Natural Remedies for Erectile Dysfunction
Man-made prescription medication overshadow herbal and natural remedies for erectile dysfunction. Do these natural alternatives work?
A few common types of natural ED solutions list below, but we must attach an important cautionary note:
Certain herbs can react with the body in adverse ways. A side effect may occur that a person does not even notice, like an herb that interferes with prescribed medication.
We suggest talking to a doctor about the safety of adding these to a health plan. Some are noted aphrodisiacs, but the power of the mind is so strong, a placebo effect can create a positive influence on erectile dysfunction, further noting the link between psychological causes and ED. That is another topic all together!
A nutritionist is well versed in the subject of aphrodisiacs. They are professionals in vitamin therapy whereas physicians are professionals in medicine. There two professions rarely overlap. The final say should be a physician as only he knows if these minerals, vitamins and amino acids will counteract with prescription medications.
Arginine
A naturally occurring amino acid mostly found in high protein foods. The body produces arginine naturally. Supplementing boosts the body's production of nitric oxide, dilating blood vessels. The resulting effect is an intensified reaction in the penis, allowing an erection to occur. (This is one of the main reasons why chocolate and oysters are aphrodisiacs!)Studies have shown a positive effect in men with reduced natural nitric oxide levels who took high doses of Arginine. This means it does not work powerfully enough to produce an erection for everybody. Being an aphrodisiac, taking small amounts naturally through foods may provide a minor boost to the sexual response of both men and women. Arginine also increases sperm production.
Dietary Sources of Arginine:
- Peanuts, almonds & walnuts
- Sesame & sunflower seeds
- Whole grains & oats
- Soy & tofu
- Spinach
- Kidney beans & lentils
- Red meat (beef)
- Tuna & salmon
- Crab, shrimp & lobster
- Eggs (highest in egg whites)
- Chicken & turkey
Ginseng, Ginko Biloba and Horny Goat Weed
Popular ancient Chinese herbal remedies, medical studies have been inconclusive about all three of these remedies; however, independent studies compared placebos to the real herb have noted results in favor of these herbs. Even though they are not directly related, the ideal effects are similar.Some men have reported an increase in penile sensitivity. This sensitivity can help produce an erection if the problem is a psychological response. They are all libido enhancers and can help overcome performance anxiety by promoting relaxation by calming the muscles and dilating blood vessels.
It is noteworthy to mention these herbs can react with medication. Ginko Biloba may be prescribed to counteract negative erectile effects brought on by certain antidepressants as it enhances blood flow (including to the vessels in the penis). Goat Weed and cause blood pressure to become too low. Out of these three, Ginseng is the safest and most popular in North American society. Ginseng can lower blood sugar; diabetics must heed caution.
Some men have used Ginseng and Ginko together and have noted positive results. Ginseng is a power libido enhancer and women use it to enhance their sensitivity too. We like the idea of herbal remedies but suggest using caution if taking other medication, a quick chat with a doctor should rule out the safety of these three substances.
Zinc
There is a link between zinc deficiency and erectile dysfunction. Zinc helps to balance testosterone levels and enhances libido in men. Vegetarians are commonly zinc deficient because the highest concentration of the mineral is in meat & seafood. Taking a supplement may help vegetarians with ED. If supplementing, limit intake to 40 mg per day. Continuous overdose of zinc may lead to nausea, stomach upset and immune system problems. A blood test can rule out a deficiency.
Dietary Sources of Zinc:
- Liver (by far, the best source)
- Beef, venison & lamb
- Oysters
- Pumpkin, sunflower & squash seeds
- Peanuts, almonds & cashews
- Oysters
- Baked beans
- Fortified breakfast cereal
- Crab, lobster & muscles
- Whole wheat flour
Pomegranate Juice
Pomegranate juice, a trendy "miracle juice" due to the high level of antioxidants; the same types of antioxidants found in Acai berries. Pomegranate juice has more antioxidants than green tea. Some nutritionists classify it under the"super food" category. Antioxidants flush free radicals in the blood which improves circulatory function, which enhances the body's ability to produce an erection. This alone is not a single cure, but a boost to your physiological process and can help.It is also shown to help with heart disease, diabetes (which relate to erectile dysfunction). Pomegranate has large amounts of potassium, fiber and vitamin C just to name a few. Do not expect this to cure entirely but since it is such a powerful health booster it will benefit the body in numerous ways.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an essential vitamin which helps improve blood circulation, as such, vitamin D deficiency relates to the reduced vascular flow to cause erectile dysfunction. Vitamin D increases absorption of calcium and phosphorus, reduces blood pressure and boosts heart health. Adequate amounts of Vitamin D lead to a lowered risk of diabetes. Sunlight is the best source of Vitamin D. 10 - 20 minutes of sun exposure without sunscreen is sufficient. Although some foods help, they do not have the same amount as sunlight. Taking supplements can help.
Dietary Sources of Vitamin D:
- Salmon, mackerel & tuna
- Fortified cereals
- Milk
- Pork
- Eggs
- Mushrooms
Herbal Viagra
This is not a real term, rather a "fancy" name for a product comprised of some or all of these above mentioned herbs and possibly a few more that have not been mentioned. Caution should be taken with these as they can be very dangerous. We never recommend anyone taking "Herbal Viagra" without consulting a physician first. Write down the ingredient list and take it to your appointment to ask if this is safe to use with a penis pump for ED.American Naturopathic Medicine & Herbalist Resources
http://americanherbalistsguild.comhttp://www.naturopathic.org
http://www.naturalmedicinejournal.com