however, they often have adverse side effects. A healthier, cost effective way to treat erectile dysfunction is through good nutrition. Proper dietary habits can improve circulatory functioning, which aids in improving erectile dysfunction.
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Nutrition and Erectile Dysfunction
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There are a myriad of factors that cause erectile dysfunction: prostate surgery, damage to the arteries, kidney disease, stress, alcoholism, anxiety and depression. Poor nutrition is often an underlying cause because it impairs the body's overall functioning. Poor nutrition can lead to high blood pressure, diabetes and circulatory functioning, which impair the blood's ability to flow unimpeded throughout the body. When blood is not flowing freely through the body, the penis is not able to get sufficient blood supply that is necessary to sustain an erection.
Spicy Foods
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Spicy foods are full of flavor. They also can spice up your sex life by boosting your libido. Spicy foods spur the heart to pump blood throughout the body, and they make blood vessels expand. The expanded blood vessels aid in getting blood rushing to the tip of the penis, which causes an erection. Consuming foods that contain generous amounts of chili peppers and jalapenos will instantly increase blood circulation. Be sure to avoid eating too many peppers to reduce the risk of irritating your stomach and bowels.
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Seafood
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Seafood helps to improve sexual functioning because it is rich in Omeg-3 acids. Omega-3 acids are known for their ability to improve circulatory functioning, which leads to a healthy heart and increased blood flow. Diets that include a variety of fish including sardines, salmon and tuna; and shellfish can greatly improve circulation. In addition to eating seafood, taking fish oil supplements on a daily basis also helps to increase blood flow to the penis.
Potassium Rich Foods
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Potassium helps to regulate blood pressure by balancing salt and sodium levels in the body. Balancing sodium levels is important because it keeps blood vessels from narrowing. Narrowed blood vessels increase blood pressure and inhibit blood flow to the penis. A few potassium rich foods include bananas, strawberries, potatoes, bell peppers, squash, egg plants, broccoli, avocado, oranges, meat and poultry.
Foods to Avoid
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There are a number of foods that should be avoided when trying to improve erectile dysfunction. Fast foods and foods that are high in fat, sodium and sugars should be avoided. Fried and junk foods, high-fat diary and prepared foods are also detrimental to sexual health, as they are high in cholesterol and cause blood vessels to narrow.
Helpful Tips
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Foods that are high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats also help to improve sexual functioning.
Exercise also is an essential part of maintaining a healthy heart and circulatory functioning. It also helps to increase libido.
If you are suffering from chronic erectile dysfunction, be sure to consult your physician as it may be a symptom of an underlying problem.
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