Did you know the simple act of eating or drinking something sugary could lead to complications with erectile function? It’s true! In fact, having ED is often a warning sign that something is affecting your blood and blood flow.
When it comes to ED, diabetes can be a significant contributor to your issues. Studies from The Journal of Sexual Medicine found that men with diabetes are more likely to get ED a decade before men without.
Understanding what’s going on “under the hood” may help you live a healthier, more sexually gratifying life!
- Episode Video
- Eating Sugar Can Lead to Decreased Blood Flow and ED
- Sugar Causes Nerve Damage
- Final Thoughts
Episode Video
Eating Sugar Can Lead to Decreased Blood Flow and ED
Excess sugar in the blood can have a negative impact on the endothelium. You may remember from my previous episode on gum disease and ED that the endothelium is the lining of the blood vessels and is responsible for their function. When too much sugar enters the bloodstream, it causes the endothelium to become inflamed.
When the endothelium is inflamed, it can inhibit blood flow to the penis. This, in turn, can lead to what I call a “penis attack.” It’s similar to a heart attack, where the organ doesn’t receive enough blood flow to function correctly.
When too much sugar is constantly in the blood, it can become insulin resistant. Thus, the cycle of low blood flow and inflammation continues indefinitely.
Sugar Causes Nerve Damage
The other important element in maintaining an erection besides blood flow is the nerves. The parasympathetic nervous system is needed to allow your smooth muscles to relax and contract when needed. If something disrupts this system, that’s where you get problems.
Sugar is a neurotoxin. It’s been shown to inflame the nerves and weaken them over time.
With all this inflammation in the body, it can also build up plaque. Plaque can build up in the arteries and contribute to low blood flow as well.
Final Thoughts
Now, just knowing about diabetes and ED is not enough. We have to do something about it. Luckily, there are ways to prevent and manage diabetes. For example, if you have type 2 diabetes, a diet and lifestyle change may be enough to turn the tide without diving into medication.
The most important thing to remember is that if you have ED, you must go to a doctor first and do some blood work. Taking Viagra or other over-the-counter pills will not cure you. To reclaim your sex life, you need to know the underlying cause and treat that cause.
Often, ED is a sign that something else is wrong in the body. Check with your doctor, and find out the best way to treat it.
Additional Resources
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