Erectile dysfunction is one of the major challenges for many men, regardless of their age, and the condition can be caused by many factors like alcohol, smoking, medications, relationship/emotional problems, or other health conditions. Erectile dysfunction can be cured, but treating the condition doesn’t always need surgery or medication. Acupuncture and herbal remedies are also said to be effective, but it is important to consult a doctor before taking any medication or trying any remedy.

Here are some lifestyle changes that may act as natural treatments for erectile dysfunction:

1. Ensure regular exercise
Many lifestyle changes can be natural treatments for erectile dysfunction, and regular exercise is one of the most effective. Exercise improves blood flow, which is imperative and beneficial for a strong erection, and it also improves blood pressure by increasing nitric oxide levels in the blood vessels. Additionally, weight-bearing exercises could increase the production levels of testosterone, which is an important factor for libido and erectile strength.

2. Follow a healthy diet
According to research, the food eaten by men can be a direct cause of erectile dysfunction, and doctors also suggest the same. A diet rich in fish, whole grains, veggies, and fruit, for instance, along with fewer servings of refined grains and red meat, significantly lowers the risk of developing erectile dysfunction. A healthy diet also helps maintain a healthy body weight, which is important for keeping diabetes and vascular disease at bay, both of which are factors that contribute to ED.

3. Get adequate sleep
Poor sleep patterns could also contribute to erectile dysfunction as there is a complex relationship between sleep, sexual function, and the level of hormones like testosterone. It has been noted that testosterone levels improve with better sleep, and lower levels of sleep lead to erectile dysfunction in men. The secretion of hormones is controlled by the body’s internal clock, and sleep patterns are said to help the body determine the hormone secretion schedule. This means that following a specific sleep schedule is one of the natural treatments for erectile dysfunction.

4. Quit smoking
Quitting smoking is a natural treatment for erectile dysfunction for many men if the cause of the condition is a vascular disease. Erectile dysfunction can be caused by poor blood supply due to narrowing or blockage of the arteries, and this blockage can be caused by smoking and the consumption of tobacco.

5. Limit alcohol intake
Alcohol is a depressant that can cause both temporary as well as long-term erectile dysfunction. Heavy alcohol consumption suppresses the central nervous system that releases nitric oxide, which is essential for producing and maintaining an erection.

6. Monitor medicines
Erectile dysfunction can also be a side effect of medication being taken for another health condition. Some of the most common medications that can cause erectile dysfunction are for male pattern baldness, chemotherapy, corticosteroids, hormone drugs, antipsychotic medications, cholesterol, heart medication, beta-blockers, diuretics, antidepressants, and medications for high blood pressure. Men should talk to their doctors in case they think that their medication might be the cause of erectile dysfunction.