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There are two types of men in this world: those who love a delicious, meaty burger…and those who are terrible liars.
However, the wrong types of foods can do some serious damage. And when it comes to erectile dysfunction (ED)—a sexual disorder that makes it difficult for men to maintain and get an erection—there are a few particular culprits that you’ll want to avoid.
Erectile dysfunction is usually caused by aging, but it may also be the result of health conditions such as:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Depression
- High cholesterol
- Stress
- Digestive and kidney diseases
If you want to know what food types are the worst for ED, here are the biggest offenders.
Worst Foods for Erectile Dysfunction
The list below categorizes the different types of food that may cause erectile dysfunction.
1. Pizza and Other Greasy Foods
We all love a hearty meal of French fries, fried chicken, and burgers every once in a while, but for those with ED, these types of food can be a real nightmare.
The grease and fat can clog your arteries and restrict the flow of blood to various parts of your body. This process can spread everywhere, including the penis, making it difficult or even impossible to get an erection.
With obesity, high cholesterol levels, and high blood pressure all being linked with erectile dysfunction, patients suffer an increased risk of developing erectile problems if they continue on this path of devouring greasy grub.
What to Eat Instead of Greasy and Fatty Foods
If you’re looking to enjoy a good meal without worrying about your ED, there are plenty of healthier options out there.
You don’t have to remove meat from the menu entirely. Instead, try going for leaner cuts of meat like grilled chicken or fish.
Omega-3 fatty acids are also great if you aim to increase blood flow. Fish like salmon and tuna are great additions to one’s diet to prevent erectile dysfunction.
One study suggests that food rich in l-arginine may help improve erectile function in males. L-arginine is turned into nitric oxide in the body, which is responsible for widening the blood vessels and improving blood flow.
Foods that are rich in l-arginine include:
- Fish
- Poultry
- Nuts
Read: 9 best foods to improve erectile function.
2. Cakes, Pop, Cookies, and Other Refined Sugars
It’s no secret that refined sugar isn’t the healthiest thing in the world, but many people don’t realize just how bad it can be.
For men with ED, eating too much sugar can be a major problem. The high levels of sugar in your bloodstream can cause the same problems as obesity, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease. All of those conditions can lead to erectile dysfunction.
Plus, foods that tend to be overly sweet can lead to weight gain and excessive BMI. According to one study, having a BMI of more than 25, which is the borderline obesity level, is linked to a significantly higher risk of developing ED.
What to Eat Instead of Refined Sugars
Fruits like watermelons and pomegranates are always great options when you’re looking for a healthy diet snack or side dish. They’re low in calories, just as refreshing as sodas, and they provide a wealth of essential vitamins and minerals. You can eat them in their original fruit form, or blend fruits into a delicious smoothie.
If you’re looking for a sweet treat, try something like dark chocolate. It contains antioxidants that can help improve blood flow and sexual function. They also contain nitric oxide, which is a common ingredient found in many medications used to treat erectile dysfunction.
3. Alcohol, Coffee, and Other Stimulants
Both alcohol and coffee have been shown to have negative impacts on erectile dysfunction.
In a study on men who drank alcohol, 72% of participants had signs of sexual dysfunction. The most notable ones are premature ejaculation, loss of libido, and erectile dysfunction.
Coffee drinkers aren’t safe, either. According to another study, men who drank coffee at copious levels had a 37% increased risk of developing ED than those who didn’t drink as much.
Drinking these beverages in excess can be very harmful to overall sexual health. If you’re looking to improve your erectile function, it’s best to avoid these drinks altogether.
What to Drink Instead of Alcohol and Coffee
It’s critical to remain hydrated throughout the day, and there’s nothing that beats a glass of water in terms of keeping your body healthy.
Not only does water help quench your thirst, but it’s also necessary for flushing toxins out of your system.
Additionally, drinking water can help improve blood flow and keep your body functioning at optimal levels. This extends over to penile function, making hydration a key activity to slow down the development of ED symptoms.
4. White Bread and Processed Carbs
If eating white bread is a daily part of your daily routine, you may be at a higher risk of developing erectile dysfunction. The same is true for other simple carbohydrates like sugary cereal, candy bars and white pasta.
These foods are quickly digested and absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. Over time, this can damage the arteries and blood vessels, making it more difficult for blood to flow to the penis and cause an erection.
What to Eat Instead of White Bread
Complex carbohydrates that are rich in whole grain are a better option for your health than eating refined white bread. Not only are they more nutritious, but they also help keep your blood sugar levels stable.
People who choose to eat complex carbs also have a lower chance of developing ED than those who regularly indulge in simple carbs.
Contact Cleveland’s Top Erectile Dysfunction Clinic for a Medical Consultation to Fight ED
While the diet you choose to abide by is important, it’s not the only factor that contributes to erectile dysfunction.
If you’re still struggling with symptoms, despite making healthy lifestyle changes, doctors may prescribe you to undergo clinical treatments to treat ED. This may include:
- Testosterone Therapy
- Penile Pumps
- Acoustic Wave Therapy
- Customized Healthy Living Programs
- Erectile Dysfunction Therapy
- Multivitamins and Medicines
Still struggling with a poor sex life? Contact the team at Precise Men’s Medical Center in Cleveland now to schedule an appointment to have a consultation with an experienced and specially trained medical staff about erectile dysfunction. We are a leading men’s clinic providing ED therapy, PE therapy, Acoustic Wave therapy, hormone therapy, and much more.
