The Worst Foods for Erectile Dysfunction
Medically reviewed by Jamin Brahmbhatt, MD
Erectile dysfunction (ED) makes it hard for a person to get or keep an erection. While there is no one, specific food that will cause ED, certain foods can increase the risk of developing ED or make it worse. Alcohol and saturated fat are two food groups that have been shown to increase the risk of ED.
This article will cover the worst foods for ED and then discuss the best diet for ED.
Dusan Stankovic / Getty Images
How Common Is ED?
ED is a prevalent condition within the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 30 million people in the United States have ED. It is more common in middle-aged and older people but can happen anytime.
While ED may be difficult to discuss with a healthcare provider, it is important to do so as ED can be a sign of blood vessel changes within the body.
Foods to Avoid for Erectile Dysfunction
ED is a complex condition that is not based on a single dietary choice. Several factors increase the risk of ED including:
Diet
Certain medications
Smoking
Lack of exercise
Obesity
Anxiety
Depression
Below is a list of foods that increase the likelihood of developing ED, along with why these foods are a poor choice and how they increase ED risk.
Alcohol
Alcohol has been proven to negatively affect ED. Long-term heavy alcohol use changes blood vessels and nerves, including those in the penis. Research has shown that this change in the vasculature, or blood vessels, can cause ED.
Red Meat
Red meat, which is defined as animal flesh such as beef that is red when raw, is high in saturated fat and have been shown to increase the risk of ED.
Too much saturated fat causes a buildup within the blood vessels, this is called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by making it more difficult for the heart to pump blood throughout the body. Researchers have found that ED is a risk factor for CVD.
What this means is that if the body is unable to properly get blood to the penis, it may also have difficulty getting blood to other areas of the body like the brain and coronary arteries.
Fried Food
Fried foods are a common food that is also high in saturated fat. Popular fried foods are:
French fries
Chicken tenders
Fried chicken
Mozzarella sticks
Egg rolls
Just like red meat, eating too much fried food will increase cholesterol levels and increase the risk of atherosclerosis. Fried food can also cause obesity, which is another risk factor for ED.
Sodium
In today's world, most of the sodium consumption comes from eating prepackaged, processed foods. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends 2,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium or less per day. Those with hypertension (high blood pressure) should have 1,500 mg or less.
High blood pressure is one of the risk factors for ED. As a result, people who consume a large amount of sodium may be increasing their blood pressure and, in turn, raising their risk for ED.
Best Foods for Erectile Dysfunction
When choosing a diet to help reduce the risk of ED, research has shown the Mediterranean diet to be a good choice. The Mediterranean diet focuses on whole, unprocessed foods. It encourages people to eat the following:
Fruits
Vegetables
Beans
Nuts
Seeds
Olive oil
Dairy in limited amounts
Fish and poultry a few times a week
Talk to a healthcare provider before making major dietary changes. Certain foods could have an impact on your medications and should be reviewed before being implemented.
Summary
Erectile dysfunction is a common condition. There are numerous risk factors for developing ED, including a diet that consists of saturated fats, fried foods, alcohol, and sodium. The best diet to prevent ED is the Mediterranean diet. This diet is full of fresh, unprocessed foods.
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
