Some medical conditions and medications are frequently the cause of erectile dysfunction, or ED as it’s known. But without realizing it, the cause can be related to lifestyle choices as well. There are many treatments available for ED as well as certain changes you can make in your lifestyle that can possibly help and improve your ED as well.
Lifestyle Risk Factors for Developing ED
The following risk factors can contribute to you developing or having ED:
- Diet loaded with processed foods
- Smoking (cigarettes or marijuana)
- Lack of exercise
- Too much stress
- Relationship issues
- Mental health problems
- Drugs
- Excessive alcohol
How to Treat ED With Lifestyle Changes
Consider making the following changes in your lifestyle to help with your ED:
Revamp Your Diet
A lousy diet affects everything you do. After all, its true when they say, you are what you eat. When your body is filled with unhealthy chemicals, fats and sugars it will respond accordingly by clogging your arteries, giving you diabetes, heart disease and avoid blood flow to your penis.
Try to cut back on processed and cured meats and add more fruits, veggies, monounsaturated fats, fish and whole grains into your diet. Getting to a healthy weight may also help improve your ED.
Exercise 30 minutes
Walking or adding just 30 minutes of exercise 5 times weekly may improve your health and mood overall as well as your performance in the bedroom.
Exercise increases testosterone, reduces stress and increases energy levels. It also improves circulation, tone and helps keep your arteries and heart healthy. As well as releases those happy endorphins to make you feel like you can take on anything!
Quit Smoking
Men who smoke have a much higher risk of ED than those who don’t. And yes this includes medical marijuana too.
Get Help for Your Stress and Relationship Issues
Don’t go it alone. Stress of all kinds impacts a man’s sexual health and his ability to get and keep an erection. If you’re having problems at work or in your relationship talk about it with your employer, your partner or get professional counseling. This can definitely have a positive impact on your emotional well being and your ED.
Talk With Your Doctor About Your Meds
Certain medications especially blood pressure meds can cause ED. See which options you have as far as tapering off or lowering your dose, or making a change in type of drug. Sometimes that’s all it takes to have improved sexual functioning.
Don’t Avoid Bedroom Activities
When you’re experiencing ED probably the last thing you want to do is face the bedroom but it’s really important to stay sexually active. Not just for yourself but your partner as well who is no doubt feeling the frustration as well. Remember, the saying, “if you don’t use it, you lose it”. Sexual arousal and frequent erections, even if they don’t last long still do the job of stimulating blood flow to the penis. There are plenty of other sexual activities and satisfying love making acts you can do besides intercourse itself to make the two of you happy while working on the issue. Be patient and try not to get overly distressed about it.
Take Ginseng
Some studies found Panax ginseng to improve sexual function in men with ED. However, insomnia is a common side effect.
L-arginine
This amino acid can help stimulate blood vessels for better flow to the penis. Some side effects include gastrointestinal cramps, diarrhea and nausea in high doses. This cannot be taken at the same time as Viagra or similar medication.
Be careful with natural supplements and speak with your doctor before taking any over the counter ED medication. Hormone Therapy Physicians has the latest advancements in plant based hormone therapy. Contact us today for a consultation.
