Loss of penis function is often chalked up to a side effect of getting older, and it’s true that many men experience erectile health problems as they age. However – and this should come as good news to many men – erectile dysfunction is not strictly related to aging, and men can enjoy a healthy sex life well into their senior years. On the other hand, the issue is a complex one, with many factors that can affect the ability to get hard and stay hard. One of these is one that men can easily correct. Poor nutrition, such as a diet high in fat, salt and processed foods, can have a dramatic effect on the body’s ability to perform many of its functions. Fortunately, with a little effort, men can improve their penis health and overall state of wellness without resorting to medications that may have unpleasant or dangerous side effects.
How does poor nutrition affect penis function?
- Cardiovascular function – It is no mystery to most men that an adequate supply of blood is needed to flood the erectile chambers and trigger an erection. If the heart is not working at full capacity, it is unlikely to be able to supply the peripheral parts of the body, such as the hands, feet and penis, with more than a minimal influx of blood. Men who eat a fatty, high-salt diet and who do not have an adequate intake of fruits, vegetables and fiber are prone to reduced heart function.
- High blood pressure/clogged arteries – A related issue to heart function is the problem of high blood pressure and/or clogged arteries. Men who have elevated blood pressure (often because of excessive salt intake) or those who have a diet high in LDL cholesterol may incur damage to their circulatory tissue, a problem which can inhibit erectile function.
- Diabetes – Men who have uncontrolled high blood sugar, especially related to an unhealthy diet, may develop diabetes. This autoimmune disease can, among other things, lead to nerve damage that can affect penile sensation and prevent it from reacting to sensual stimuli.
- Stamina – Last but not least, a man whose digestive system is laboring away at a 32-oz steak frites or sleeping off a nacho coma is unlikely to have the energy for sex, much less get an erection and keep it going long enough to finish the deed.
Protecting the erection
Men who are experiencing erectile issues should always see a doctor for a full work-up to be sure that there is no underlying health problem that requires medical treatment; they should also follow the advice of their doctors and should not stop or alter any treatment plan they are on without the go-ahead from a medical practitioner. However, there are some healthy steps that men can take to address problems with their erectile health, as well as their overall physiological condition.
The most important of these is to make some major changes to the menu. This can sound like a daunting task, especially for men who are not familiar with the workings of their kitchen and prefer to rely on the drive-through for their dietary needs. But by starting small – say, ordering the grilled chicken sandwich (hold the mayo) instead of the 4-pound Angus super bacon cheese melt – men can work healthier choices into their diet. As they become accustomed to eating more nutritious foods – and even some fruits and vegetables(!) – they may find that they feel better overall and that the health foods they once shunned are actually tastier than their fat-and-salt-laden counterparts.
While a man is adapting to these changes, he can give the penis an extra nutritional boost by adding a penis nutrient cream (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) to his post-shower routine. A cream that is enriched with vitamins and other essential nutrients that is applied directly to the penis skin can target the male tissue and provide much-needed nourishment to support good penis health.
