- Introduction
- Can Your Diet Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
- Worst Food For Erectile Dysfunction
- What Foods Can Help With ED?
- Final Words
Introduction
Now, we have all heard that abs are made in the kitchen, but maybe so are erections. It has been often claimed that a penis has its own mind when it comes to achieving an erection and maintaining one.
But does that mean you are helpless when it comes to getting erection problems?
Not entirely, as there may be certain factors that contribute to erectile dysfunction, one such factor being food. There are several food items that when consumed over time result in erectile dysfunction and thus, should either be avoided or at least regulated.
And today we will unravel the sorcery of food items that, in some way or the other contribute to erectile dysfunction and should be avoided.
Can Your Diet Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
If you have been reading this you have wondered how your diet influences erectile function.
Well, with nearly 30 million men US affected by ED, it is important to explore and understand this topic. Especially, when several issues like obesity, unhealthy foods, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, a sedentary lifestyle, and unhealthy habits like smoking affect sexual health, sex drive, and sexual performance.
They contribute to various sexual issues like ED, premature ejaculation, lower testosterone, and more.
Moreover, it turns out your diet does play a crucial role in the battle against Erectile Dysfunction (ED). Having
unhealthy foods like excessive fatty foods (such as fatty meats) can clog up those vital blood vessels that supply your genitals.
Besides that, lifestyle changes like smoking and heavy drinking throw a wrench into the machinery of normal blood vessel function.
However, the thing is there’s no magic pill, just consistent healthy choices, like a balanced diet and good dietary patterns. For instance, research suggests a diet rich in fruits, veggies, nuts, and fish—the Mediterranean way—could be your wingman.
Remember, a healthy lifestyle and what you eat isn’t just about satisfying your taste buds; it’s about choosing wisely, and letting your diet be the superhero in your ED-free story!
Worst Food For Erectile Dysfunction
Let us now discuss foods to avoid erectile dysfunction and the science behind them.
Bottled Water
Who would have thought that this harmless-looking product could be a significant cause of erectile dysfunction? However, it is important to note that it is not the water by itself that is the problem, rather it is the plastic bottle that the water comes in. In a study conducted by Fertility and Sterility, it was found that the BPA component also known as Bisphenol A, found in the plastic bottle, affects the sperm count in men and, over time, also amounts to erectile dysfunction.
Soda
Everybody enjoys the occasional bottle of soda. In fact, it is difficult to imagine getting through hot summers without having soda. But what you do not know, is that these flavored sodas do you a lot more harm than good. As per research, carried out by the Central European Journal of Urology, it was found that a particular component known as fructose corn syrup, which is prominently found in flavored sodas as the sweetener, results in erectile dysfunction.
This happens as the component amounts to an abnormal increase in cholesterol levels and over the years ends up damaging the arteries present in the penis, which provide for blood flow to the penis and achieving an erection.
Processed Meat
Another common food item is the processed foods found in kitchens, that is, the meat. We have all heard how processed meat is not so good for the heart, but you should also know that processed meat is not a friend of your penis either.
This is so because processed foods like meat have been found to contain absurdly high levels of saturated cholesterol and fats, which over time amount to clogging of the arteries present in the penis. The penile arteries get clogged much faster than the other arteries in the body as they are tiny and capable of quickly accumulating plaque.
Alcohol
This may not be news to you. We are all aware that alcohol results in erectile dysfunction, but what we are not aware of, is the science behind it. In a study published in the Strength and Conditioning Journal, it was found by scientists that too much alcohol amounts to low testosterone production.
They also explained how regulation of the number of drinks consumed in a day helps moderate the risk of erectile dysfunction as well. The scientists recommend limiting alcohol consumption to one or two drinks per day. Anything more than that on an everyday basis can be harmful.
White Bread
There is a reason why ‘brown bread’ is preferred over ‘white bread’ by a large number of people. It is because white bread contains processed carbs which amount to plumping in and bloating. In a man, bloating results in an increased estrogen level and decreased testosterone, which ultimately amounts to erectile dysfunction.
Microwaveable Popcorn
You may have never thought, but microwaveable popcorns are certainly not so good for your erection and you. It is not per se popcorn that is a problem and thus non-microwaveable popcorn is safe from any such threat.
Rather, the problem is only in the microwaveable ones, as the microwaveable popcorn bag linings contain perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), also popularly known as C8. and consumption of increased levels of this component severely affects the testosterone level and results in erectile dysfunction.
Pizza
While ordering pizza, it is difficult to resist going for the cheese blast option. After all, a pizza is at its best when dressed with loads of cheese. But that may not be good news for you if you are looking to get some action later. This is because pizza with cheese is the epitome of double trouble because it contains both refined carbohydrates and saturated fats. An excess of both of these components results in lower testosterone levels
and erectile dysfunction.
Canned Products
Canned soup is not good news for our overall health; we already know that. But did you ever think that these canned products may be the reason why your game in bed has been so off lately? This is because canned soups, often categorized as sodium foods, come with increased levels of dietary sodium, whose regular consumption results in increased blood pressure and reduced blood flow to specific parts of the body, which includes your little friend down there.
Farmed Fishes
When you go to the market to buy fish, you will see two categories of fish. One being wild fishes while the other being farmed fishes. If you have been bringing home farmed fish all this time, it may be the reason for your problem with getting no erection or not being able to maintain one while having intercourse.
It has been recently discovered that this happens because the farmed products were found to contain a higher level of 13 toxins in comparison to the alternatives in the wild category. Thus, we recommend you go for the wild fish option if you are looking forward to some action.
Dairy
As we have already discussed, cheese is a dairy product that contains significantly higher amounts of saturated fats, which pose a risk of arterial blockage. In fact, when it comes to dairy products such as cheese and milk, you must know that the cows producing the milk are regularly injected with artificial hormones, which, as per research, amounts to the disruption of the endocrine system in the body. Furthermore, various types of research have conclusively proven that men who consume dairy products on a daily basis have lower sperm motility and lower testosterone levels than those who consume it only occasionally or not at all.
Now it is clear that the food we eat affects not just our general health and well-being but also our sexual life. Having said that, the best way to tackle this issue is to get on board with the idea of safe and selective eating.
Furthermore, we are also here to help you in every way we can, and thus our app Blockerx will provide you with a number of solutions required to tackle problems such as erectile dysfunction through the means of semen retention amongst other things. The app also has a community of its own, wherein you can discuss all of these issues you are facing in your daily life, including your sexual life, without the fear of being judged.
What Foods Can Help With ED?
If you are looking forward to improving your sex life and sexual function, remember your diet including specific foods, is important. So, now that we checked the worst foods for erectile dysfunction, let’s look at the best foods for ED.
Let’s delve into the delectable lineup of certain foods that form the cornerstone of this ED-fighting diet:
Vibrant Vegetables
Load your plate with an array of colorful veggies—spinach, kale, broccoli, carrots, and tomatoes. Packed with antioxidants, the vegetables not only thwart cancer but also boost nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide is a key player in relaxing blood vessels, facilitating increased blood flow helping with erectile problems.
Fresh Fruits
Next on the list of food choices is fresh fruits. But do not go for canned fruits like raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, and grapes.
Moreover, these food choices, rich in antioxidants, the fruits help:
- elevating the nitric oxide levels
- promoting improved blood circulation where required.
- And enhance blood vessel dilation
Whole Grains Wonder
Including whole grains and bid farewell to refined carbs. The link between a whole-grain-rich diet and a reduction in erectile dysfunction symptoms is often noted. You can go for 100% whole grain bread, cereals, and crackers—a fiber-packed trio linked to preventing heart disease, keeping good heart health, and diabetes prevention.
Legumes Lift
Furthermore, you can lift your nitric acid production with legumes like beans, lentils, and chickpeas. These plant-based powerhouses maintain a balance of high blood pressure, and enhance blood flow throughout your body, contributing to improved erectile function.
Fishy Business
Delight in omega-3 fatty acids from wild Alaskan salmon, herring, and mackerel. Beyond heart and cognitive benefits, these fatty acids are linked to a boost in erectile health.
Divine Dark Chocolate
Indulge in dark chocolate’s flavonoid-rich goodness. Enhancing blood flow and nitric oxide concentration, dark chocolate supports cardiovascular health—a sweet treat with a doubly sweet benefit for your intimate well-being.
Basically, studies have shown that aligning your plate with the Mediterranean diet not only elevates your overall health but also stands as a delectable strategy to support sexual dysfunction like erection problems.
Final Words
Erectile dysfunction can hamper your everyday sexual health and performance. But do not worry, as avoiding the above-mentioned food items will be a part of the solution and a step towards ensuring that erectile dysfunction is only a comma in your sexual life, and never a full stop. It is essential that you regulate the above-mentioned food items in your everyday diet to ensure a happy sexual life.
