It is amazing how much our diet can influence our body’s functions and processes. From our weight, metabolism and hormone levels, to our overall health and well-being; by making a few select choices, you can change your life.
But what about your dick? Are there any foods that can help you to stay erect? Or is this just another urban myth? A story to trick men into changing their dietary habits?
What Will You Learn?
- Introduction to the Science Behind the Erection
- What Are the Causes of Erectile Dysfunction?
- The Science:
- Popular Erectile Dysfunction Treatments?
- Foods That Can Help You Stay Erect
- How Does Viasil Work to Help You Get Hard?
- The Science Behind It
In this article, we shall explore the idea of natural male enhancement foods, and see which can help you to get and stay hard, and which don’t make the cut.
Introduction to the Science Behind the Erection
Before we delve into the world of natural male enhancement foods, it is important that you first understand how erections work and the common triggers for erectile dysfunction.
Do that, and you can fully appreciate how these natural foods can be used for male libido enhancement.
What Are the Causes of Erectile Dysfunction?
To put it simply, erectile dysfunction relates to an inability for men to get it up and maintain an erection during sex.
Now, this can crop up at any time in your life, and it is nothing to panic about if it happens on rare occasions. Hell, it is to be expected once you hit your 30s as your natural testosterone levels drop.
However, should it prove to be an ongoing issue, then failing to rise to the occasion could start to affect other areas of your life i.e. your confidence and self-esteem; causing you to fall into a continuous cycle of fear, self-doubt and stress, which could trigger further instances of erectile problems. Thanks but no thanks.
So, what can you do? How can you prevent it from happening?
Well, the first thing you need to know is that you’re not alone.
FACT: 600,000 new cases of erectile dysfunction are recorded every year.
FACT: 40% of men experience erectile dysfunction (to a degree) by the time they are 40 (this increases to 70% by the time you’re 70).
Next, you need to acquaint yourself with what it is; how it is caused, and what you can do to treat it.
The Science:
We touched briefly on the idea of ED, but to understand it better you need to know how your dick works.
Now, the inside of your penis is made up of two cylindrical chambers (your corpora cavernosa) which contain blood vessels and tissue. When you become aroused, your brain sends out chemical messages to these blood vessels, causing them to dilate and increase blood flows into your dick. When this occurs, pressure starts to build and blood gets trapped in your corpora cavernosa, helping you to become erect.
This means, anything that gets in the way of these blood flows – and your ability to retain it – will ultimately harm your erections.
Take the following. Each of these can trigger erectile dysfunction:
Age – once you hit 30, your testosterone levels will start to diminish. Not only does this lead to muscle wastage, weight gain and drops in metabolism; falling testosterone production will influence nitric oxide release which is responsible for blood vessel dilation. As this drops, you will find it harder to get erect and react to sexual stimulation.
Underlying health issues – often problems getting and keeping an erection stem from other health issues. For instance, erectile dysfunction has got strong links with health disease. And this makes sense when you think about it. If your arteries are clogged, then your heart will struggle to pump enough to your dick when you become aroused, resulting in limp or short-lived erections.
Diabetes, high blood pressure and raised cholesterol levels are further underlying triggers that can affect your sex life, as they can hinder blood flows. With diabetes it can damage your nerves and blood vessels; whilst cholesterol and blood pressure will reduce blood flows (including to your penis). Because of this, if you suspect you may have them, we suggest speaking to your doctor.
Obesity – increased body fat around your waist – paired with elevated cholesterol levels – will cause falls in testosterone and sperm production. And as you know, decreases in testosterone and nitric oxide will reduce blood vessel dilation and your responses to sexual desire.
Obesity can also trigger negative changes in your body composition, blood pressure and cholesterol; which again can reduce the amount of blood reaching your penis.
Stress, anxiety and depression – arousal is closely tied to our brains, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles and blood vessels, meaning any chink in this process can easily hasten symptoms of erectile dysfunction (as your body will struggle to react to sexual stimuli and excitement). Should that occur, your body won’t begin the process of sending blood to your dick and engorging your chambers.
In fact, a combination of physical and psychological issues can lead to patterns of anxiety that will heighten the problem further.
The problem with stress is that it can mess with your brain sending signals to your body to direct extra blood to your penis. When this occurs, not only are you left with a wilting dick; it can trigger performance anxiety issues where every time you find yourself in a sexual position, you fear you won’t be able to perform (worsening the situation because this added stress with further hinder blood flows).
Medications – there are certain prescribed medications that have been linked to erectile issues, including antidepressants, antihistamines and medications used to treat high blood pressure, pain and prostate conditions. Now, most should indicate this potential side effect on their packaging. However, if you are in any doubt, speak to your doctor.
Smoking – it is a well-known fact that smoking can influence blood vessel dilation, making it harder for your body to pump blood to where it matters when it is needed i.e. when you’re ready to rock your partner’s world.
Peyronie’s disease – sadly Peyronie’s (penile curvatures that occur as a result of scar tissue inside of your penis) goes hand in hand with erectile dysfunction, as it can affect your penis’s ability to receive and retain blood.
Alcoholism – there is truth to the myth that drinking too much can stop you from getting aroused. Now imagine if you drank huge quantities daily – this will make getting it up a regular struggle. This same reasoning can be applied to substance abuse.
Sleep disorders – this ties to imbalances in hormone levels, in particular testosterone. The less testosterone you’ve got, the bigger the problem.
Injuries to your spine or pelvic region – any damage to your nerves or arteries could affect your ability to control your erections.
Popular Erectile Dysfunction Treatments
From reading the section above, you’ve probably already got a fair idea about what your triggers are.
Yet what can you do to prevent it from escalating? How can you make ED an issue of the past?
Well, the good news is – you’ve got a number of treatment options.
For instance, if ED stems from underlying health problems (your heart, cholesterol, weight or diabetes), then your doctor can help you to get on the right diet or medicinal plan.
Traditionally though, you can expect to pursue any of the following treatment routes:
Medications – there are a number of ED drugs that can help to alleviate symptoms of ED. Common ones include: Viagra, tadalafil (Cialis) and vardenafil (Levitra). These are designed to boost blood flow to your penis when taken prior to sexual activity.
The Science: by increasing the amount of nitric oxide your body produces, this helps the muscles in your penis to relax as well as stimulates blood flows. Combined, you will find that you are able to hold more blood when aroused.
NOTE: most of these medications come with side effects, including flushing, nasal congestion, headaches, visual changes, backache and bad stomachs, so please be careful.
Herbal supplements – the good ones – like Viasil – are created from 100% natural ingredients that work to improve your blood flows by assisting your existing bodily processes i.e. testosterone production or reducing the release of cortisol (a stress hormone that can hinder blood vessel dilation and your circulation).
Psychotherapy – before you dismiss this idea, remember – the biggest cause of ED is psychological issues. Stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem… can all affect your performance.
For this reason, it may be worth considering cognitive-behaviour therapy as it can help you to address negative thought patterns that are influencing your sexual performance.
Penis pumps/hydro pumps – both of these devices are designed to create vacuum pressure around your dick that encourages blood to first rush in and then be retained (through the use of a constriction band). This combination can help you to achieve and maintain an erection whenever you need it.
Surgery – this evasive route is not to be taken lightly, as it involves surgically implanting malleable rods (keep your penis firm but bendable) or inflatable devices (allows you to control when and how long you have an erection) into either side of your penis. Through their presence you should be able to maintain an erection during sex.
NOTE: the danger with doing surgery is that it can create scar tissue and increase your risk of infection, which could further influence your erection quality.
Testosterone replacement – this therapy aims to assist those with low testosterone levels. By increasing its presence, you should benefit from increased nitric oxide and blood flows.
Lifestyle changes – if the root of your erectile issues stem from obesity, high cholesterol/blood pressure levels, lack of exercise and an unhealthy diet; then making the simple decision to implement some lifestyle changes could revitalise the virility of your dick and resolve underlying conditions which are preventing you from getting it up.
TOP TIPS: stop smoking, limit how much alcohol you drink and exercise regularly. Aerobic activity is especially beneficial for ED.
Before you take up any of these ideas, we recommend that you stop and thoroughly think through your options. After all, what might be the right fit for one person doesn’t necessarily mean it will be the right one for you.
Foods That Can Help You Stay Erect
The sad fact is – we greatly underestimate the power foods have to change our lives.
Sure, we recognise their influence on our energy levels and body weight; yet, we rarely look beyond that.
And that is a huge mistake…
Look a little closer, and your dietary choices could be the key to resolving your erectile issues.
FACT: 3-4 portions or glasses of flavonoid-rich foods and drinks can reduce the risk of ED by 21% due to relaxing your blood vessels. In a separate study by the Harvard University, when 25,000 men ate foods rich in flavonoids (anthocyanins, flavanones and flavones) they had lower ED – 9-11% less risk.
FACT: According to a study by the University of East Anglia, men who drink a glass of red wine regularly – alongside plenty of citrus fruits (strawberries, blueberries, apples and pears) – are less likely to develop ED.
See what we mean? The right foods can transform your sex life. So if you’re looking to take back control of your erections, why not take a look at the best natural male enhancement foods below?
Coffee
Coffee is reputed to kick start your metabolism, get your blood pumping (by relaxing your penile arteries and muscles) and boost your endurance by releasing your fat stores. Combine this added blood flow with improved energy levels, and you can keep going well into the night.
TIP: drinking 2-3 cups of coffee (170-375mg of caffeine) a day can prevent ED according to studies on 3,700 men by the University of Texas Health Science Center.
Oysters
Rich in zinc and Vitamin B6, both of these nutrients are essential for testosterone production, meaning should they fall, so will your sex drive.
Chillies
When you become flushed from eating chillies, it is not because you’re warm. It is because chillies help to expand your vessels, enhancing blood flows around your entire body – including your dick.
Studies have also found that men who consume spicy foods tend to have higher levels of testosterone (which is essential for a healthy dick). Its high concentrations of capsaicin (a chemical) are reputed to boost the release of endorphins (a feel-good hormone), which can help ignite your libido.
Bananas
You need a healthy heart to have a healthy dick, and bananas can help you with this in spades. Rich in potassium, this simple nutrient can help to keep your sodium levels under control, keeping your heart and circulation healthy.
At the same time, it can stop your blood pressure from rising and triggering heart issues. NOTE: if you don’t like bananas, you can switch it for oranges and jacket potatoes (in particular its skin).
Salmon
High in omega-3 fatty acids, these can help your blood to be ‘less sticky’ enabling you to experience better blood flows. TIP: alongside salmon, you can try eating mackerel, trout and fresh tuna twice a week (to keep your arteries healthy).
Salmon also contains Vitamin D which is vital for maintaining free testosterone levels and preventing ED. When you don’t get enough Vitamin D, you produce free radicals that can lower your Nitric Oxide levels. When this occurs, your blood vessels struggle to dilate/function, hindering your erection longevity.
According to an Austrian study, when participants took 3,332 IU of Vitamin D a day for a year, their Vitamin D levels rose significantly, helping to elevate their sex drives.
NOTE: According to the National Institute of Health, you should have approximately 600 IU of Vitamin D a day.
Pork
Whilst we might joke about our penises having a mind of their own; they are actually much more complex and require healthy neurons and a strong nervous system to keep them functioning – and your sperm swimming in the right direction.
To achieve this you will need thiamine (Vitamin B1), which pork has in abundance. TIP: you can swap pork for beans and wholemeal bread.
Cherries
Packed full of anthocyanins, cherries are great for protecting your artery walls and stopping fatty plaque from accumulating and clogging your vessels. And the healthier your blood vessels, the easier it will be for you to get it up.
If cherries are not for you, you can try munching on peaches, nectarines and plums.
Onions
Onions contain a phytochemical called allicin which can help to thin blood and improve your circulation (as your vessels will be less likely to clog/clot). If you don’t fancy the bad breath, you can also chew on parsley or peppermints.
Wine
Red wine, in particular, is a great source for resveratrol, an antioxidant phytochemical that can help to open your arteries and increase nitric oxide production. By elevating NO, this can help your blood vessels to expand and boost blood flows across your body. Just be careful to not overdo it and stick to just 1-2 glasses of wine.
Porridge
It might not look sexy, but given that its high soluble fibre count can help to mop up cholesterol and keep your blood vessels smooth and healthy; you’ll soon view it differently.
Avena Sativa (wild oats) are considered particularly beneficial as they contain L-arginine which is known to improve your sex drive and orgasm quality (by enabling your penile blood vessels to relax and your erection to stay standing at attention).
Spinach
Spinach is great for boosting your T levels, as it is rich in folate which is a known circulation booster. In fact, cooked spinach contains 66% of your daily folic acid requirement, and given that folic acid is essential for good reproductive health; being able to get it from one source can make a difference.
Spinach also contains a decent amount of magnesium which can help stimulate blood flows and boost testosterone levels.
Avocados
A strong source for healthy fats, zinc, potassium and vitamins (Vitamin E); avocados can elevate your libido and quickly get you in the mood, as it works to improve your fertility and sex drive.
Zinc, in particular, can help to raise your free testosterone levels, while Vitamin E is known to improve sperm quality and motility.
Carrots
It would seem an easy way to boost your sperm count, motility and fertility is to eat more carrots (according to some studies). This is due to the chemical carotenoid.
Tomatoes
Best known for preventing prostate cancer, tomatoes can also offer you a variety of penile benefits thanks to them being rich in lycopene.
From improving your fertility and sperm quality, to enhancing your sperm concentration, motility and morphology; tomatoes can make a massive difference to your erection strength.
Nuts – Pistachios, Almonds & Walnuts
A study on 17 men suffering with ED, found eating 100g of pistachios for 3 weeks, helped to improve their erection function, as well as their ability to orgasm, their libidos and their sexual satisfaction. They also helped to raise their good cholesterol levels.
This is due to pistachios being high in amino acids that can help to boost the presence of NO in your body. Almonds and walnuts have likewise been noted to produce positive results by supporting your heart with healthy fats.
How Does Viasil Work to Help You Get Hard?
You could say that the reason all of the above foods are so successful at helping you to stay erect is, because they focus on helping your existing bodily processes. They don’t insert fake testosterone or nitric oxide into your body, but seek to elevate it naturally. And in doing so, you can benefit from real, genuine and powerful erections and no added side effects.
Viasil works on the same principle as foods that help you stay erect. This supplement also aims to enrich your body with essential nutrients – zinc, potassium, Vitamin E and B12 – so your body can succeed in producing optimal levels of testosterone, as well as keep your blood vessels healthy and dilated.
The Science Behind It
Viasil works to assist your body’s natural ATP and mitochondria functions that are responsible for nitric oxide creation. By encouraging these two energy systems (ATP and ADP) to work together in synergy – and raise your NO presence – you can benefit from improved blood flows and oxygen delivery; enhanced endurance; increased erection longevity, strength and power; mind-blowing orgasms, and a revitalised libido.
And it achieves all of this by introducing the following natural ingredients into your system: horny goats weed, zinc, citrus sinensis, ginkgo biloba, tribulus terrestris, panax ginseng root and pomegranate.
In fact, every element of this unique formulation has been purposefully chosen for their ability to target your short and long term energy systems.
For more information on Viasil, visit this page.
Conclusion
As you can see, restoring your erections to their former glory doesn’t have to entail endless hours under the knife or the dangers of nasty side effects. By introducing natural male enhancement foods into your diet; you can revitalise your testosterone levels, improve your circulation and help your dick to stay in tip-top shape.
Likewise, incorporating natural supplements such as Viasil that contain nutrients and foods that help you stay erect, can ensure erectile dysfunction is a fear of the past.
