Erectile Dysfunction (impotence)

Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence , is a condition in men in which sexual impotence and inability to have full sexual intercourse are observed. Achieving or maintaining an erection is not usually a cause for concern, but it can affect quality of life and lead to anxiety, relationship problems, and loss of self-esteem.

The causes of impotence in men can be:

• mental - depression, experienced stressful situations, conflicts with a loved one, problems with the nervous system;
• nervous - various types of injuries, damage to the intervertebral discs, excessive use of alcoholic beverages, undergone surgery on the bladder, pelvis, the presence of multiple sclerosis;
• arterial - hypertension, smoking, diabetes mellitus;
• venous - a violation of the mechanism of blood flow to the penis;
• medical - use of luteinizing hormone, drugs to lower blood pressure, some sports supplements; hormonal problems;
• other factors.

Men with diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and other health conditions may have a higher risk of erectile dysfunction. Stress, anxiety and depression can also be a cause. There are different treatment options for impotence depending on the cause. Your doctor may recommend medication, testosterone replacement therapy, implant surgery or removal of blocked blood vessels.

Diet and lifestyle

Changes in lifestyle and diet can improve the condition both alone and in combination with medical treatment. Regular exercise, quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption can reduce the risk of developing conditions such as obesity and cardiovascular disease that lead to erectile dysfunction. In addition, they can help improve overall health and regulate stress levels, contributing to a healthy sex life.

• regular physical activity;
• varied diet, balanced and nutritious food;
• maintaining a healthy weight;
• limiting alcohol consumption;
• smoking avoidance;
• sharing intimate caresses with a partner without sexual intercourse.

• erectile dysfunction is less common in men who follow a Mediterranean diet;
• weight loss improves potency in overweight or obese men;
• men who follow a "western diet" may have lower sperm quality.

Useful foods for erectile dysfunction (impotence)

In case of impotence for men it is extremely necessary to take products containing:

• protein (cottage cheese, meat and boiled fish, eggs);
• zinc (herring, oysters, mackerel, beef liver, shrimp, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, legumes, mushrooms, oatmeal, buckwheat, celery, parsnips, parsley, green tea);
• selenium (garlic, olive oil, celery, olives, seafood);
• phosphorus (wheat bread, cod, beef);
• polyunsaturated fatty acids (unrefined vegetable fats, which are better not to be heat-treated, ie for flavoring salads - flaxseed, walnut, soybean oils and olive oil);
• vitamin C (kiwi, blackcurrant, citrus, spinach, dill, parsley, garlic, green walnuts, sweet and hot peppers, viburnum, broccoli, red cabbage);
• lycopene (tomatoes, red grapefruit - for greater effect these products can be combined with avocado or spinach);
• arginine (pistachios);
• antioxidants - flavonoids (cocoa, dark chocolate, fruits, vegetables, nuts, cereals, tea, wine);
• lycopene (watermelon, tomatoes, grapefruit, papaya, red peppers).

Flavonoids increase blood flow and the concentration of nitric oxide in the blood, both of which play a role in obtaining and maintaining an erection.

Pistachios contain plant proteins, fiber, antioxidants and healthy fats. They can contribute to the health of the cardiovascular system and the production of nitric oxide.

Watermelon is a good source of lycopene, which has important health benefits. Watermelon also contains citrulline, a compound that helps relax blood vessels and improve blood flow.

Dangerous and harmful foods for erectile dysfunction (impotence):

• fast food and semi-finished products;
• sausages, other than home-made, of pure meat, not containing soya, colors, flavors and other substances of unknown origin (;
• carbonated and energy drinks;
• The consumption of pasta, potatoes and rice should not be abused;
• It is not recommended to have white bread made of refined flour in the menu. These are fast and unnecessary carbohydrates.

It is not clear how alcohol affects impotence. A study of 84 men with alcohol dependence found that 25% of them had erectile dysfunction. It is suggested that moderate consumption may reduce the risk of impotence. Smoking and alcohol in combination increase the risk of developing erectile dysfunction. Over 50% of men over the age of 40 have some level of impotence, but this percentage is higher in smokers. This is thought to be due to the fact that smoking can damage the vascular system, affecting the blood supply to the penis. Some narcotics and medications can also cause erectile dysfunction.