From the Desk of Carolyn Dean MD ND
The topic of men’s erectile dysfunction, (ED) or impotence was only whispered about until the drug Viagra was accidently invented by Pfizer employees who were searching for new cardiovascular drugs. Who knows how they came to that conclusion! An internet search brings forward a host of Viagra ads meant to distract people with ED from looking for a natural solution by offering them a workaround – take a drug to simulate arousal.
What Dr. Google might say about erectile dysfunction
According to Dr. Google, erectile dysfunction is a sexual disorder inhibiting the penis from staying erect long enough to complete sexual intercourse. While statistics indicate that 50 percent of men between 40 and 70 experience this issue, the numbers are likely much higher as many men don’t self-report due to embarrassment and shame.
This condition can be brought on by emotional strain like stress, anxiety, depression, certain medications, alcohol use, or low testosterone.
Erectile dysfunction risk factors
Dr. Google acknowledges that the following factors can increase the risk of experiencing ED, but there is no suggestion as to how to address the risk factors. So instead of lowering blood pressure or blood sugar, men are encouraged to take Viagra (as well as blood pressure and blood sugar medication).
- Age: men over the age of 50 are more likely to develop ED.
- High blood sugar
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Use of illegal drugs
- Sedentary lifestyle
What I say about erectile dysfunction
The purpose of a penis
Who knew that the penis comprises three tubes: the urethra tube to eliminate urine but also to deliver sperm and semen. During sexual arousal, muscles at the base of the bladder contract to close off the passageway from the bladder into the urethra, making it impossible for urine to be released during ejaculation. Good to know!
The other two tubes are called the corpora cavernosa. These are spongy tubes that are soft waiting to be filled with blood, which is necessary to create an erection. When a man is sexually aroused, specific nerves release chemicals that will increase the flow of blood to the penis. When an erection occurs, the corpus cavernosum relaxes and traps the blood inside. The pressure of the blood inside the chambers causes the penis to harden. It’s obvious that if you have poor circulation, you will have less blood flow and a weaker erection.
Stress of any kind translates into blood being shunted to the muscles involved with fight or flight – not to the muscular tissues in the penis. Think of it this way, when cavemen were being chased by tigers, this was not a time that the penis was preparing for procreation! So many men are in a chronic state of fight or flight these days and instead of tending to the stress and its symptoms, they are popping Viagra.
NOTE: For more details about penises, please read my book Total Body ReSet for Men.
The true causes of erectile dysfunction
Mineral Deficiency
First, it’s important to consider whether you’re deficient in magnesium and other minerals. You may have noticed that many of the above risk factors are related to magnesium deficiency, especially high blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Even overeating, and excess alcohol and drug consumption can come from craving stimulants that should be coming from magnesium and other minerals like zinc. A sedentary lifestyle can be a way of adapting to a lack of energy caused by magnesium deficiency.
Poor Circulation
Medicine says that sufficient blood flow is the most important aspect of getting and maintaining an erection. What causes poor circulation? Dehydration, peripheral vascular disease, lack of exercise, obesity, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, heart arrhythmias, and Type II diabetes. Also, all the medications prescribed for the conditions just mentioned cause erectile dysfunction. Once again, these problems can be addressed by adequate intake of picometer magnesium and multiple mineral formulas.
My Recommendations
Water
Take your body weight in pounds and divide it in half. Drink that many ounces of water a day. Into each liter of water, put ¼ tsp of sea salt. Add your picometer magnesium, multi-minerals, and other minerals to the liter of water along with a scoop of Vitamin C Powder and drink throughout the day.
Picometer minerals
Picometer magnesium, multi-minerals, and potassium will assist in improving vascular health, weight, heart performance, and insulin balance. Sexual health depends on physical health, good energy, and mental health so you want all your cells to be perfect.
Avoid meds that cause erectile dysfunction
They comprise a very long list! We can almost say any medication could have an effect on the ability of the penis to achieve and sustain an erection.
Attend to your stress
I said it above, and it bears repeating. Stress of any kind translates into blood being shunted to the muscles involved with fight or flight – not to the muscular tissues in the penis.
Your penis doesn’t know the difference between fighting off a predatory animal and fighting with your boss or your spouse. So if your stress is putting you into survival mode, that’s the first place to start.
Even though it might feel embarrassing at first, it’s important to address this kind of stress with a qualified person with experience helping men with ED.
Also, as I mentioned above, for more about men’s health, you can read my book Total Body ReSet for Men.
Carolyn Dean MD ND
The Doctor of the Future.
