Erectile dysfunction is a common problem in men. This problem becomes worse as men age. The causes of erectile dysfunction can vary from being as simple as a side effect of some medicine to very complex ones. Erectile dysfunction can be the result of some vascular disease, neurological disease, diabetes, prostate related treatments and even surgeries. Most men resort to a large number of medicines to treat erectile dysfunction. Though some medicines may work well, others may only aggravate the problem. For most men, it is essential to treat the problem of erectile dysfunction else it leads to several other problems and even depression in the worst case.

 The best way to overcome or prevent erectile dysfunction is to try the following natural ways:

• Eat healthy: One of the best ways to prevent erectile dysfunction is to take a healthy diet. A diet which is not good for the heart is also not considered good for the erections. If men take an unhealthy diet, the blood flow to and from the penis is affected which leads to erectile dysfunction. It is commonly seen that men do not eat lots of fruits and vegetables and tend to eat more of fatty, fried and processed foods. These foods lead to a reduced blood flow to the penis thereby leading to erectile dysfunction. It is recommended that men take a healthy diet that consists of a lot of fruits, vegetables, whole-grains, nuts, olive oil and fish to prevent the problem of erectile dysfunction.

• Maintain weight: Men who are overweight face the problem of erectile dysfunction. Being over-weight is a major cause of several diseases like type-2 diabetes and nerve damage. If the nerve damage affects the nerves that supply the penis, erectile dysfunction is the result. Therefore, maintain a healthy weight is essential to prevent this problem.
• Maintain blood pressure and cholesterol levels: High cholesterol and high blood pressure in men may damage the blood vessels that bring blood to the penis and this leads to erectile dysfunction. Therefore, it is essential to maintain healthy levels of blood pressure and cholesterol so that the blood vessels can work in an efficient manner without affecting the supply of blood to and from the penis.

• Avoid alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol can damage the liver, nerves and may lead to several other health problems thereby leading to the problem of erectile dysfunction. Men who are chronic drinkers face the problem of erectile dysfunction more than those who drink it in moderation. It is therefore essential to avoid alcohol as much as possible to prevent the problem of erectile dysfunction.

• Regular exercise: An unhealthy lifestyle can be one of the leading causes of an erectile dysfunction. It is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle and exercise regularly. Swimming, walking and running all help men to manage weight and also lead a healthy lifestyle. Aerobic exercises are known to prevent erectile dysfunction. When choosing exercises, men must make sure to avoid exercises that put excessive pressure on the perineum. If excessive pressure is put in this area, blood vessels and nerve endings that supply blood to the penis get affected leading to erectile dysfunction.

• Maintain healthy testosterone levels: It is essential for men to maintain healthy levels of testosterone. The testosterone levels begin to fall after a specific age in men which leads to erectile dysfunction. The testosterone levels must be maintained in a healthy manner to prevent low sex drive, moodiness, lack of stamina all of which are symptoms of erectile dysfunction.

• Avoid steroids: There are many men who use anabolic steroids for body-building. The overuse of these steroids is one of the leading causes of erectile dysfunction. The overuse of these steroids shrinks the testicles and thus affects the levels of testosterone leading to erectile dysfunction.

• Stop smoking: Smoking can harm blood vessels and thus affect the blood flow to the penis leading to erectile dysfunction. Nicotine in cigarettes leads to contraction of blood vessels which further affects the blood flow to the penis leading to erectile dysfunction. Therefore, quitting smoking is the best way to prevent erectile dysfunction.

• Avoid stress: Psychological stress in men boosts levels of the hormone adrenaline, which makes blood vessels contract and thus leads to erectile dysfunction. It is essential for men to avoid stress by easing tensions and feeling mentally happy and strong to prevent erectile dysfunction.

For more information on erectile dysfunction, click here.