It’s a popular time of year for fresh starts, and one of the most common resolutions is to overhaul eating habits. This may be due to a desire to feel more energised or lose a few pounds, or it may be for more serious health-related issues. Some men may be paying more attention to what they eat because they are experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED).

ED is a common condition, particularly for men over the age of 40. The potential causes should always be checked out by a doctor, in case it’s anything serious. Often however, it’s down to the individual’s lifestyle, including what they eat. Some foods may contribute to the problem, while others may have a beneficial effect.

It’s important to note that it’s not likely that you will cure ED simply by modifying your diet. However, what you eat can certainly improve the bigger picture of your state of health,helping to maintain weight and ward off serious issues such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes, which are all strongly associated with ED.

Once you have addressed any contributing lifestyle factors, you may also want to consider a medical treatment for ED. There are many safe and effective treatments that are available without a prescription. They can be purchased online after a short virtual consultation with a pharmacist, if you do not relish the prospect of purchasing them in person. 

One of the newest treatments is called Eroxon Stimgel. It’s a topical gel treatment that is applied externally to the penis, and has very few known side effects. It is particularly suitable for men who can’t tolerate oral treatments due to other medication they may be taking, or illnesses that affect the digestive tract.

The gel also has the advantage of working in approximately 10 minutes after application, so it can help to bring the spontaneity back to love making, which many men miss when they use slower-acting oral medications. However, as ever, it should be used in conjunction with lifestyle factors including a healthy well balanced diet.

There are no magic superfoods that will reverse ED overnight, and you should be wary of claims of this kind. In particular, be very careful when purchasing ‘health’ supplements that make spurious claims about boosting sexual function. These are often not products that are backed by any solid scientific research or clinical evidence.

At worst, most will be useless and some may even be harmful to your health, particularly if you buy them online. Always eat wholefood versions that are as fresh and unprocessed as possible.

Whole foods that can potentially support erectile function

There is some limited evidence that leafy green vegetables support good sexual function. Spinach and kale contain high levels of nitrates, which the body converts into nitric oxide. This is a substance that helps to relax the blood vessels, improving circulation and potentially making it easier to achieve an erection. 

Fatty fish such as salmon are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which help to support cardiovascular health. This keeps the circulation in good working order; a crucial aspect for healthy erectile function. Omega-3 can also help to reduce inflammation and control cholesterol levels.

Berries such as blueberries, raspberries and strawberries are high in antioxidants, which help to support the cardiovascular system and maintain good general health. They may also have a protective effect on the blood vessels. 

Nuts and seeds, particularly flaxseeds, almonds, and walnuts, are rich in arginine, an amino acid that can be converted into nitric oxide. As with leafy greens, this supports the circulation and can help to maintain good erectile function. They are also high in the aforementioned omega-3 fatty acid.

Foods that potentially contribute to ED

There’s no one culprit that causes ED when it comes to diet, but foods that are linked to a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, and high cholesterol should be consumed in moderation or avoided.

Examples include processed red meats such as bacon, sausages and beef burgers. These products contain high levels of saturated fats that can contribute to atherosclerosis, which occurs when fatty substances build up in the lining to the arteries. This can reduce blood flow to the arteries that supply the penis. 

Sugar rich foods heighten the risk of diabetes, which has strong links to ED. They also contribute to excessive weight gain, another common risk factor for ED. Sodium rich foods raise the risk of developing hypertension, which can lead to damaged blood vessels and impaired sexual function.