Post 200

Erectile Dysfunction

All men over the age of 40 are subject to the possibility of Erectile Dysfunction (ED).  The latest findings are that 40% of 40 year old men suffer from some degree of erectile dysfunction, which is hardly a problem of senior citizens. The first thing to rule out is the onset of diabetes. Many men will experience ED which is actually caused by the development of undiagnosed diabetes. We are seeing more ED in younger men than ever before.  Low testosterone is often the cause although there are many other reasons. Here is a short list of common reasons for ED;

• Diabetes
• Undiagnosed Diabetes
• Low Testosterone
• Soy Products– this is a real problem in processed food products. Many men have been eating soy whether they were aware or not for decades. This disrupts the testosterone balance and increases estrogen
• Hormones in Foods– particular dairy.  For decades the public was exposed to hormones in our foods like cheese, milk, sour cream, etc., again, all unknown to us
• Poor physical condition and a lack of exercise, especially as you age
• Obesity
• Drugs and Alcohol Abuse
• Smoking
• Opiate Addiction or Abuse
• Barbiturates – all
• Specific Anti-Depressants
• Vegan Diet
• Deficiency in Animal Protein
• ED can be a symptom of the onset of the development of various diseases

Most often, a loss of optimal testosterone levels can be the cause. If this is the reason for ED, the following herbs can be the perfect place to start as a corrective;  These herbal supplements need about 2 weeks to build up in the system and begin to work in the hormonal system. Any hormonal herb selected can be generally benefited by adding a determined amount of Yohimbe and DHEA

Herbs

• Epimedium- also known as Horny Goat Weed
• Tongkat Ali– also more commonly known as Longjack
• Tribulus
• Triphala
• Yohimbe– a great vasodilator- Caution however- always start with just 1/3 of a regular capsule and work up to as much as needed including an extract pill if needed
• Maca– this also helps with fertility (causes sperm to swim faster)
• Panax Ginseng– Red is best.  This is not only an adaptogen but also a total body tonic which should be taken for a lifetime
• Cayenne- improves blood flow
• Rhodiola– serotonin, for mood issues
• Mucuna– source of dopamine, for mood issues
• Ginkgo Biloba– thins blood, improves memory, helps with circulatory problems including blood flow from plaque issues

A MUST Mushroom– Cordyceps

Cordyceps.  This is the most important mushroom to take and continue to take for both men and women with low libido or any sexual functional issues. Add Maitake to this if you have blood pressure or blood sugar problems.  4 oz. of white button mushrooms is recommended daily by many experts. These can be consumed raw on salads, in any cooked dish or as a side dish.

Add These Supplements With Your Herbal Regimen

•  DHEA– 50 mg average dosage for men over 50 and 25 mg for men under 50. It should not be taken by younger men unless blood work confirms that deficiency. If found deficient, DHEA is a natural solution over pharmaceutical drugs which have serious side effects.  If a drug is taken to bring levels up, DHEA can be a good followup after meeting the goal confirmed with the blood test
• Arginine– 500-1000 mg AM & PM
• Citrulline– 500-1000 mg AM & PM
• Vitamin E– improves circulation and blood flow
• Organic Sulfur– repairs and corrects a broad spectrum of underlying health problems
• Niacin– improves blood flow, especially small capillaries

Negative Foods

• Bad Fats– good fats are helpful such as coconut, olive, grapeseed, avocado. Bad fats, especially corn, soy, and other “vegetable oils” should be avoided
• Soda
• Red Meat which is not grass fed, not labeled hormone-free
• Eggs which are not pastured, not labeled hormone-free
• Dairy, Meats, Eggs etc, which are not labeled “hormone free”
• Beer, Hard Alcohol
• Foods that are negative for prostate health
• High fructose corn syrup (leading cause of developing diabetes)
• Canned soups
• Farm-raised fish
• Soy, soy oil
• White Flour Products

Positive Foods

• Watermelon- always eat the white on the rind (source of citrulline)
• Beets (produces NO- nitric oxide)
• Green Vegetables
• Pumpkin Seeds (protects the prostate and reduces inflammation)
• Grass Finished Beef
• Clean Animal Protein
• Banana
• Pomegranate (balances hormone, works on the brain)
• Dark Berries (reduces inflammation, protects the kidneys)
• Paprika
• Chili Peppers (improves blood flow)
• Cayenne Peppers (produces blood flow)
• Broccoli & Other Cruciferous Vegetables (balances hormones)
• Figs
• Lettuce
• Almonds (anti-cancer)
• Apple
• Citrus Fruits
• Beets (source of NO)
• Chicken (hormone-free)
• Organic Corn
• Beans