The study shows that a Mediterranean diet and greater exercise capacity improve erectile performance in men with erectile dysfunction.
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Study of the behavioral and nutritional factors underlying erectile dysfunction
During their lifetime, men have a nearly 50% chance of suffering from some form of erectile dysfunction, a condition that results from the loss of blood flow to the small arteries.
The likelihood increases with age due to the drop in testosterone levels that contribute to the onset of the condition.
Previous studies have shown that fitness and activity levels are linked to improved survival in men with high blood pressure, who are also known to have frequent erectile dysfunction.
In addition, nutritional research has shown that a Mediterranean diet lowers blood pressure and prevents heart attacks and strokes in those at high cardiovascular risk.
In a new study that combines these factors to look at how they affect blood pressure and erectile dysfunction, a new study in middle-aged men shows that both diet and activity play a key role.
The Mediterranean diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and olive oil, a modest consumption of dairy products and the restriction of red meat with alternative sources of protein such as fish. Components of the diet are therefore rich in natural fiber, vitamins and low in fat and sugar.
The researchers in the current study looked at a sample of 250 men with known high blood pressure and erectile dysfunction to determine whether the consumption of such a diet was associated with fitness levels, testosterone, blood flow, arterial rigidity, and erectile performance.
Design a comprehensive assessment of diet and behavior
On average, men were 56 years old and their eating habits were surveyed using questionnaires, from which they received a score between 0 and 55, which corresponded to their dietary compliance.
In addition, people were put on a treadmill test to determine their fitness and blood was drawn to measure their testosterone levels. To study vascular health, echocardiography tests have been performed to determine coronary flow reserve, which indicates the ability to increase blood flow if necessary, and values of 2 or higher are considered normal vascular function.
To measure arterial stiffness, the researchers used the augmentation index and central pulse pressure with higher values indicating rigid arteries associated with a higher risk of adverse cardiac events in men with erectile dysfunction.
Finally, to assess erectile dysfunction, men were graded using the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM), which includes five erectile ability questions to give a score of 0-25, with higher scores correlating with better erectile performance.
Mediterranean diet combined with better erection performance and resilience
Overall, the researchers found that men with a higher Mediterranean diet score (over 29) were associated with higher coronary flow reserve, testosterone, and better erectile performance (SHIM score over 14), as well as lower arterial stiffness.
Taking these results into account in combination with fitness, the researchers found that patients with greater physical capacity (over 10 METs) had higher coronary flow reserve, testosterone, a Mediterranean diet score (over 25) and a SHIM score (over 12) as well exhibited lower arterial stiffness.
In our study, a Mediterranean diet was linked to better physical performance, healthier arteries and blood flow, higher testosterone levels, and better erectile function. While we haven’t studied the mechanisms, it seems plausible that this nutritional pattern can improve fitness and erectile performance by improving blood vessel function and limiting mid-life testosterone decline. “
Dr. Athanasios Angelis from the University of Athens, Greece
He then concluded, “The results suggest that the Mediterranean diet may play a role in maintaining several parameters of vascular health and quality of life, as well as in middle-aged men with hypertension and erectile dysfunction.”
It is important that the study serves primarily as an observational study without causal mechanisms. Nonetheless, these results provide important support to further determine how diet and behavioral habits, e.g. B. Movement that can affect conditions.
Understanding such mechanisms can then lead to the improvement of existing treatments as well as the development of new therapies that focus on beneficial physical exercise and dietary components.
