Erectile dysfunction is a complex condition that needs complex treatments. The use of supplements gives a temporary solution to erectile dysfunction.
Other methods such as hormone therapy are a better option, with the Endocrine Society and the FDA insisting on age. The two bodies insist that this treatment should only be given to older men. You can also improve this condition by the type of diet you take. Incorporating some vital vitamins in your diet can improve the dysfunction. These vitamins include the following:
1. Vitamin D
It is a sunshine vitamin. You get it by basking in the sun from outdoors. This vitamin is essential in the health of the blood vessels. The flow of blood is a crucial process when it comes to sexual function.
A study done on 3,400 men by John Hopkins University revealed that men who had a deficiency of this vitamin were 32% more likely to have trouble making an erection.
According to studies, vitamin D deficiency triggers the production of superoxide ions. These are free radicals that destroy nitric oxide.
The destruction of nitric oxide interferes with the flow of blood since it handles the relaxing of the blood vessels.
When we get enough of this vitamin, we promote the flow of blood to our penis. Thus, we get hard erections, ready to experience that magical feeling beneath the sheets.
Sources of Vitamin D
Apart from getting this vitamin from the sun, you can also get it from foods such as liver, egg yolk, meat, and some dairy products.
2. Folic Acid
Referred to as vitamin B9, this vitamin works on erectile dysfunction by liaising with nitric oxide. A study published in the Journal of Aging men, Italy, established that men with a deficiency in folic acid had severe ED compared to those without the deficiency.
According to this study, folic acid triggers the activities performed by nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a major contributing factor to making hard and lasting erections.
You can take folic acid supplements to boost its levels, but it is always good to take it from natural sources such as food.
Sources of Folic Acid
Getting food that contains folic acid is easy. You can get it from your local stores without undergoing tough hurdles. The best thing about getting folic acid from food is that you can never go wrong with quantity. When using supplements, chances of overdosing are high, which poses a high risk of liver toxicity.
You can get folic acid from foods such as liver, beans, green leafy vegetables, oranges, and milk.
3. L-Arginine
Also referred to as arginine; according to urologists, it is the building block of the component responsible for relaxing the blood vessels: Nitric Oxide.
Studies from the University of Foggia, Italy, established that arginine is usually absorbed at a high rate in the body.
The study recommends the use of L-citrulline, which the body converts to arginine. It helps to slow down the fast absorption rate of arginine, making it effective to overcome ED.
Once we have enough arginine, the production of Nitric Oxide gets enhanced. You achieve firm erections since the flow of blood to your penis increases to amounts necessary to make it hard.
Sources of L-Arginine
It is found in dairy products, fish, meat and poultry. If you choose to take L-citrulline to be converted to arginine, you can get it from sources such as pomegranates, lemon, and watermelon.
Erectile Dysfunction and Vitamin Deficiency
From the above studies and findings, the major contribution to erectile dysfunction is lack of enough flow of blood to the penis. These vitamins play a vital role in making sure there is enough blood flowing to the penis. They all work to trigger the production of the major component: Nitric Oxide.
Nitric Oxide takes the sole responsibility of relaxing the blood vessels. It is obvious that when the blood vessels expand without relaxing, there will be not enough pressure to take it to the relevant parts that it is intended to reach.
Once you start experiencing difficulties in achieving erections, you need to get a blood check to determine the levels of these essential vitamins. Nutritionists say an average of 30ng/dl and below is considered as vitamin deficiency.
Supplementing the Vitamins
Nutritionists recommend getting these vitamins from their most natural form. At this form, they are easy to digest and not cause any toxicity in the body.
Taking vitamins from natural foods can be refreshing. It is also cheap since they take care of your stomach needs (hunger) as they play their crucial function in the body.
Using supplements can come with adverse effects. Most supplements come with effects such as indigestion which can be uncomfortable. They can also bring about toxicity when not taken at the recommended doses.
When you have a good diet, you reduce your chances of having to struggle with erectile dysfunction. If you are not sure which vitamins are good for you, seek medical advice from certified practitioners. Adding these vitamins to your diet is easy, and they are not hard to find. They are available in all food stores, and they do not go for ridiculous prices.
Also, doing regular physical exercises is crucial. It helps the body to have a high metabolism of these vitamins. Is it not such a huge waste to consume foods with these vitamins then, due to poor metabolic rate, miss their efficiency?
