The Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association just reported findings which showed that men with erectile dysfunction were 1.9 times more likely to die from cardiovascular disease, twice as likely to have a heart attack, 1.2 times more likely to be hospitalized for heart failure and 1.1 times more likely to have a stroke.

It is estimated that 30 million men in America suffer from erectile dysfunction.  ED has been a growth market for the pharmaceutical industry, however, drugs that treat ED do not address the underlying cause of the problem—cardiovascular disease.  Erectile dysfunction drugs work so well symptomatically that men think they are functioning healthily when in fact they are at great risk of heart disease, stroke, and death.  In other words, ED is symptomatic of a more dangerous condition.

ChicagoHealers.com Practitioner Dr. Ian Wahl, DAc, LAc, CH offers the following tips for men who wants to stay healthy and live to a ripe old age with a healthy, joyful sex life.

All men who experience erectile dysfunction should be checked for other risk factors of cardiovascular disease. These risk factors include more than just high blood pressure and cholesterol, but also atherosclerosis and other vascular problems such as the build-up of plaque that precede heart attacks and strokes.
Eat a heart healthy diet

Choose olive oil, and non-hydrogenated cholesterol-lowering margarines

Limit unhealthy fats such as lard, bacon fat, cream sauce, non-dairy creamers, hydrogenated margarine and shortening

Choose low-fat protein choices such as fat-free dairy products, fish (especially fatty, cold-water fish such as salmon), beans, and lean meats.

Limit full-fat dairy products, bacon, egg yolks, cold cuts, hot dogs, highly-marbled fatty meats, fried foods.

Choose more fruits and vegetables.  Even canned fruits packed in water or their own juice

Avoid cream sauces and fried and breaded foods

Choose whole-grain foods

Limit processed foods made with refined flour

Use herbs and spices rather than salt, or use reduced-salt condiments

Don’t overeat

Limit eating between meals to healthy snacks

Exercise

It is recommended that we spend 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least 5 days a week.  However, shorter amounts of exercise offer cardiovascular benefits.  Even 10 minute daily sessions will provide tremendous health benefits.  It is easy to start with slow walking and work your way to a more moderate pace that is in keeping with your physical capabilities. Always check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.

Swimming is the ideal cardiac exercise

Avoid cigarette and cigar smoke

Don’t smoke and stay away from those who do.

Second-hand smoke is just as bad for your cardiovascular system.

Relax and de-stress

Although emotional stress isn’t bad in itself, when it is triggered inappropriately, it affects your health and immune system.  Work stress, financial stress, relationship stress—all take their toll on our health.

5-Second Breathing Technique: Inhale slowly for 5 seconds, hold it, and then exhale slowly for 5 seconds. Try to keep your breathing as even as possible and focus on oxygen filling up in your lungs.  When you exhale, imagine releasing all your stress and negative energy in one sigh.
A man’s spiritual health can be just as important as his physical health.  You can be spiritual without attending religious services.  Spirituality is about getting in touch with your soul, with who you are beyond the roles you play in the workforce, family, and community.  Writing in a journal periodically by jotting down your thoughts, breathing meditatively as mentioned above, and reading inspirational books are ways to enhance the body, mind, spirit connection.

Take whole-food supplements

Omega-3 Fish Oil capsules

Vitamin D3, 400-800 IU daily

CoQ10, 100-200mg daily

B-Complex Vitamins

Good quality whole-food multi-vitamin with minerals

And one last bit of advice: Do yourself and your family a favor— have your blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked regularly.  Keep yourself healthy, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually and you dramatically reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease or erectile dysfunction.

Posted: March 22nd, 2010 under erectile dysfunction.
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