There are many natural treatments for ED. They can include lifestyle changes like modifying your diet and getting exercise, as well as seeking mental health or relationship counseling....CONTINUE READING
It’s best to talk with your doctor before trying a new treatment. They can help identify the cause of your ED and recommend effective ED treatment options, whether conventional, natural
, or a combination.
Eating a balanced diet may help maintain sexual function and decrease your risk of ED.
A study found that men who more strictly followed a Mediterranean diet or Alternative Healthy Eating Index 2010 diet had a reduced risk of developing ED. In particular, they consumed less red or processed meat and primarily ate:
Research similarly found that eating more fruits, vegetables, and flavonoids (compounds found in produce, coffee, and other foods) lowered the risk of ED in men ages 18 to 40.
These foods are important for your overall health, so helping maintain or improve your sexual function as well is a win-win.
Research indicates that physical activity may help protect against and improve ED. It may be particularly effective if obesity, inactivity, or cardiovascular disease, among other conditions, contribute to your ED.
Research found that moderate-to-intense aerobic exercise for 40 minutes a day, four times per week for 6 months helped reduce ED. This includes exercises like:
Physical activity helps improve blood
vessel health, lower stress, and raise testosterone levels, which can all help with ED.
It’s important for your overall health to get enough sleep each night. Sleeping regularly may also improve your ED.
A study found that men working night shifts who reported worse sleep quality were at higher risk of ED.
Research also indicated that people with a sleep disorder had a greater risk of developing ED. Other research has linked obstructive sleep apnea to an increased risk of ED.
Not getting enough sleep can lower your testosterone levels, which may contribute to ED. Sustained lack of sleep is also associated with conditions related to ED, like diabetes and high blood pressure.
Weight may be another factor in ED.
According to research , ED was significantly more common in men with obesity, who were overweight, or with a larger waist circumference.
A small study indicated that gastric bypass surgery improved blood vessel health and ED among men with obesity. In addition, research from 2017 similarly found an improvement in ED after bariatric (weight loss) surgery.
If weight contributes to your ED, exercise and a balanced diet can help you lose weight and improve your ED.
In some cases, ED results from a combination of physical and psychological issues. These may include fear of failure, religious beliefs, and sexual trauma.
ED can lead to additional mental health issues, including emotional distress and lower self-esteem, which can further worsen ED. Therapy may help address these issues to improve ED.
Quit Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and restricts blood flow, which can negatively impact erectile function. A study conducted in 2020 discovered a direct correlation between exposure to tobacco smoke and erectile function in males aged 30-60 years. It also found that quitting smoking improved sexual function. Therefore, quitting smoking is strongly recommended for individuals looking to enhance their sexual health
.
