Like other types of “plumbing”, the human circulatory system works most efficiently when there are no obstructions, bottlenecks or leaks in the pipes. Problems with erectile dysfunction (ED) can therefore be traced to blood flow issues to the penis. While there are many prescription medications for ED, men can have better results by naturally decreasing peripheral vascular resistance, which leads to clearer blood vessels and better blood flow.

Men with high cholesterol are at an increased risk for peripheral vascular resistance and ED because they have more obstructions in their circulatory system due to cholesterol-based plaques that occlude the openings in blood vessels. This means that nutrients in the blood may not be able to get to all of the body’s cells, particularly to the most distal areas, including the penis. Achieving healthy cholesterol levels is therefore an important factor in male erectile health. This is best done by decreasing saturated fatty food intake and exercising daily, which allows the body to use its fat stores and naturally reduce the chance of these obstructions.

Male patients with hypertension are also at an increased risk for ED, due to narrowed blood vessels from smooth muscle contraction that surrounds the blood vessels. Narrowing in these vessels means that the most distal tissue from the heart is impacted the most. Certain electrolytes, such as sodium, chloride, calcium and potassium, can cause the smooth muscle contraction. Avoiding excessive amounts of these substances in one’s diet and getting regular cardiovascular exercise that leads to sweat can prevent muscle contraction in the vessels and decrease the chance of bottlenecks occurring.

Diabetes can have a significant impact on ED as well. The characteristic sign of diabetes is an increase in sugar glucose in the bloodstream. The other telltale sign is the body’s inability to regulate blood glucose throughout the day. Diabetes impacts men’s health because glucose is a particularly damaging molecule to blood vessels throughout the body, causing microscopic tears that can create leaks in the vascular system. These leaks mean that such areas as the kidneys, penis, fingers and feet can be deprived of nutrient-rich blood. Eating a balanced diet and minimizing refined sugars is an important step in regulating blood sugar, and regular aerobic exercise will burn blood sugar first to help deplete elevated levels.

Natural approaches such as these can cure not only symptoms like ED, but the underlying disease states as well, and disease states cannot be eliminated without lifestyle modifications. While medications may help with symptoms, they pale in comparison to the effectiveness of regular intensive exercise and a healthy, balanced diet.

Kevin Ryan is a registered pharmacist at Johnson Compounding & Wellness. Located at 577 Main St., Waltham. For more information, call 781-893-3870 or visit NaturalCompounder.com.