Natural Alternatives to Treat Erectile Dysfunction

We have studied the effect of some herbs for erectile dysfunction, although much less than drug treatments as "Levitra" (Levitra®), the "sildenafil" (Viagra®) and "tadalafil" (Cialis®). In the market for herbal medicines are offered various options that appear to perform miracles, and have been used by ancient cultures like Chinese, African and Indian. Here is what the scientific evidence has confirmed so far.

The following products are sold in health food stores supplements without a prescription, and have shown qualities to treat erectile dysfunction. Although a substance is "natural" should be used cautiously. Consult your doctor before taking any herbal or herbal sexual enhancer, as they may have side effects when interact with other medicines.

Here we explain clearly their characteristics and common precautions to consider when eating. For clarity, only mentioned are precautions that apply to men and have left out those unique to women.

Ginseng (Panax ginseng)

The Chinese or Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) is a plant whose root is used medicinally. Not to be confused with American ginseng and Siberian, it has been used by traditional Chinese as a medicine for over 2000 years.

The Panax ginseng in combination with Ginkgo biloba has been shown to be effective in improving memory and thinking skills (abstract, arithmetic and reaction rate) in middle age. There is also evidence that it lowers blood sugar levels in diabetics and improves sexual function in men with erectile dysfunction. It also helps to stop premature ejaculation in a cream applied to the penis.

Precautions before taking Panax ginseng:

·         It can cause insomnia in people who have difficulty falling asleep.

·         If you have heart problems, it may slightly increase your heart rate and pressure on the first day you use it. Usually, no changes when ingested regularly. However, it is important to consume the Panax ginseng with caution since its effects has not been studied in people with cardiovascular disease.

·         Do not use if you have any bleeding since it interferes with blood clotting.

·         It can reduce levels of blood sugar. People with diabetes who are also taking medication to lower blood sugar should monitor their blood sugar levels, so that they do not fall more than necessary.

·         It increases the activity of the immune system, therefore, may worsen autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and lupus, among others. Do not use Panax ginseng if you suffer from any of these health conditions.

·         Do not use it if you have received an organ transplant, as it may interfere with medications prescribed to accept the body.

DHEA

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone that occurs naturally in the human body by the adrenal glands, responsible for helping the body to handle stress. The DHEA serves as precursor to male and female sex hormones, and their levels begin to decline after age 30. It also decreases the concerns and lack of joy.

There is evidence that DHEA is effective for treating osteoporosis, improve the appearance of skin in older people, improve lupus, treat schizophrenia and improve erectile dysfunction. Its effect is greater in cases of erectile dysfunction that are not caused by diabetes or by disorders of the nervous system.

Precautions before taking DHEA:

·         It is a safe alternative when taken in small doses (25 to 50 mg daily or every other day) and for short periods of time. Do not consume higher doses 50-100 mg for long periods of time because they may increase its side effects.

·         Do not use if you have liver problems, as they may worsen.

·         If you have diabetes, you should monitor your blood sugar carefully as DHEA can affect how insulin works in the body.

·         The DHEA may decrease the levels of “Good” cholesterol (High Lipoprotein Cholesterol - HDL). It is important to consult your doctor before taking DHEA if you have cholesterol problems.

·         It can cause depression, irritability and impulsivity. Pay attention to any changes in your mood.

·         Men who suffer from hormone-related cancers, such as prostate cancer should not take DHEA supplements.

L-arginine

The L-arginine is an amino acid found in foods like nuts and other seeds, red meat, poultry birds, fish and dairy products. It is necessary for the production of proteins in the body. It can also be consumed in the form of nutritional supplements, although generally the body makes all the L-arginine you need.

This amino acid is effective in treating erectile dysfunction, as it opens blood vessels and improves the flow in them. It has also worked well in other health conditions, such as symptoms and pains of angina, heart failure, fluid congestion and inflammation of the bladder. It also helps reduce infections and closing wounds after surgery.

Precautions before taking L-arginine:

·         It's safe when taken for short periods of time. Some of their side effects may include nausea, diarrhoea and cramps.

·         Do not take supplements of L-arginine along with drugs like Viagra®.

·         Use cautiously as it can cause allergic responses or worsen inflammation of the airways.

·         It could cause problems for people suffering from low blood pressure.

·         If you have had a heart attack recently, never ingest it because it increases the risk of death after a heart attack, especially in older people.

·         There is some evidence that L-arginine may worsen the herpes virus.

·         One must stop their consumption at least two weeks before surgery, since it affects blood pressure and may interfere with their control during and after surgery.