Eight things you eat/drink that can cause erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common health condition among men. It is simply the inability to develop or maintain an erection enough for sexual intercourse.

Just as what you consume can affect your health, it can also affect your sex life.

Although one of the things you consume is unlikely to cause erectile dysfunction, a pattern of an unhealthy diet can contribute greatly to it.

• Alcohol

Overconsumption of alcohol can affect your sexual health negatively. According to a study, men who take excessive alcohol have a higher risk of experiencing erectile dysfunction.

The study also showed that 72% of men who are heavy drinkers had one or more sexual dysfunction disorders including premature ejaculation, low sexual desire, or erectile dysfunction.

Excessive alcohol consumption also prevents blood flow to the penis and reduces sensation and your ability to develop and maintain an erection. So be moderate in your alcohol intake.

• White bread

White bread and refined-grain cereals can lead to lower testosterone. During the course of processing this white flour, some of the nutrients that are needed for sexual health are being removed.

This white flour is also classified as simple carbohydrates. Excessive intake of simple carbohydrates can lead to weight gain which will further increase your estrogen levels and lower testosterone.

• Bottled water

It might sound odd to you but it is the fact. In this case, water is definitely not the cause but the bottle.

There is a chemical compound found in bottles and cans called bisphenol-A (BPA) that has been proven to have a negative effect on fertility.

A study showed the association between urinary BPA concentration in men and a decrease in sperm count, motility, vitality, and concentration.

Another study said company workers exposed to very high levels of the chemical bisphenol-A were four to seven times as likely to report sexual function problems.

• Sugar

Excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and other sugary foods is linked to weight gain because they constitute a major source of calories with little or no nutritional value.

However, obesity has been proven to have a direct effect on testosterone which can further lead to erectile dysfunction.

• Pizza

If you want to restore your erection, you have to drop that slice of pizza. Pizza contains refined flour and cheese which are high in saturated fat.

The saturated fat can lead to arterial blockage if left untreated. Arterial blockage reduces or blocks blood flow which further leads to erectile dysfunction due to a lack of blood in the penis.

• Diary

Excessive intake of milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter can affect your erection. These foods are high in saturated fats, especially cheese which can affect sperm motility and quality.

Research by the University of Rochester showed sperm quality and motility of men who take excessive dairy are affected more than those who take less.

• Soy

Soy is undoubtedly beneficial to the body but excessive intake can be dangerous to your sex life. A study found that consuming soy protein powder lowers testosterone levels by 19 percent. Soy and its products can also drive down libido in both men and women.

• Canned foods, drinks

Canned foods and drinks are not advisable at all. Just like bottles, aluminum cans contain bisphenol-A which can lead to different sexual issues like low sex drive and satisfaction.

Rather than going for canned foods or soups, get them fresh and be safe.

Your sexual health is as important as your general health. Therefore, stop the excessive intake of the above foods and go for ones that will help you sexually.