Foods for ED: Boost Erectile Health With the Right Diet

Erectile dysfunction is a problem that makes it difficult for a person to achieve or sustain an erection. Following a specific diet routine or eating certain foods helps to successful treatment. This article lists the best foods to avoid ED. 

Erectile Dysfunction: An Overview

Erectile dysfunction is a condition that is characterized by the inability to get and maintain a firm penile erection. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) states that ED roughly affects 30 million men in the United States. However, it is entirely curable with proper medications, diet, and a healthy lifestyle. 

Can Food Choice Help Improve Erectile Dysfunction?

In a 2018 study, it was found that people between 18 and 40 years old consumed a higher amount of flavones in their diet, which helped improve their ED. 

Flavones are a sub-compound of flavonoids usually found in teas, fruits, and vegetables.

Some of the specific foods that include flavones are:

• Chamomile tea.
• Artichoke heads.
• Kumquat.
• Bergamot juice. 
• Bell peppers.

Best Foods For ED

The following are the foods that have the properties to help prevent or treat ED:

Berries

In a 10-year-old study, it was found that 25,096 middle-aged males who consumed the most flavonoids had a 9-11% reduced chance of ED compared to those who consumed less.

The authors found out that the chances of ED were reduced by up to 19% after consuming the following flavonoid-rich berries and other fruits.:

• Blueberries
• Citrus fruits
• Apples
• Strawberries 
• Blueberries

Olive Oil

In a 7-year study, clinical trials were made for examining the relationship between Mediterranean diets and ED lists olive oil as a beneficial ingredient. 

The study is limited to only virgin and extra virgin olive oil. This is because any oil undergoing a refinement process changes its molecular structure.

People who want to incorporate oils in their diets for ED or other health benefits should always go for unrefined and extra virgin olive oil. 

Salmon

In a 2016 study, rats observed the relationship between omega-3 fatty acids and ED.  It was found that more intake of omega-3 helps lower the physiological damage, which might lower ED. 

The National Institutes of Health states that cold-water salmon is one of the most basic foods for omega-3 intake. Farm-raised salmon has slightly fewer nutrients, as omega-3 comes from algae that are not commonly available in fish farms. 

Whole grains

A study was made in 2017 to examine the effects of grains on ED. The results concluded that a Mediterranean diet includes whole grains and is more beneficial in curing erectile dysfunction than a low-fat diet. However, this includes whole grains without harmful additives such as pesticides that can benefit individuals with ED.

Herbs and Spices

The list of herbs and spices that have high amounts of flavonoids is:

• Thyme.
• Chives. 
• Oregano.
• Rosemary.
• Parsley.
• Tarragon.

Nuts And Legumes

In a 2020 study, it was found that eating nuts and legumes lowers your ED. 

The Agriculture Research Services (ARS) stated that legumes are the only natural food that contains catechins and epicatechins. These are the compounds that makeup one subset of flavonoids, flavan-3-ol. 

Leafy greens

The nitrates are food compounds that increase nitric oxide levels in the body. The research suggests that it reduces blood pressure and inflammation. 

The foods containing high levels of nitrates include:

• Spinach. 
• Lettuce.
• Radish.
• Arugula.

Meats And Poultry

L-arginine is a food component that benefits ED. It is an amino acid that is found in protein-rich foods. A 2017 research study on L-arginine levels in ED patients suggests that a lower level of this amino acid can increase the risk of ED.

The foods containing L-arginine include:

• Red meat
• Fish 
• Nuts
• Poultry 
• Dairy products 

Tea and coffee

A 2020 study stated that teas increase flavonoids and are a part of a healthy diet. 

A 2018 study was made to examine the impact of coffee on ED. Coffee contains antioxidants, and it might help build resistance to inflammation. 

Foods To Avoid To Improve Erectile Dysfunction

There are foods to avoid to improve erectile dysfunction:

Sugar

Regularly eating foods that include substances considered unhealthy or drinking beverages that contain sugar can lead to weight gain and a high body mass index.  In an older study, it was noted that excessive body weight and an increase in BMI can lead to ED. The researchers stated that in 2014, 8 million cases of ED were related to diabetes and obesity. 

High-fat meals

People with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, and high smoking levels might develop an increased risk of atherosclerosis. It occurs due to plaque buildup in the arteries’ inner lining. 

As a result, this reduces the oxygen supply and blood flow to the organs. 

Additionally, according to Wayne University School of Medicine, people having clogged heart arteries might experience issues in the arteries that supply blood to the penis. 

Alcohol

Alcohol might affect a person’s sexual health.

In an older article, it was found that 72% of men with alcohol addiction suffered from sexual health problems such as premature ejaculation, low sexual desire, and ED. 

Consumption of excessive alcohol can reduce blood flow to the penis. This might reduce the chances among individuals to achieve an erection. 

Alternative Ways To Treat ED

The several options that can help in treating ED are:

Medications

The medications prescribed by doctors to help individuals maintain an erection are:

Sildenafil (Viagra): 

MedlinePlus stated that a person should consume Sildenafil for half an hour before engaging in sexual activity. You can take the tablet with or without food, as the doctor prescribes. However, avoid taking high-fat meals along with the tablet. 

Vardenafil (Levitra):

This tablet works best if taken within 30-60 minutes after administration. 

Tadalafil (Cialis): 

The United Kingdom’s National Health Services (NHS) stated that Cialis helps treat the symptoms of ED-enlarged prostate glands. And pulmonary hypertension. It is necessary to take the pill at a dosage gap of 24 hours. 

Surgery

The urologists generally recommend two surgical procedures  for people with ED:

Implantation:

Doctors might use inflatable implants that might make the penis appear longer. These devices help individuals to adjust their penile position. 

Reconstruction

It is one of the best options for those under 30. In this procedure, the doctor repairs the arteries that prevent individuals from maintaining an erection. 

Exercise

Physical exercise helps individuals in managing ED symptoms. 

A 2018 article stated that researchers advised that 160 minutes of weekly exercise over 6 months can help in reducing erectile dysfunction problems that occur with obesity, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases.

The article also mentions other interventions that help improve erectile dysfunction. These include quitting smoking, following a healthy diet, and training pelvic floor muscles.

Herbal Products 

Many herbal or natural products are available on the market.

The individuals must be aware that it might be ineffective or even dangerous. The FDA states that lab tests found over 300 products with undisclosed ingredients or excessively high dosages. 

When To Seek Medical Help?

A person should always consult a doctor if they experience any of the following symptoms:

• People experience erection sometimes, but not every time they want sexual intercourse.  They face difficulty in maintaining an erection during intercourse. 
• A doctor always performs tests to determine a person’s medical and sexual history. If the doctor diagnoses the person suffering from ED, they can recommend treatments. It is also advised to make specific lifestyle changes that can be beneficial to sexual health and function.

Conclusion

People with ED might find that eating certain healthy foods and maintaining a healthy diet helps in improving the symptoms if they are unable to take proper medications or find them compelling. However, a person should always consult their doctor to treat the symptoms of ED. You should always check in with your doctor before taking any supplements or increasing the intake of specific foods, especially if you take other forms of medication.