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It is estimated that erectile dysfunction will affect half of men over the age of 40 and will affect most men at some point in their lives.
It can be caused by high blood pressure, diabetes, stress, nerve damage, and drinking too much alcohol.
But some supplements in the bathroom cabinet can help prevent the problem from occurring in the first place.
Dr Donald Grant, Bristol-based GP and Senior Clinical Advisor to The independent pharmacyHe said vitamin pills costing less than a fiver can help increase blood flow to the genitals and reduce the risk of developing the condition.
here the lists four key daily supplements that he recommends men take to avoid erectile dysfunction.
Erectile dysfunction can be caused by high blood pressure, diabetes, stress, nerve damage, and drinking too much.
L-arginine
L-arginine, found in red meat, fish, and dairy products, is an amino acid that helps the body make protein.
But Dr. Grant says taking it regularly could also help control erectile dysfunction.
L-arginine is converted to a chemical called nitric oxide in the body, which relaxes vessels allowing them to open wider to improve blood flow.
“This makes it easier for blood to get to the penis,” Dr. Grant said.
“It may improve men’s ability to achieve and maintain an erection, helping to protect against this condition,” he added.
Ginseng
Full of antioxidants, ginseng, extracted from the Panax plant, may also help reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction in men, according to Dr. Grant.
The aromatic ginseng root has been used in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine for years for its purported benefits for brain health, immune function, and stress reduction.
Packed with antioxidants, ginseng, extracted from the Panax plant, may also help reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction in men, according to Dr. Grant.
This is because, like L-Arginine, ginseng helps improve circulation in the body.
A Korean from 2013. study reported that red ginseng in particular can dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow not only through each vein, but throughout the circulatory system.
“The supplement has many benefits, including improving concentration and boosting the immune system, however, it can also improve blood flow and reduce stress, two key factors in negating the risk of erectile dysfunction,” Dr. Grant said.
“By increasing blood flow to the penis, men can enjoy sexual encounters without interference,” he added.
Zinc
The vital mineral found in foods such as beef, cooked lobster and pumpkin seeds has been shown to help increase testosterone levels in men.
Zinc, found in foods such as beef, cooked lobster, and pumpkin seeds, is a mineral essential for the development of immune cells.
But it has also been shown to help increase testosterone levels in men.
“The importance of zinc for male sexual function cannot be underestimated,” said Dr. Grant. “The mineral is necessary to maintain healthy testosterone levels and a lack of zinc can lead to problems with libido and overall sexual function.”
Although research is limited, a supplement may help raise testosterone levels, which may prevent erectile dysfunction.
Adequate testosterone levels are crucial to maintaining sexual function.
The hormone plays multiple roles, including regulating the production of nitric oxide, a molecule that dilates blood vessels in the penis during sexual arousal, helping you get an erection.
One study in 2000 looked at the effects of a magnesium and zinc supplement and found that men who took 30 mg of zinc per day had higher levels of free testosterone.
However, another 2009 study revealed that a zinc supplement will not increase testosterone levels if you are already getting enough of the mineral.
Men between 19 and 64 years old need 9.5 mg of zinc per day and women only 7 mg. Experts say that most people can get all the zinc they need from their diet alone.
The NHS recommends limiting zinc intake to 25mg a day, as too much can cause gastrointestinal problems and even weaken the immune system.
dehydroepiandrosterone
Dehydroepiandrosterone, also called DHEA, is a hormone produced in the body’s adrenal glands, triangular-shaped organs located above each kidney.
It can be converted to estrogen or testosterone in the body, but the hormone steadily declines with age.
As it is key to maintaining the supply of sex hormones, Dr Grant said taking a supplement could reduce the risk of genital problems in men.
A 2018 American study found that low levels of DHEA were associated with an increased risk of erectile dysfunction.
While Dr. Grant said the supplements he recommends can be helpful, any benefits will be useless if men adopt unhealthy lifestyle habits.
“It is much more important to maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, reduce alcohol consumption and not smoke,” he said.