Erectile dysfunction (ED), or the inability to keep an erection firm to have sex, can occur in up to one-third of men. Although there are several prescription medications available that men can take to improve this condition, there are some natural ways you can also fight ED.
The Mayo Clinic recently compiled a list of various herbs and supplements that can help treat ED on their own, or as a supplement to prescription medications. Here we point out four people who have been studied and who have yielded positive results. Then don’t miss 15 underrated weight loss tips that actually work!
L-arginine is an amino acid that helps to produce proteins, and in the body it becomes the gas nitric oxide (NO). This is important because NO helps the blood vessels to relax, which can cause more oxygen-rich blood to circulate through your arteries. For men, or those who identify as male, a healthy blood supply to the veins in the penis is critical for normal erectile function. According to the Mayo Clinic, some evidence suggests that high-dose intake may improve blood flow. It may work best when taken with picnogenol or yohimbine hydrochloride, but L-arginine should not be taken with Viagra.
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone produced naturally by the body. As you get older, the levels will apparently drop to 80% during adulthood, while the levels will start to drop at the young age of 30. Using the hormone as a supplement helps it increase your body’s own levels, and some of it even converts into testosterone and estrogen. In men it is said to help with ED and libido in women. Some minor, but still not ideal, side effects associated with the supplement are oily skin, acne and increased hair growth in armpits and pubic area.
Currently, health experts believe that red ginseng supplements can help with the treatment of ED. Initially, red ginseng was thought to have hormonal effects similar to testosterone, but more recent research suggests that the plants may increase NO levels and eventually promote bladder flow. A 2018 meta-analysis examining 28 studies found that Panax ginseng is effective in treating the condition. In addition, it can also help improve memory and thinking skills.
Propionyl-L-carnitine on its own may not do the trick, but if taken with Viagra, it can improve erectile function than taking Viagra alone, according to the Mayo Clinic. The chemical is believed to help increase blood flow, but there is not much scientific evidence to support all the potential health benefits (from people with congestive heart failure to inflammatory bowel disease).
For more information look at 21 foods to increase sex drive and libido, according to science, and then do not forget to sign up for our newsletter.