Erectile dysfunction (ED) and options for its treatment have become increasingly important topics of discussion.One treatment that has been suggested is vitamins. But do vitamins work for the treatment of ED? In order to answer that, it is important to first understand the underlying health conditions that can increase your risk of developing ED.
Here are some health conditions that can increase your risk of ED at any age:
- Hormonal problems
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD)
- Nerve damage, which can occur due to diabetes
- Mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression
- The use of certain types of medication
In addition, lifestyle factors such as obesity or smoking can also cause ED. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, in conjunction with treatment, is an effective way to treat ED. It might surprise you to know that there are also vitamins that can help in the treatment of ED. Yes, you heard that right! An intake of essential vitamins may be helpful in treating ED.
Do Vitamin Supplements Actually Help with ED?
An adequate intake of vitamins and minerals can help your body to function properly and may help to maintain your general well-being. While there is some evidence that some of these nutrients contribute to a healthy male reproductive system, there is not enough evidence to show that they are effective for treating problems like ED in all cases. So then, are there really vitamins for erectile dysfunction?
Several different studies have suggested that specific vitamin deficiencies are associated with the occurrence of ED. If you have a vitamin deficiency then vitamins may actually help with your erectile dysfunction. Let’s find out more about these vitamins.
VITAMIN D
In one study, vitamin D deficiency was linked to the occurrence of severe ED in young men. It is yet to be proven that a sufficient intake of vitamin D will help to achieve strong erections. Vitamin D does, however, definitely help to reduce inflammation, improve blood flow and stimulate nitric oxide production. These are all key factors for healthy erectile functioning.
The most commonly known source of vitamin D is sunlight. As such, just regular walks outside can be enough to provide your body with a sufficient amount of vitamin D. That said, please don’t forget your sunscreen to protect yourself from UV damage!
Natural food sources of vitamin D include:
- Oily fish like salmon
- Portobello mushrooms
- Fortified milk and cereals
- Egg yolks
- Liver
Alternatively, you can also get vitamin D in the form of a supplement. Using vitamin D3 supplements can ensure your body has enough of the vitamin to support your erections. GiDDy up, cuz’ its game time, baby!
VITAMIN B9
Vitamin B9, also known as folic acid, has been claimed to be able to improve erectile function. This vitamin reduces hardening of arteries, which improves the flow of blood to all parts of the body. In the context of erectile function, vitamin B9 helps improve blood flow to the penis. Improved blood flow can help men to achieve and maintain better, stronger erections.
At the same time, folic acid also functions as a mood stabiliser and treats stress-related ED. Stress that causes ED is particularly prevalent among young, male working adults. Folic acid comes from natural foods and can be found in synthetic form.. In fact, natural foods are the best source of folate because they are easy for your body to break down and absorb.
Natural foods that contain folate include:
- Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale and brussels sprouts
- Avocadoes
- Broccoli
- Asparagus
- Eggs
- Citrus fruits and bananas
- Beans, peas, lentils, and other legumes
However, consuming too much folic acid can cause a “gassy” reaction, bloating, restless sleep and depression. Just be sure to adhere to the recommended dosages to avoid experiencing any of these side effects.
VITAMIN B3
Vitamin B3 or niacin is another vitamin that can help to improve the symptoms of men who suffer from moderate to severe ED. A commonly used supplement in the treatment of vascular conditions, vitamin B3 is also known to be able to promote better blood circulation, which translates to erections with a stronger “oomph”!
Some of foods that are rich in vitamin B3 include:
- Meats, such as turkey, chicken, pork, and beef
- Avocadoes
- Peanuts
- Mushrooms
- Brown rice
VITAMIN C
Vitamin C is one of the most important nutritional requirements for the promotion of healthy sexual function. vitamin C delivers a potent (see what we did there?) punch-kick combo as it improves blood flow and increases a man’s testosterone levels. It is, however, pretty odd that there is not enough substantial evidence to conclude that vitamin C can also help in the treatment of ED. But hey, there’s nothing wrong with supplementing your body with an adequate intake of vitamin C anyway!
Foods that are abundant sources of vitamin C include:
- Leafy vegetables, such as brussels sprouts, spinach and cabbage
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Sweet potatoes
- Herbs, such as thyme and parsley
- Guava and citrus fruits
- Red and green bell peppers
- Tomatoes
Steps You Can Take to Treat ED Effectively
Apart from taking vitamins for erectile dysfunction, your daily lifestyle plays a part as well. As such, switching up your routine or finding ways to improve your mental help can alleviate the symptoms of your condition. Some of the steps that you can take to treat your condition include:
- CONSUMING A HEALTHY DIET AND EXERCISING REGULARLY
Obesity opens the door for underlying conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. These conditions may contribute to a larger risk of ED. Hence, staying in control of your weight through the consumption of a balanced diet and regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to prevent obesity.
- STOP SMOKING
Smoking can cause damage to your blood vessels and reduce blood flow to all parts of the body, including your penis. Therefore, if you intend on achieving and maintaining stronger erections, it is advisable to quit the habit. Trust us on this one, the deal doesn’t get any sweeter than that.
- TAKING MEDICATION RESPONSIBLY
The use of medicine is one of the most effective methods for treating ED. Tadalafil (brand name Cialis) and sildenafil (brand name Viagra) work effectively to improve blood flow to the soft tissue of the penis. This promotion of blood flow makes it easier for a man to develop or maintain an erection.
Ultimately, supplementing your body with an adequate intake of vitamins B3, B9, C and D is especially important for healthy sexual function. And although there isn’t enough evidence to prove that these vitamins can treat ED, there’s nothing wrong with providing your body with enough vitamins (and minerals) as they come packed with a host of other health benefits as well.
