Worried About ED?

Affecting 40% of men over age 40, erectile dysfunction (ED) is when a man cannot achieve or maintain an erection long enough for sexual intercourse. During arousal, the blood vessels and tissue in the penis fill with blood, while others close to prevent blood loss. Sometimes, the penis does not receive enough blood or cannot keep the blood long enough for intercourse. The reasons for ED are wide-ranging and can include chronic illnesses, psychological barriers, drug use, damage to the penis, and much more. However, more men are discovering that certain supplements can improve blood flow and boost sexual health.

Try these essential minerals

The body requires minerals in tiny amounts to support hundreds of different processes. Sexual health is no exception, with certain minerals thought to improve ED symptoms. Boron, a trace mineral found in salt, nuts, and some fruits and vegetables, has been shown to help with sexual health. Boron supplements improve testosterone and reduce hormones that limit erections, like estradiol. Low zinc, magnesium, and copper levels can also contribute to erectile dysfunction. A healthy supply of minerals through supplementation can help.

Consider amino acids

Another option worth trying is the addition of amino acids, molecules that combine to form proteins. The body relies on several amino acids for proper function and metabolism, called essential amino acids. There are also non-essential amino acids that the body produces naturally. Some of these directly impact blood flow to the penis and affect overall sexual health. L-arginine, for instance, converts to nitric oxide (NO), which helps the blood vessels in the penis relax to receive more blood. When combined with another amino acid, l-citrulline, NO levels can increase significantly. Amino acids alone cannot fix ED, but the supplement can be effective when combined with other herbs and minerals.

Herbals worth trying

For centuries, herbal options have helped men struggling with ED get and maintain an erection. Ashwagandha, for instance, is a powerful medicinal herb used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. The herb reduces the hormone cortisol, responsible for stress and anxiety. Ashwagandha also improves blood flow, muscle performance, and testosterone. Gotu kola, another Asian herb, can lower cortisol and other neurochemicals that impact sexual performance. Yohimbe, a bark and root from West Africa, and maca root are also great options to treat ED effectively.

Lifestyle changes

Certain supplements can help with ED and improve overall health. However, the approach should be combined with lifestyle changes for the best results. Consider reducing processed foods, fried foods, and simple sugars from the diet. These can impact hormone development, blood flow, and NO production. Exercise, stress reduction, and proper sleep can help with testosterone production and improve ED symptoms. If supplements and lifestyle changes fail to improve ED, men should see a doctor, as erectile dysfunction is sometimes an early warning sign of heart disease or diabetes.

Supplementing to improve dysfunction

Men with ED can experience lower confidence and self-esteem and may even notice adverse effects on fertility. The right supplements can help improve overall health, testosterone production, and blood flow. Taking multiple supplements individually can be daunting, so consider creating a custom pill with compounding. A compounding pharmacist can combine the highest quality minerals, vitamins, and herbs into a single supplement designed to improve sexual health.