Erectile dysfunction, or ED, is a common problem for many men, both young and old. Not surprisingly, the search for a solution to this frustrating and embarrassing problem is a top concern those who experience it.
But before you can treat, or even cure erectile dysfunction, it’s necessary to know what’s causing the issue. Problems with your brain, hormones, or blood flow can all cause ED, and there could be a wide variety of reasons why any of the above are out of whack.
Chances are there’s more than one cause. The good news is that natural ED supplements can help.
I’ll cover these supplements in more detail, but first let’s dive a little deeper into those underlying causes.
Causes of ED
Some of the most common causes of ED include physical, lifestyle, and psychological problems, all of which certain ED supplements have been shown to improve.
Issues such as clogged arteries, high blood pressure and/or cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, or physical injury can all potentially cause ED. Excess alcohol consumption and smoking won’t do your favors in the erectile department, either. (1)
Besides that, certain psychological factors like depression and performance anxiety could be at play. Surprisingly, a large portion of men even develop ED from watching porn.
This lengthy list of possibilities might seem overwhelming at first, but don’t be discouraged – because once you know the causes, you’ll then be able to choose the best natural ED supplements to fix them, starting by improving your overall health.
Before beginning any supplementation to treat ED, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider. Not only will they be able to narrow down the cause of your ED, but they can also ensure that the supplements you’re considering are safe for you given your health history and other medications.
- ED can be caused by a number of medical and lifestyle issues, including cardiovascular problems, hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, and drinking.
- Erectile dysfunction may also be caused by psychological factors, such as depression, performance anxiety, or excessive viewing of pornography.
- Once the cause of the problem is identified, a suitable supplement can be used to help treat it.
- If you have preexisting condition or are currently taking medication, talk to your doctor before taking any supplements.
Natural ED Supplements to Stimulate Blood Flow
When choosing natural ED supplements, try to find things that are known to increase proper blood flow. Specifically, you’ll be looking for products that facilitate nitric oxide production.
Nitric oxide helps your blood vessels to relax and therefore ushers blood through your body uninhibited, and is one of the main contributors to erection quality. (2)
Citrulline and L-Arginine
L-citrulline is an amino acid which transforms into another amino acid in the kidneys called L-arginine, along with nitric oxide. Since nitric oxide is that vital ingredient that aids in healthy blood flow, this is one of the more highly suggested ED supplements.
Foods like watermelon, lemons, and pomegranates are high in L-citrulline.
Folic Acid (Vitamin B12)
Another supplement that creates nitric oxide is folic acid (otherwise known as vitamin B12), which again, open those blood vessels up for improved blood flow. It’s often taken as a separate supplement, but you can also get folic acid from foods like oranges, leafy greens, grains, and beans.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Vitamin B3, also known as niacin, also helps with blood flow. Foods with a good source of niacin include milk, eggs, nuts, and meat, to name a few.
With a myriad of benefits, vitamin B3 is even shown to improve conditions for stroke patients, so it makes sense that it would be good as an ED supplement too.
It’s important to avoid alcohol consumption while taking vitamin B3. This can be an excellent motivator to quit drinking – which, in turn, is even better for treating the symptoms of ED.
- One way to treat ED is to take supplements that increase blood flow.
- Supplements that increase levels of nitric oxide are excellent ways to increase blood flow and improve erection quality.
- Some examples include l-citruline, l-arginine, vitamin B12 (folic acid), and vitamin B3 (niacin).
ED Supplements to Improve Lifestyle Factors
Once you’ve found a way to increase blood flow, the next step is boosting energy and mood for which these ED supplements can be of assistance. These may help improve sexual dysfunction that is related to psychological issues.
Vitamin D
It’s common knowledge that you can get vitamin D from the sun. While that’s true, vitamin D-deficiency is becoming more prevalent due to many modern lifestyles where both work and play are indoors,
Adding a vitamin D supplement will help with inflammation that could be causing decreased blood flow, and it also promotes testosterone, proving to be one of the more critical ED supplements that can really help.
Panax Ginseng
Originating from ancient Chinese medicine and known as the “herbal Viagra”, Panax ginseng has shown positive results as an ED supplement. It is known for increasing energy, stamina, and alertness, and these same benefits also seem to have a healing effect for men with erectile dysfunction.
There are a few different kinds of Panax ginseng that may be found in many ED supplements. For example, red ginseng is used unpeeled and steamed, and is more stimulating and heat-inducing.
However, white ginseng is dried before peeling and is less intense than its red counterpart.
Rhodiola Rosea
Another herb that is known to help increase energy while reducing fatigue, stress, and symptoms of depression is Rhodiola Rosea, and in some instances, it seen used as an ED supplement. (3)
Since lack of performance in the bedroom can stem from a low mood and lack of self-confidence, these energy and mood-boosting herbs can make a difference.
- Supplements that improve mood and energy may be helpful for those whose ED is psychologically based.
- Some good examples of these supplements include vitamin D, ginseng, and rhodiola rosea.
In Closing
When choosing ED supplements, look for things to increase blood flow while boosting mood and energy levels. Whether by vitamins, herbal supplements, or other male enhancement products, it’s those qualities that make the best ED supplements.
Get your underlying health issues in check with the help of the right supplements, and as always, check for side effects related to any of these products to make sure they’re right for you.
References
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/erectile-dysfunction/symptoms-causes/syc-20355776
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17170606
3. https://cms.herbalgram.org/herbalgram/issue56/article2333.html
Mark McIntyre is the founder of MaleHealthReview.com and acts as it’s chief contributor. He is a fitness trainer and avid mountain biker who also enjoys camping, hiking and fishing. Besides managing Male Health Review, Mark is also a guest columnist for several blogs related to men’s health. More about this author…
