What ingredients to be cautious of and why?
Generally, whenever the concept of “natural enhancement” of sex, sexual health and performance comes to our minds, we always think of herbs, supplements and ingredients that are well-known to improve libido, act as aphrodisiacs and are free from any side or adverse effects. This, however, is not the complete side of the picture. There are, in fact, several natural (and dietary) ingredients that, when consumed on regular basis, can lead to reduced sexual activity, decreased libido and even, sometimes, complete male impotency (erectile dysfunction).
Following is a outline of some of the main dietary ingredients that are not considered healthy for sexual health and activity.
Yohimbe (Yohimbine): While regarded by some as an aphrodisiac and sexual stimulant, there are mixed opinions about the safety of the herb Yohimbe. It is true that Yohimbe bark has been used as an aphrodisiac (sexual stimulant)for many years, and yohimbine has recently been studied as a potential treatment for erectile dysfunction (male impotence). However, its active ingredient is an alkaloid called yohimbine which is currently under investigation by FDA. Also, little clinical research has been done to prove the effects of Yohimbe or yohimbine on the growth of sexual organ or on its effect on sexual performance. Clinical trials of yohimbine have found contradictory results regarding its effectiveness. Yohimbe bark has been declared an unsafe herb in Germany because of such complications as increased heart rate and blood pressure, and even kidney failure. In addition, Yohimbe should not be taken by people with heart problems, high blood pressure, anxiety, and kidney disease, those who are pregnant or taking antidepressants. All of these facts make Yohimbe a controversial drug whose effectiveness and safety is yet to be established.
Nicotine (Tobacco): Several studies have found that there is a strong link between tobacco consumption / smoking and difficulties having an erection. Remember, nicotine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it tightens blood vessels and restricts blood flow. In the long term, it has even been shown to cause permanent damage to arteries. Since a man's erection depends on blood flow, researchers assumed smoking would affect erections. Studies have confirmed this time and again. Since a man's erection depends on blood flow, smoking can cause softer erection even with just 2 cigarettes. In a study published in Addiction Behavior, it was shown that just two cigarettes could cause softer erections in male smokers. Results are corroborated by a review of all studies done on impotent men over the last two decades. The research showed that 40 percent of men affected by impotence were smokers, as opposed to 28 percent of the general male population.
Caffeine: Caffeine raises blood pressure, a condition associated with infertility in men and decreased libido in both sexes. Caffeine also places stress on the adrenal glands, which are important to the creation of most hormones. Medical studies show regular caffeine intake decreases testosterone production. It also increases muscle tension, making it hard to relax. This is detrimental since a state of relaxation is very important to a satisfactory sexual experience. Lastly, caffeine is a vasoconstrictor and can impede the penis' ability to fill with blood, resulting in soft or no erections.
Sugar (glucose): One of the main causes of erectile dysfunction in people with diabetes is high blood sugar; this is the first link between impotence and diabetes. Having high blood sugar causes nerve damage and blood vessel damage, both of which directly affect one's ability to achieve and maintain an erection. When the blood vessels become damaged, they are unable to properly release nitric oxide. This release of nitric oxide is essential because nitric oxide is the chemical which sends a message to the arteries in the muscles of the penis that it is time to relax and allow blood flow to come in, which will result in an erection. When the nitric oxide is blocked by the damaged blood vessels, the blood vessels in the penis become constricted and do not allow the amount of blood flow that is needed for a full erection to occur.
Cholesterol: Like high blood glucose, there also seems to be a higher number of men that suffer from higher cholesterol and develop erectile dysfunction or impotence. In a person with high cholesterol, fatty deposits form in the artery walls (the process is medically known as atherosclerosis). These fatty deposits not only result in high blood pressure, which also leads to impotence, but can contribute to impotence itself because it not only further reduces proper blood flow to the penis, but also interferes with the body’s ability to allow blood vessels to dilate properly to achieve an erection.
Soy: Soy is a major protein source found in many foods and drinks. The FDA allows label claims that soy foods help lower cholesterol, and other studies have found that they reduce the risk of prostate cancer. However, researchers have not ruled out the possibility that too much soy can affect your manliness. That's because one of the ways it achieves its healthful effects is by mimicking the female sex hormone. Therefore, Soy foods have estrogenic effect. While there's no evidence that a moderate soy intake will have a negative impact on your sex life, it's theoretically possible that a high intake could.
In short, achieving and maintaining a good sexual health in males is not only about avoiding certain dietary ingredients. It is also about adopting a healthy and well-balanced diet that contains components from all food groups. According to the most sexologists and health care experts, one of the best ways to improve sexual is health through avoiding what is bad and adopting what is good. That’s how making wise food choices can also help prevent common male disorders such as erectile dysfunction or impotency.
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