Erectile Dysfunction
and Nutrition
It's hard to go a day without hearing about the importance of healthy eating in the news. Foods like fast food, sweets, fizzy drinks, ice cream, burgers, and pizza are often seen as less beneficial, while green vegetables, whole grains, and fruits are widely recognised for their positive impact on health.
For many people in their youth, a less balanced diet may go unnoticed, as active lifestyles help burn off excess calories without immediate effects. However, as we age, our bodies become more sensitive to dietary habits, and we begin to feel the impact. Many people become more concerned about their appearance (especially their waistline) and may even experience health challenges, including issues related to physical wellness and sexual health, as a result of long-term dietary choices.
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Erectile Dysfunction and Vascular Health
Achieving and maintaining an erection depends on a healthy vascular system, which transports blood, nutrients, and oxygen throughout the body, while also removing waste. This system is responsible for carrying an increased blood supply to the tissues involved in erectile function. A poor diet can gradually damage the lining of blood vessels, known as the endothelium, which produces nitric oxide—a key element that allows blood vessels to relax and support healthy circulation.
Over time, an imbalanced diet can cause blood vessels to lose elasticity, with narrowing and plaque buildup affecting circulation. Many men find that sustained poor dietary habits contribute to reduced erectile function as a result.
A poor diet can also impact ED indirectly through other health conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. These conditions affect blood flow throughout the body, including areas important for erectile health. In cases of excess body fat, circulation may be further impacted, limiting blood flow to essential tissues.
Additionally, insufficient nutrition can lead to reduced nitric oxide levels, which are essential for facilitating healthy erectile function. Poor diet and related health factors can increase insulin resistance and oxidative stress, both of which can lower nitric oxide bioavailability.
Proper nutrition supports hormonal balance as well, including maintaining testosterone levels, which play a role in energy, focus, and libido. With a balanced diet that provides essential nutrients, men may see improvements not only in erectile function but also in overall health. Improved nutrition can enhance endothelial function, support normal blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and lower insulin resistance—all of which contribute positively to men's wellness.
In summary, erectile function and nutrition are closely related, and a balanced diet can play a substantial role in supporting healthy erectile function.
Foods That Support Erectile Health
Following a Mediterranean diet has been linked to a lower incidence of erectile dysfunction (ED). A recent study found that higher diet quality, based on adherence to a Mediterranean or Alternative Healthy Eating approach, was associated with a reduced risk of developing ED. These dietary patterns emphasise vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, and sources of long-chain (n-3) fats, such as fish, while limiting red and processed meats.
Regular physical activity is another important factor in supporting vascular health and reducing the risk of ED. The study noted that frequent consumption of red meat, processed animal products like bacon, and refined carbohydrates may increase the risk of ED. On the other hand, a diet rich in plant-based foods like broccoli and antioxidant-rich berries, along with unrefined whole foods, promotes blood vessel health and supports nitric oxide production.
Lifestyle Changes That Can Help Improve Erectile Function
Certain lifestyle choices can impact general health and increase the risk of developing conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and obesity, all of which may affect erectile function. Smoking, for example, can contribute to cardiovascular concerns and impact blood flow. Excessive alcohol consumption may also reduce circulation and is considered a risk factor for several health conditions. Men who smoke or drink heavily are more likely to experience ED than those who don't, making it beneficial to reduce or abstain from these habits.
The effects of diet and lifestyle changes on ED can vary depending on the individual, their age, and other lifestyle factors, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, or drug use.
If you don't notice an improvement, consider consulting your GP or a specialist ED clinic for personalised advice.
Treatments at Mansmatters
For men with an impaired vascular system and suffering from erectile dysfunction, focused shockwave therapy is a proven method to repair and rejuvenate blood vessels and nerve tissues.
As we provide non-invasive solutions for ED, our focused shockwave therapy does not require any surgical procedures to work effectively. There are no major side-effects and men of all ages will get a satisfactory result from the treatment.
Certain lifestyle choices can impact general health and increase the risk of developing conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and obesity, all of which may affect erectile function. Smoking, for example, can contribute to cardiovascular concerns and impact blood flow. Excessive alcohol consumption may also reduce circulation and is considered a risk factor for several health conditions. Men who smoke or drink heavily are more likely to experience ED than those who don't, making it beneficial to reduce or abstain from these habits.
The effects of diet and lifestyle changes on ED can vary depending on the individual, their age, and other lifestyle factors, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, or drug use.
If you don't notice an improvement, consider consulting your GP or a specialist ED clinic for personalised advice.
Find out more how MansMatters can help you.
Contact us for a free 20-minute consultation with our men's health specialists.
Arrange a Free Telephone Consultation
Book a Treatment or Diagnosis
Receive More Information
Erectile Dysfunction and Nutrition FAQs
Is A Nutritious Diet Necessary for Better Erectile Function?
Good nutrition is important for your general health including erectile function. A nutritious diet helps all the body parts to function properly. A poor diet on the other hand can often lead to the development of various medical issues such as cardiovascular issues, diabetes, high cholesterol etc. Each of these issues, alone or in combination, can restrict the blood flow to your penis resulting in ED.
Is Poor Nutrition Directly Linked With ED?
A number of medical studies have proven the strong association between ED and poor nutrition. Poor nutrition can induce ED by various means. Men who consume a bad diet have more chance of experiencing ED than those who consume a nutritious diet.
How Does a Poor Diet Cause ED?
A poor diet can reduce the level of nitric oxide in the body which is essential for achieving strong erections and causes endothelial dysfunction. It also reduces the testosterone hormone which controls sexual urge. Hypertension, high cholesterol, heart issues and diabetes are all more likely due to a bad diet and are major risk factors for ED.
Which Foods Are Considered Bad for Erectile Function?
Highly processed meat, fatty foods, too much sugar, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are major risk factors for the development of cardiovascular issues, diabetes, high cholesterol, and ED. Eating these foods over a period of time damages the blood vessels and reduces the blood flow inside the penis.
Which Foods Are Considered Good for Erectile Function?
Foods that are high in antioxidants, plant-based foods such as berries and unrefined foods improve the blood flow within the body and increase your Nitric Oxide production. These foods can contribute to improving erectile function.
Does The Negative Impact of a Poor Diet Start to Show?
In young men, the impact of a poor diet on their erectile function is unlikely to be felt right away, as their bodies can withstand this impact for some time. But over time, their bodies start to lose some of their fighting capability and the negative side-effects start to develop. That’s why as they get older, negative consequences of a bad diet start to show up.
How Can I Improve My Erectile Function Through Diet?
Make sure to consume a nutritious diet, exercise regularly, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. These things will keep you fit and maintain healthy a blood flow in the various parts of your body including your penis.
Will Following a Healthy Nutritious Diet Treat My ED?
It really depends on the individual. Diet is one contributing factor to good erectile function, not every man will react similarly to the same diet. However, if you follow a nutritious diet, you will have a greater chance of a better erectile function. If a poor diet over time has permanently damaged your blood vessels, then just altering your diet will not be enough for you and you will need the help of a specialist Erectile Dysfunction clinic.
Do You Treat ED Caused by Poor Diet?
We evaluate our patients thoroughly, find out the underlying causes of ED and then decide how we should approach this issue which will include changes to lifestyle and diet.
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