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Impotence
is when a man cannot achieve or maintain an erection adequate for
normal sexual intercourse. Erections are a result of a complex
combination of brain stimuli, blood vessel and nerve function,
and hormonal reactions. Any interference with any of these factors may
cause impotence. Things that can be a cause of impotence include:
alcohol,
smoking,
sexually transmitted disease, medications, peripheral vascular
disease, diabetes, high blood pressure,
and chronic illness. Hormonal problems like lowered levels of testosterone, higher prolactin production, either
overproduction or under production of thyroid hormone, may all be causes of impotence.
Diabetes,
which often leads to atherosclerosis
and impaired blood circulation, is a very common physical cause of impotence.
Impotence may be a chronic recurring problem, or be a single isolated
incident. Estimates indicate that over 30 million men in the USA have
at least occasional problems of impotence. Most of the men are over 40
years old. As many as 1 in 3 men over 60 years old is affected,
however men under 40 can also have problems. Years ago it was thought
that impotence was mainly a psychological problem or , "all in
the head", but today it is believed that as many as 85% of
all impotence cases have some physical cause. The Association for
Male Sexual Dysfunction cites well over 200 drugs that maybe a cause
of impotence. These include: alcohol, anti-depressants,
anti-histamines, anti-hypertensives, diuretics, narcotics, nicotine,
sedatives, stomach acid drugs, and ulcer medications. Atherosclerosis,
or hardening of the arteries, increases a risk to both the man's
heart and his penis. People today know both smoking and eating fatty
foods cause plaque buildups that clog arteries and block blood flow to
the heart. Those plaques also block arteries going to the male
genitals, interfering with the man's ability to get and maintain an
erection. Nutritional supplements, diet changes, and lifestyle changes
can all help with impotence and related health issues.
|
Nutrient /
Supplement |
Importance
( 1 - 10 ) |
Helpful notes |
|
Essential
fatty acids |
10 |
aids in
the formation of sperm and seminal fluids and is required for the transmission of
nerve impulses and needed for normal brain
function good sources of fatty acids include omega , flax seed, and borage seed.
|
|
Multi-vitamin
& Mineral supplement |
10 |
contains vitamin E,
vitamin B complex, vitamin C, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium
which all are helpful for impotence and enlargement of the
prostate, or prostate cancer. A daily supplement provides
nutrients required for good general health and well being. |
|
vitamin E |
10 |
increases circulation and is
very important for male health and is often found in a male herbal formula
supplements. This vitamin is crucial to sexual and
reproductive health. |
|
Zinc |
10 |
needed for both male reproductive organs and prostate
function |
|
Damiana |
10 |
herb used as an
aphrodisiac, sexual aid, and for impotence to improve blood
flow to the genital area. |
|
Ginkgo
biloba |
9 |
herb aids helpiing
penile blood flow and by activating release of nitrous oxide
from blood vessel linings |
|
Ginseng |
9 |
helps cell growth and
healing in the penis and sex organs |
|
Selenium |
8 |
powerful free radical scavenger and also
aides in protein digestion. Normally found in a
good quality mineral multi-vitamin supplement. |
| Beta Carotene |
8 |
powerful anti-oxidant that helps destroy free
radicals. Make sure that your beta carotene supplement comes
from natural fruits and vegetable sources. Men
often are not eating enough fruits and vegetables
which also adds to their risk of impotence and
prostate cancer or
enlargement. |
|
vitamin
A |
9 |
anti-oxidants
enhance and strengthen immunity. It also works with beta
carotene. |
|
vitamin
B complex |
9 |
needed for a healthy nervous system
and poor nerve function can be both a cause of impotence and poor sensation during sex. |
|
Pyridoxine |
8 |
vitamin B6
needed for cellular regeneration |
|
Carotenoids |
8 |
needed for general health and
men are often not eating enough in their diet due to not enough good quality fruits and
vegetables. |
|
Bioflavonoids |
8 |
helps
boost testosterone levels |
|
Pygeum |
8 |
herb good for male
system |
|
Saw
Palmetto |
7 |
herb that works with
pygeum on man's health |
Other Changes To Make
-
drink 6-8 glasses of steam distilled or
filtered water a day
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eat 50% raw fruits and vegetables (organic is best)
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nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good
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juice is good (make your
own with a juice machine)
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do not worry as much about calories as eating the right foods
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carrot and celery sticks are good to use as a snack
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a colon cleansing can be very helpful - (do several times each year)
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do not drink coffee, alcohol, soda pop, other junk food drinks
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do not eat processed foods white sugar, white flour, etc...
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use stress relief like going for walks in the park
(or the 10/90 rule - see
Stress)
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brown rice is good to eat
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avoid red meat and animal fats
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reduce dairy products cheese, milk, and others
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fast a few days a month
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get at least 8 hours of sleep
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exercise light to moderate amounts
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avoid artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and NutraSweet
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do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke
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do not skip meals - just eat better and not as much at each meal
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do not chew gum - it can cause you to feel hungry
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do not watch too much TV try reading a book or something else
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