Buddy Ojeda, CN – Certified Nutritionist and Founder & President of Training Solutions on Demand
According to American author Robert Byrne, “anyone who believes that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach flunked geography.” This statement is a not so subtle reminder that, at least for us men, sex is as important as food, and, may be second only to breathing.
For us men, the pursuit of sexual pleasure is not only a primordial longing that we spend our entire lives seeking to satisfy, but it also serves as an identifier. The number of sexual encounters we lay claim to, especially if they are with beautiful, vibrant women, tells the world that we are masculine, confident, and powerful rulers of all we survey.
Sound silly?
Ask any man what would be the most difficult to part with – his wealth, status, valued possessions or sexual prowess – and his answer is likely to be the latter.
So it’s no surprise that when we begin to experience difficulties in the area of sex, the worldview of ourselves changes dramatically.
Houston, We Have A Problem!
Research conducted at the University of Chicago, in conjunction with the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Jersey, found that about one in three adult males experience some form of sexual dysfunction.[1] That may be a conservative estimate with the actual number being higher, yet unreported, because of the perceived social taboo associated with a disorder of this nature.
Sexual dysfunction disorder is defined as “difficulty during any stage…of the sexual act, which prevents the individual or couple from enjoying sexual activity.” [2] These issues tend to fall into one of the following four categories – sexual desire disorders (low libido), sexual arousal disorders (impotence/erectile dysfunction), orgasm disorders (premature ejaculation or inability to achieve orgasm), and sexual pain disorders (almost exclusively in women).[3]
The cause of these sexual difficulties in men can be either physical or psychological. Conventional treatments include medication, hormone and psychological therapy, and the use of mechanical aids. While most of these therapies provide some measure of relief, they often miss the underlying nutritional issues associated with male sexual disorders.
A Common Thread
As I have written in previous articles, health issues rarely, if ever, operate in a vacuum. People who are diagnosed with one condition, often develop other seemingly unrelated health challenges.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can occur in someone who has rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Hypertension can develop in someone with kidney disease.
You may be ask, “what’s the connection?”
The answer – in both of these examples the issues mentioned either share many of the same root causes, or develop as a direct result of one another.
In IBD and RA one of the underlying issues is systemic inflammation.
In the case of elevated blood pressure and kidney problems, if left untreated either issue can lead to the other.
The same holds true for sexual dysfunction disorders.
The C.O.D.E.
As mentioned before, the cause of male sexual dysfunction is multifactorial; however, there are four factors that are closely associated with the condition – cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes mellitus and emotional distress. I refer to these as the C.O.D.E. and they offer valuable insight toward understanding the bigger picture.
Cardiovascular disease – characterized by increased blood pressure, hardening of the arteries, impaired circulation and vascular blockages.
These factors contribute to a man’s inability to have and maintain an erection, a condition more commonly referred to as erectile dysfunction or ED. [4]
These issues also lead to general fatigue and an increased risk of stroke or heart attack due sex-related activity.
Obesity – characterized by an increase in the hormones estrogen, cortisol and insulin, and a decrease in testosterone and androsterone. The latter two are considered androgens, and are responsible for the development and maintenance of masculine characteristics and behavior in men.[5]
This imbalance of hormones results in decreased libido, ED, vascular disease and diabetes.
Diabetes – characterized by nerve and blood vessel damage, production of free radicals, decreased levels of nitric oxide, arterial plaque formation,and poor circulation. These factors negatively impact circulation, increase the incidence of ED and impair a man’s ability to reach orgasm.[6]
Emotional distress – characterized by stress, anxiety, depression, worry, guilt or shame. These factors adversely affect desire, performance and intimacy.[7] According to an article published in The Journal of The American Medical Association, in February 1999, “sexual dysfunction is an important public health concern, and emotional problems likely contribute to the experience of these problems.” [8]
A Nutritional Perspective
Much like its causes, the number of valid, natural therapies proven to work for sexual dysfunction disorder in men are varied. They include diet, lifestyle as well as mental and emotional support.
For the purpose of this article, I will only focus on the nutraceutical component of an overall health regimen. The following is a partial list of nutritional supplements shown to have credible science and research in the area of male sexual health.
Arginine – A conditionally essential amino acid responsible for increasing levels of nitric oxide [NO] within the blood vessel wall. NO serves as a vasodilator and increases blood flow to the penis allowing for “normal erectile function and sexual arousal.”[9]
Zinc – An essential trace mineral found in high concentration in both sperm and seminal fluid. It plays a role in sperm motility, testosterone production and normal libido.
Tribulus terrestris – An herb extensively used in China and India as a reproductive system tonic. Studies show it stimulates the production of DHEA, increases testosterone levels and sperm production in the testes, and works as an aphrodisiac by increasing libido.[6]
Vitamin E – A fat-soluble vitamin with antioxidant properties. It plays a critical role in the “manufacture of sex hormones and protects them from oxidation and degradation.”[9]
Maca – Known as Peruvian Ginseng, this root vegetable that is commercially available in supplement form, has been shown to increase energy and stamina. For men this means a higher state of arousal, a stronger desire for sex, and a “marked improvement in sexual function.”[10]
Reishi mushroom – Revered as a powerful adaptogen in Traditional Chinese Medicine, this medicinal mushroom helps restore the “body’s natural functions back to peak performance, including a low sex drive.”[9]
Ginseng – Lauded in Asian culture for centuries for its rejuvenating properties. This herb combats stress, fights fatigue, improves energy and stamina, promotes circulation, enhances libido, reduces blood sugar and quenches free radicals. Asian ginseng is a bit stimulating and works best in older men with chronically low energy levels. Its close cousin, American ginseng, is considered cooling and recommended for men who have blood pressure issues.[11]
Buddy Ojeda is a Certified Nutritionist, health educator, professional speaker, radio personality and author who’s worked in the Natural Products Industry since 1996. He founded Training Solutions on Demand, an independent education and training services company, to help bridge the educational gap between supplement companies, the retailers selling their products and the consumers that buy them. If your organization is looking for a knowledgeable and credentialed educator to represent them in the NPI, or need a presenter, author or radio guest to help craft and disseminate your company’s message, call Buddy at 786.309.TSOD, email him at buddy@TrainingSolutionsOnDemand.com, or visit his website at TrainingSolutionsOnDemand.com.
References:
http://chronicle.uchicago.edu/990218/dysfunction.shtml
http://namedinc.org/ed.asp
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001951.htm
http://psychcentral.com/news/2008/05/21/male-sexual-dysfunction-may-be-sign-of-heart-disease/2330.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Androgen
“Vital Man – Natural Health Care for Men at Midlife”, (Avery Pub); Stephen Harrod Buhner, Psy.D, MH
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/sexual_dysfunction/hic_sexual_dysfunction_in_males.aspx…
http://jama.ama-assn.org/content/281/6/537.short [Feb 1999]
“Increase Your Sex Drive”, (Thorsons Pub); Dr Sarah Brewer
http://health.howstuffworks.com/sexual-health/sexual-dysfunction/maca-perus-natural-viagra3.htm
http://www.raysahelian.com/ginseng.html