Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet can do a number of things for your body and mind. To start, eating healthy can lower your risk of developing heart disease, certain cancers, and diabetes. A balanced, nutritious meal may also help keep your mind sharp and enhance your immune system’s ability to fight off infections.
It’s easy to argue why eating healthy is good for you, but according to recent studies, there may be another added benefit: improving erectile dysfunction (ED).
At Affiliated Urologists, we recognize there are many physical and psychological factors that can cause ED, which is why we perform a series of tests and provide a number of treatment options to help men overcome this medical anomaly. Having said that, we understand combating ED may require more than modern medicine, and that the condition could benefit from changes in your diet. Below are a few food items to consider:
Fruits & Vegetables
This may seem like a no-brainer, but eating lots of fruits and vegetables not only keeps you healthy, but it may help with your ED. According to U.S. News & World Report Health, potassium-rich veggies and antioxidants in fruits help keep blood pressure low and blood vessels flexible and healthy. Think about it: blood has everything to do with erectile function, and eating foods that can keep blood healthy may also help with penile blood flow.
Olive Oil
According to the Olive Oil Times, a study involving 40 men with mild to moderate ED saw an improvement in their erectile function when they consumed extra virgin olive oil mixed with tomato lycopene. The research indicated lycopene aides the vasodilatory effect and liberates nitric oxide, which improves blood flow throughout the body (including the penis). More information on this study can be found by visiting the Olive Oil Times website.
Lean Protein
Lean proteins include fish, poultry, and low-fat or fat-free dairy. These foods, in addition to the chemical properties in fish (omega-3 fatty acids), are high in anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatories, which again, keeps blood vessels flexible and healthy! Added ED lifestyle tip: try to get at least 150 minutes of exercise per week. Research has shown exercise increases levels of nitric oxide, which is essential for erectile function.
Affiliated Urologists is an award-winning practice recognized both locally and nationally that has provided service to patients in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and surrounding communities in the Valley, for over 40 years. The physicians emphasize top-of-the-line comprehensive urological care and strive to deliver the highest outcomes for patient satisfaction. To make an appointment, call 602-264-0608 or click here for instructions on scheduling an appointment.
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
