Although the incidence of erectile dysfunction (ED) increases with age, many relatively young people suffer from it as well.

There are many different types of erectile dysfunction, and there is no single cause. In some cases, daily lifestyle habits are the cause of erectile dysfunction.

This article therefore details possible causes of erectile dysfunction and its relationship to diet and lifestyle.

Types and Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction can have a variety of causes and can be classified into four main types

organic ED

Organic ED is erectile dysfunction caused by various diseases and physical causes.

For example, progressive arteriosclerosis reduces blood flow to the male organ, and diabetes can cause vascular and nerve damage that leads to erectile dysfunction.

It can also be caused by a lack of certain nutrients due to an unbalanced diet or the ingestion of harmful ingredients.

psychogenic ED

Erectile dysfunction caused by stress is called psychogenic ED.

Erection occurs when the parasympathetic nervous system is dominant and the body and mind are relaxed.

However, if the patient is under stress from work or marital problems, the sympathetic nervous system becomes dominant and erection is inhibited.

In addition to daily stress, traumatic experiences of failed sexual intercourse in the past can also cause psychogenic ED.

mixed type ED

Mixed ED is erectile dysfunction caused by both organic and psychogenic ED.

For example, if the erectile dysfunction does not improve despite the resolution of the underlying cause of stress, it may be that the patient has actually developed a serious disease.

Therefore, a mixed ED requires both physical and psychological treatment approaches.

drug-induced ED

Drug-induced ED is erectile dysfunction caused by side effects of medications.

For example, antihypertensive drugs that reduce elevated blood pressure and antidepressants that relieve depressive symptoms can cause erectile dysfunction, and the longer they are taken, the greater the risk.

Because the degree of symptoms varies depending on the individual's constitution, it is important to consult a physician or pharmacist if drug-induced ED is suspected.

RELATED:For those who suffer from "erections that don't last," we have a solution for you.

Foods that are good for improving erectile dysfunction

When working to treat erectile dysfunction, you also need to pay attention to your daily diet; here are some nutrients that can help with ED and the foods that are high in these nutrients.

Foods containing zinc

Male hormones play an important role in maintaining sexual function, though,Zinc supports the production of testosterone, a type of male hormoneThere are

It also boosts the immune system and improves the overall health of the body, which indirectly improves sexual function.

Foods high in zinc

• oyster
• beef
• pork
• sesame (seeds)
• almond
• cheese

Foods containing citrulline

Citrulline is used by the body toPromotes nitric oxide production and dilates blood vesselsThere are

Improved blood flow allows sufficient blood to flow to the male organ to support erections.

Foods high in citrulline

• watermelon
• cucumber
• melon (esp. a muskmelon, Cucumis melo)
• pumpkin

Foods containing DHA and EPA

DHA and EPA are omega-3 fatty acids that can be expected to improve blood circulation and vascular function.

By this,Blood flows smoothly through blood vesselsThis will improve erectile dysfunction.

Foods high in DHA and EPA

• mackerel (esp. the chub mackerel, Scomber japonicus)
• Pacific bluefin tuna (edible fish, Thunnus orientalis)
• sardine (esp. the sardine of the Japanese pilchard)
• mackerel pike
• horse mackerel (Carangidae spp., esp. the Japanese horse mackerel, Trachurus japonicus)

Foods containing arginine

Arginine is an amino acid that, like citrulline, helps produce nitric oxide, resulting in vasodilation.

This improves blood flow to the male organ and can be expected to resolve erectile dysfunction.

Foods high in arginine

• chicken meat
• tofu
• garlic (Allium sativum)
• eel (esp. the Japanese eel, Anguilla japonica)
• cheese

Foods to avoid in improving erectile dysfunction

What types of diets have a negative impact on erectile dysfunction?

Here are some dietary tips to keep in mind if you suffer from erectile dysfunction.

High-calorie meals

High-calorie diets can easily lead to obesity and increase the risk of diabetes and atherosclerosis.

Rapid weight gain due to a calorie-overloaded diet can lead to a deterioration of blood flow and affect testosterone secretion, increasing the risk of erectile dysfunction.

Fried foods, fast foods, snack foods, sweet breads and sweets tend to be high in calories, so be careful not to overeat.

Meals high in salt

In addition to calories, you need to be careful not to consume too much salt.

In particular, ramen noodles, pickles, and dried fish are high in salt, and excessive daily consumption can easily lead to high blood pressure.

High blood pressure often triggers arteriosclerosis, which increases the risk of erectile dysfunction.

Since it is easy to become oversensitive to salt when eating out or eating instant foods, try to maintain a well-balanced diet.

Meals high in fat

A diet high in saturated and trans fats increases bad cholesterol (LDL) and increases the risk of obesity and atherosclerosis.

Excessive fat intake can also cause hormonal imbalance, which can easily lead to erectile dysfunction.

How to Improve Erectile Dysfunction Besides Food

In treating erectile dysfunction, here are some things to keep in mind besides your daily diet.

moderate exercise

Exercise is the one thing that you should make a habit of in order to improve erectile dysfunction.

Exercise promotes blood flow in the body and maintains and improves vascular health. As a result, the amount of blood flowing to the male organ increases, which may help improve erectile dysfunction.

Exercise also maintains the balance of male hormones and helps prevent ED.

Aerobic exercise, such as jogging, walking, and cycling, is especially recommended for improving erectile dysfunction because of its positive effects on the cardiovascular system.

Improved quality of sleep

A major enemy of reproductive function is lack of sleep.

Insufficient sleep or shallow and poor quality sleep is the norm, resulting in decreased testosterone production and increased risk of erectile dysfunction.

Especially nowadays, the use of smartphones and tablets is a factor that interferes with sleep, so it is advisable to refrain from using these devices before bedtime and create a relaxing environment.

Relaxing in warm water before bedtime and exercising with light stretching are also helpful to improve the quality of sleep.

Stress Management

In the case of psychogenic ED, it is important to manage the stress that is the underlying cause.

Although it is difficult to reduce stress to zero, you can deal with stress by, for example, setting aside time for hobbies, meditation, strength training, and other habits.

Smoking cessation and sobriety

Smoking constricts blood vessels and causes deterioration of blood flow, thus increasing the risk of erectile dysfunction.

Alcohol also has a relaxing effect in moderation, but is known to reduce sexual function if consumed in excess.

Therefore, to improve erectile dysfunction, those who have a smoking habit should quit smoking or reduce the number of cigarettes and be careful not to drink too much alcohol.

Treatment at a men's clinic

If lifestyle modifications do not produce results, or if the cause of erectile dysfunction is unclear, treatment at a men's clinic can also be effective.

By undergoing counseling and various tests under the care of a specialist, the cause of the problem can be determined, the appropriate treatment can be selected, and a prescription for a fast-acting medication for ED can be obtained.

If the patient has been traumatized by past failed sexual encounters, he or she may be able to regain control of himself or herself by taking the medication, and this may lead to overcoming psychogenic ED.

Of course, various treatments and lifestyle improvement guidance are available for other EDs as well, so why not add this to your list of options?

RELATED:What is Sex Therapy｜What is counseling and where can I receive it? ｜Humming

For improvement of erectile dysfunction, visit Men's Pride Clinic MITA TOKYO

Erectile dysfunction is one of the most serious problems for men, and it is difficult to discuss with a third party.

In many cases, even if they know they need treatment, the psychological hurdle may seem high, or they may be too busy with work to find the time to come to the clinic.

At Men's Pride Clinic MITA TOKYO, male doctors examine patients in completely private consultation rooms, providing a comfortable environment for sensitive consultations.

The clinic also supports online consultations, making it possible for those who are "too busy to see a doctor" or "too sensitive to talk face-to-face about their problems" to use the service.

If you want to get rid of erectile dysfunction, "regain your male power" or "have confidence in sexual intercourse," please feel free to consult with us at Men's Pride Clinic MITA TOKYO.

RELATED:The effects of hospital visits, medications, and supplements are thoroughly explained.

summary

Erectile dysfunction is a serious problem for men and can sometimes have a negative impact on their relationships with their significant partners.

In some cases, erectile dysfunction is caused by some disease or physical disorder, while in other cases it is caused by stress.

The first step is to accurately identify the cause of erectile dysfunction and start the necessary treatment.

There are many men's clinics that offer treatment for erectile dysfunction, but it is important to choose a clinic that offers adequate privacy and a comfortable environment for treatment.

If you are worried that other people will find out about your ED treatment, or if you are too busy with work and do not have time to visit the clinic, please contact Men's Pride Clinic MITA TOKYO first.