A balanced diet and regular exercise can go a long way in reducing the likelihood of erectile dysfunction. - Contributed

Men suffering from difficulty in achieving and maintaining an erection are described as having erectile dysfunction (ED). This may indicate a much larger problem than just 'performance' concerns. According to research, ED may be the first and earliest indicator of serious diseases like diabetes, heart disease and other circulatory problems.

These studies indicate that ED was often present before these other medical conditions were diagnosed. ED is a strong marker of a man's overall cardiovascular health and an early symptom of a more generalised vascular problem. Due to this understanding, it is now advised that doctors question all male patients over 25 years about ED.

Modern medicine has become very efficient at creating new diseases with fancy names for which the drug industry provides fancy new drugs to treat their symptoms. ED is an example of such a disease. We must recognise that ED is really a symptom rather than a disease. Be aware of the potential for a major underlying health condition like diabetes or heart disease. Look for causes like depression or prescription medication or alcohol and cigarette smoking rather than just treat the symptoms.

Hopefully, men are beginning to realise that merely popping a pill like Viagra is not the answer to having their sexual vitality return. They should be concerned with Viagra's side effects like colour blindness, headaches, nasal congestion and flushing. Viagra has also been identified as a potential risk factor for heart disease, stroke and infertility. That is why, if you struggle with sexual dysfunction, consider first the following safe and healthy tools to treat your condition.

Good nutrition

Balanced nutrition is essential. Optimal quantities of healthy protein, along with seven or more daily servings of fruit and vegetables, are key components of an anti-ED diet. The cellular nutrition programme, along with antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, selenium and the omega-3 fats from fish oil, provides an ideal nutritional base.

If you are obese, you must correct this problem as excess fat contributes to ED.

The amino acid L-Arginine is nature's own Viagra. It enhances the production of an important substance called nitric oxide by the cells lining the walls of the blood vessels, resulting in increased blood flow. It does naturally what Viagra does artificially.

Exercise

Studies have shown that active men who engage in regular physical activity lowered their risk of experiencing sexual dysfunction. So start an exercise programme, gentlemen! Remember, when using exercise as a drug, it is important to set a goal of 60-90 minutes per day, every day. Obviously, depending on your current condition, you may need to work slowly up to this level. I recommend a combination of resistance and aerobic exercises.

Stress management

Because sexual dysfunction can worsen due to stress and anxiety, take control of your emotions by learning to manage stress. Self-help approaches like relaxation and breathing exercises, self-hypnosis and the emotional freedom technique are proven psychology tools that can be very useful.

Other psychological factors like depression must be looked for and adequately treated.

Herbal supplements

A variety of herbs are useful in combating ED,

Some herbals like yohimbine, pycnogenol and gingko biloba enhance blood flow and thus support healthy erections.

Another group of herbs act as general sexual tonics. Heading the list are the dried roots of one of several plants collectively referred to as ginseng. This list includes the Asian (Chinese/Korean) ginseng - Panax ginseng, American ginseng - Panax quinquefolius and Siberian ginseng - (Eleutherococcus senticosus. The South American herb maca is also called Peruvian ginseng.

Apart from sexual enhancement, these herbs support the adrenal glands and are called adaptogens. They help us adapt and deal with stress more effectively.

Other herbal sexual tonics include guarana, schizandra, sarsaparilla, green tea, Swiss oats, Tribulus terrestris, Muira puama (potency wood) and horny goat weed.

Special mention must be made of an extract from a beetle called the Spanish fly (cantharides). This substance is an irritant to the urethra (urinary passage) and does induce penile erection. It is, however, highly toxic with serious side effects like hypertension, convulsions and even death, Avoid this potentially dangerous aphrodisiac.

Hormone balancing replacement

As men age, the levels of the main male hormone, testosterone falls. This decline begins by the time he is 30 years old and continues until death. A low testosterone level is a significant factor in many cases of ED. A simple blood test of testosterone and free testosterone will tell if this is a problem,

One reason for the fall in testosterone is that men, as they age, begin converting their male hormone testosterone into female hormones - oestrogen. So you should also have your female hormone levels checked along with thyroid hormone, DHEA, progesterone and human growth hormone.

A skilled practitioner can then help you balance your hormones in a natural, non-toxic way.

Avoid toxins

Many substances can interfere with sexual function, among them a long list of prescription medicines and over-the-counter drugs. Recreational drugs like alcohol, tobacco, cocaine and marijuana can all impair penile erections. Avoidance of or minimising your use of these substances may be very important in dealing with ED.

So if you have concerns about ED, do not just pop a pill. Get to the root of the problem and correct its cause.

Email Dr. Tony Vendryes at info@anounceofprevention.org or listen to him on Power 106FM on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m.